Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| моль | molʹ | [molʲ] (narrow) | feminine |
| мотылёк | motyljók | [mətɨˈlʲɵk] (narrow) | masculine |
| ночна́я ба́бочка | nočnája bábočka | feminine |
The Russian language has several ways to refer to a moth depending on whether you are discussing a pest or a small, fluttering insect.
What does it mean word for word?
The descriptive phrase ночная бабочка literally translates to 'night butterfly'.
Which one should you use?
моль is the standard, neutral term, but it is often used when referring to pests like clothes moths. In contrast, мотылёк is a more neutral or even cute term, while ночная бабочка serves as a descriptive way to say moth.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
моль is the neutral, standard term. мотылёк is a colloquial, diminutive and affectionate term often used to describe a small moth. ночная бабочка is a descriptive phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
моль and ночная бабочка are feminine nouns, whereas мотылёк is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
molʹ
Did you know?
- The term ночная бабочка is a very common slang euphemism for a sex worker. Using this phrase in a social setting when you actually mean the insect could lead to a very awkward misunderstanding.
- In Russian literature, the word мотылёк is frequently personified. It is often used as a metaphor for a soul or a person drawn to a flame, much like the English concept of a moth to a candle.
- While моль sounds like a simple noun, it is a direct descendant of the Proto-Slavic word *moľь. This connection shows how the name for this specific pest has remained virtually unchanged for millennia.
Examples in context
- Это бабочка или моль?Is it a butterfly or a moth?This sentence is useful for distinguishing between a butterfly and a моль.Tatoeba #12454824 by marafon, translation #42225 by CK
- В шкафу поселилась моль.V shkafu poselilas' mol'A moth has settled in the wardrobe.
- Эта моль очень маленькая.Eta mol' ochen' malen'kaya.This moth is very small.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are checking their clothes in the bedroom.
- Мария MariaАндрей, посмотри на этот свитер!Andrey, posmotri na etot sviter!Andrey, look at this sweater!
- Андрей AndreyЧто случилось, Мария?Chto sluchilos', Mariya?What happened, Maria?
- Мария MariaТам дырка, кажется, это моль.Tam dyrka, kazhetsya, eto mol'.There is a hole, it looks like a moth.
- Андрей AndreyО нет, нужно проверить все вещи.O net, nuzhno proverit' vse veshchi.Oh no, we need to check all the clothes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moth” translations and entries моль, мотылёк, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries моль, мотылёк, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
