Никола́й
Nikolájmasculine
The English name Nicholas is translated into Russian as Никола́й (Nikoláj). Wiktionary also lists Николас (Nikolas).
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Никола́й | Nikoláj | masculine |
| Николас | Nikolas | masculine, transliteration |
Никола́й is the traditional Russian name corresponding to Nicholas. The form Николас is used specifically when transliterating the English name directly into Russian characters.
Which one should you use?
Никола́й is the native Russian version of the name, while Николас is a transliteration used for the foreign name Nicholas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The name Никола́й changes when it is used as the direct object of a verb. For example, if you say 'I see Nicholas', the form changes to Никола́я.
How do you pronounce it?
Nikoláj
Did you know?
- In Russian, the name Никола́й has a very distinct 'shorthand' nickname Ко́ля that sounds completely different from the root name, unlike the English 'Nick'.
- Saint Nicholas is so revered in Russia that Никола́й is often called the 'Wonderworker' Чудотворец, and he is traditionally viewed as the protector of travelers and prisoners.
- The name Никола́й was the name of the last Emperor of Russia, and for a time, it was one of the most prestigious names for the nobility.
Examples in context
- Николас и Мария любят друг друга.Nicholas and Maria love each other.This sentence shows how the transliterated form Николас is used in a sentence.Tatoeba #1485661 by heccele, translation #539642 by maolek
- Добрый день, уважаемый Николай!Good day, esteemed Nicholas!
- Коля, как дела?Nick, how are you?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nicholas” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
