правда?
pravda?
The English phrase "oh really?" can be translated into Russian as правда? (pravda?)
The phrase is used to express surprise or to ask for confirmation of a fact. While it is often translated as "really?", it functions more specifically to ask "Is it true?"
What does it mean word for word?
The word правда? literally means "truth?"
Which one should you use?
While правда? is a common way to say "really?", you might use other forms depending on your intent: серьёзно? is a common alternative meaning "seriously?", whereas В самом деле? is a more formal way to say "Really?" For expressing shock or disbelief in an informal way, you can use Ну ничего себе! (Wow, seriously! / No way!) or Ты серьёзно? (Are you serious?).
How do you pronounce it?
pravda?
Did you know?
- The word правда shares a deep linguistic root with the word право, which means 'law' or 'right' as in 'human rights'. This links the idea of truth with the idea of justice.
- The word правда is used as a name for several famous news outlets and newspapers. It is the same word used for 'really?' because the concept of 'truth' is central to the identity of these publications.
- In Russian, правда can also be used as a conjunction meaning 'though' or 'however'. For example, it can introduce a contrasting fact after a statement, even if the speaker is not asking a question.
Examples in context
- Ты завтра уезжаешь, правда?Ty zavtra uyezzhayesh', pravda?You are leaving tomorrow, oh really?
- Он теперь работает в банке, правда?On teper' rabotayet v banke, pravda?He works in a bank now, is that true?
Example conversation
Anastasia and Sergey are discussing a new movie.
- Сергей SergeyЭтот фильм получил главный приз.Etot fil'm poluchil glavnyy priz.This movie won the main prize.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПравда? Я думал, он проиграл.Pravda? Ya dumal, on proigral.Really? I thought it lost.
- Сергей SergeyНет, он победил вчера вечером.Net, on pobedil vchera vecherom.No, it won yesterday evening.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТогда мне нужно его посмотреть.Togda mne nuzhno ego posmotret'.Then I need to watch it.
