блин
blin[blʲin]
The English phrase "oh man" can be translated into Russian as блин (blin).
The word is used as a colloquial exclamation to express surprise, mild frustration or disappointment. It is equivalent to English expressions such as "oh man", "shoot" or "darn it!"
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, блин means "pancake".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
блин is a colloquial term. While it is used to express frustration, it is a much milder and more socially acceptable option than the stronger Russian swear words (mat) that sound similar.
How do you pronounce it?
blin
When do people say it?
You may hear the variation Ой, блин! used as an informal way to say "Oh man!", "Darn it!" or "Oops!"
Did you know?
- While блин is an exclamation of frustration, the actual pancake it refers to is a traditional symbol of the sun in Slavic culture.
- In Russian culture, eating блины is the central tradition of Maslenitsa, a festive week that marks the end of winter.
- If you accidentally use the vulgar version instead of блин, you will immediately change the tone from 'oops' to a serious insult.
Examples in context
- Ой, блин! Я забыл позвонить ему.Oh man! I forgot to call him.
- Блин, я забыл ключи дома.Blin, ya zabyl klyuchi doma.Oh man, I forgot my keys at home.
- Блин, это очень сложно.Blin, eto ochen' slozhno.Oh man, this is very difficult.
- Опять опоздал, блин.Opyat' opozdal, blin.Oh man, I'm late again.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Alexander are waiting for a bus that is late.
- Анастасия AnastasiaБлин, автобус всё ещё не приехал.Blin, avtobus vsyo yeshchyo ne priyekhal.Oh man, the bus still hasn't arrived.
- Александр AleksandrДа, мы уже ждём десять минут.Da, my uzhe zhdyom desyat minut.Yeah, we've been waiting for ten minutes already.
- Анастасия AnastasiaНам нужно быть там в девять.Nam nuzhno byt tam v devyat.We need to be there by nine.
- Александр AleksandrПридётся вызвать такси.Pridyotsya vyzvat taksi.We'll have to call a taxi.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry блин, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
