ма́ксима
máksimafeminine
The Russian word for maxim is ма́ксима (máksima). Wiktionary also lists изрече́ние (izrečénije) and сенте́нция (sentɛ́ncija).
Meaning: moral precept (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ма́ксима | máksima | feminine |
| изрече́ние | izrečénije | neuter |
| сенте́нция | sentɛ́ncija | feminine |
ма́ксима is typically used in philosophical, ethical or highly formal academic contexts to describe a specific rule of conduct.
Which one should you use?
While ма́ксима is a direct loanword for a moral precept, изрече́ние is a more common, natural word used for a general wise saying or aphorism.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
изрече́ние carries a slightly more elevated or literary tone than the more technical ма́ксима.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ма́ксима is ма́ксимы. The plural form of изрече́ние is изрече́ния. The plural form of сенте́нция is сенте́нции.
How do you pronounce it?
máksima
Did you know?
- Russian culture places a high value on крылатые фразы or 'winged phrases'. These are maxims or quotes from literature that have 'flown' out of the book to become part of everyday speech.
- The word сенте́нция is not just a synonym for a maxim but is frequently used in Russian legal contexts to denote a formal judgment or proposition.
- The word изрече́ние is rooted in the verb изречь, which means 'to utter' or 'to speak forth', giving it a more grand, almost prophetic feeling than a simple statement.
Examples in context
- Эта старая ма́ксима всегда была актуальна.Eta staraya maksima vsegda byla aktual'na.This old maxim has always been relevant.
- Его любимая ма́ксима касается честности.Yego lyubimaya maksima kasayetsya chestnosti.His favorite maxim concerns honesty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maxim” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
