блин
blin[blʲin]
The English phrase "oh crap" is translated into Russian as блин (blin).
блин is used as an interjection to express annoyance, disappointment or a sudden realization of a mistake. It serves as a mild, colloquial euphemism used to express frustration or surprise.
What does it mean word for word?
The word блин literally means "pancake".
Which one should you use?
While блин is a mild, colloquial term, it is a polite substitute for the much more offensive swear word блять.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
блин is a colloquial expression. For an informal way to say "Darn it", you can use Ой, блин or use Ой, черт побери to mean "Oh damn" or "Oh damn it".
How do you pronounce it?
blin
Did you know?
- Some Russian speakers use the word блинчик, the diminutive form meaning 'little pancake', to make the exclamation sound even softer or cuter.
- Depending on the intonation, блин can shift from expressing anger to expressing extreme surprise or even admiration.
- The use of блин as an interjection has become so common that it is often used as a filler word, similar to 'like' or 'um' in English.
Examples in context
- Ой, блин!To express frustration while playing a game with friends
- Ой, черт побериTo express disappointment after discovering a missed important event
- Блин, я забыл дома ключи.Blin, ya zabyl doma klyuchi.Oh crap, I forgot my keys at home.
- Блин, опять проспал работу!Blin, opyat' prospal rabotu!Oh crap, I overslept for work again!
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are in the kitchen when they realize they have no milk.
- Дмитрий DmitryБлин, молоко закончилось.Blin, moloko zakonchilos'.Oh crap, we ran out of milk.
- Мария MariaТы же должен был купить его вчера.Ty zhe dolzhen byl kupit' yego vchera.You were supposed to buy it yesterday.
- Дмитрий DmitryПрости, Мария, я совсем забыл.Prosti, Mariya, ya sovsem zabyl.Sorry, Maria, I completely forgot.
- Мария MariaЛадно, сходим в магазин позже.Ladno, skhodim v magazin pozzhe.Fine, we'll go to the store later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry блин, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
