ро́дина
ródinafeminine
The Russian word for 'motherland' is ро́дина (ródina).
ро́дина is used to express a deep, often patriotic or emotional connection to one's country of origin.
Meaning: country of origin (noun)
Which one should you use?
While стра́на refers to a country in a neutral, geographical or political sense, ро́дина carries a much stronger emotional and sentimental weight. Additionally, the compound phrase Ро́дина-ма́ть (Motherland-Mother) is a common personification used in patriotic contexts and monuments.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ро́дина is feminine. Its form ро́дины can be used as the genitive singular (used for possession) or as the nominative plural. The form ро́дину is the accusative singular, used when the motherland is the direct object of a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
ródina
Did you know?
- The word ро́дина shares a linguistic root with the Russian word for 'birth', which is ро́дить. This creates a direct, visceral connection between the concept of one's homeland and the physical act of being born.
- Russian speakers distinguish between ма́лая ро́дина (little motherland), which is one's hometown or village, and бо́льшая ро́дина (big motherland), which is the entire country.
- The 'Motherland Calls' monument in Volgograd is the tallest statue in Europe at 85 metres, embodying the personification Ро́дина-ма́ть.
Examples in context
- Я горжусь своей Родиной.I am proud of my motherland.
- Это моя родная страна.This is my motherland.
- Я люблю свою Родину больше всего на свете.I love my motherland more than anything else in the world.
- Моя родная земля всегда останется в моем сердце.My motherland will always remain in my heart.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “motherland” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
