луна́
lunáfeminine
The English word moon is translated into Russian as луна́ (luná) or ме́сяц.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| луна́ | luná | feminine |
| ме́сяц | mésjac | masculine |
In Russian, there are different ways to refer to the moon depending on whether you are discussing it as an astronomical body or describing its shape.
Which one should you use?
Use луна́ when referring to the Earth's natural satellite as a celestial body. Use ме́сяц when referring to the crescent shape of the moon or to the concept of a month.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of луна́ is луны́.
How do you pronounce it?
luná
Did you know?
- The phrase луна́ти́к comes from луна́ and describes a sleepwalker, based on the old belief that the moon caused people to wander in their sleep.
- In Russian folklore, the moon is often personified as a male figure, whereas the sun со́лнце is traditionally seen as female.
- Because ме́сяц means 'month', Russian idioms about the moon often double as puns or metaphors about time passing.
Examples in context
- Мы пошли гулять и увидели большую красивую Луну.We went for a walk and saw a big beautiful moon.
- Сегодня на небе видна полная луна́.Segodnya na nebe vidna polnaya luna.Today a full moon is visible in the sky.
- Луна́ светит очень ярко сегодня ночью.Luna svetit ochen' yarko segodnya noch'yu.The moon is shining very brightly tonight.
Example conversation
Sergey and Maria are standing on a balcony at night.
- Сергей SergeyМария, посмотри, какая сегодня большая луна́!Mariya, posmotri, kakaya segodnya bol'shaya luna!Maria, look how big the moon is today!
- Мария MariaДа, Сергей, она действительно великолепна.Da, Sergey, ona deystvitel'no velikolepna.Yes, Sergey, it is truly magnificent.
- Сергей SergeyМне кажется, луна́ сегодня светит необычно.Mne kazhetsya, luna segodnya svetit neobychno.I think the moon is shining unusually tonight.
- Мария MariaТы прав, это очень красивое зрелище.Ty prav, eto ochen' krasivoye zrelishche.You are right, it is a very beautiful sight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moon” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
