дорогой
dorogoy
The Russian phrase for 'my dear' is дорогой (dorogoy).
дорогой is a term of endearment used to address someone the speaker loves or cares about. It is often seen as an informal equivalent to 'my dear'. It is distinct from terms like Любимый/Любимая, which mean 'beloved' or 'darling' and are typically reserved for intimate partners or close family or Милый/Милая, which mean 'sweet' or 'lovely'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word дорогой literally means both 'dear' (beloved) and 'expensive' (costly).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the gender of the person being addressed: use дорогой for a man and дорогая for a woman. If you are addressing more than one person, such as 'my dear friends', use the plural form дорогие. While the neuter form дорогое exists, it is rarely used for terms of endearment as it would only be used when modifying a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
dorogoy
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word дорогой can be used sarcastically to express annoyance or impatience. A person might say it to someone they are actually arguing with to create a cold and distancing effect.
- Using дорогой in a formal or professional setting can sometimes sound patronizing or condescending rather than affectionate. It may imply a power imbalance or a lack of genuine respect between the speakers.
- While дорогой is common, Russians often prefer using diminutive versions of a person's name to express the same feeling of 'dearness'. This is considered more personal and natural than using a generic adjective.
Examples in context
- Элементарно, мой дорогой Том.It's elementary, my dear Tom.This sentence shows how to use дорогой when addressing a male named Tom.Tatoeba #5263896 by Wezel, translation #3093918 by Hybrid
- Ах, благодарю тебя, мой дорогой.Ah, I thank you, my dear.This sentence demonstrates a way to express thanks to a male using дорогой.Tatoeba #800875 by Arkadeko, translation #1807904 by Ameer
- Элементарно, мой дорогой Ватсон.Elementary, my dear Watson.This sentence shows the use of дорогой when addressing a male named Watson.Tatoeba #3070789 by marafon, translation #3070616 by carlosalberto
- Мой дорогой Иван, как ты сегодня?My dear Ivan, how are you today?
- Дорогая Таня, у тебя есть планы на выходные?My dear Tanya, do you have any plans for the weekend?
- Любимый, ты всегда поддерживаешь меня.My beloved, you always support me.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A husband and wife are talking in the kitchen.
- Александр AleksandrМой дорогой, ты не видел мои ключи?Moy dorogoy, ty ne videl moi klyuchi?My dear, have you seen my keys?
- Мария MariaОни лежат на столе, Мария.Oni lezhat na stole, Mariya.They are lying on the table, Maria.
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо большое, Александр.Spasibo bolshoye, Aleksandr.Thank you very much, Alexander.
- Мария MariaНе за что, мой дорогой друг.Ne za chto, moy dorogoy drug.You're welcome, my dear friend.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
