всем плевать
vsem plevat'
The English phrase "nobody cares" can be translated into Russian as всем плевать (vsem plevat').
всем плевать is an expression used to convey that no one is interested in or concerned about a particular topic or situation.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "to everyone [it is] to spit", where плевать (to spit) functions as an idiom for indifference.
Which one should you use?
While всем плевать is colloquial and slightly aggressive, всем всё равно is a more neutral, polite way to say 'nobody cares' or 'it is all the same to everyone'. For a different nuance, the informal phrase Никого не волнует can be translated as 'nobody is bothered'. If you want to express that nobody cares at all in a colloquial way, you can use Никому до лампочки.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
всем плевать is colloquial and can be perceived as blunt or rude depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
vsem plevat'
Did you know?
- The verb плевать shares an ancient root with the Sanskrit word ष्ठीवति (ṣṭhīvati), which also means 'to spit'.
- If you want to sound even more colorful and informal, you can say до лампочки, which literally translates to 'up to a lightbulb'.
- The expression всем плевать can be intensified by adding the word абсолютно, but the gesture of a dismissive hand wave often accompanies it.
Examples in context
- Всем плевать, что ты делаешь.Nobody cares what you're doing.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of всем плевать to say that nobody cares about someone's actions.Tatoeba #12296242 by sivelock, translation #8009769 by OsoHombre
- Никому до лампочки, я думаюNobody cares, I guess
- Всем плевать на твои проблемы.Vsem plevat' na tvoi problemy.Nobody cares about your problems.
Example conversation
Maria and Alexander are talking about an unpopular opinion.
- Мария MariaЯ думаю, что этот фильм ужасен.Ya dumayu, chto etot film uzhasen.I think this movie is terrible.
- Александр AleksandrВсем плевать, что ты думаешь.Vsem plevat', chto ty dumayesh'.Nobody cares what you think.
- Мария MariaНо это правда!No eto pravda!But it's true!
- Александр AleksandrПросто замолчи, пожалуйста.Prosto zamolchi, pozhaluysta.Just be quiet, please.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries плевать, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
