на
na[nə]
The English word 'on' is translated into Russian as на (na).
The preposition на is used when referring to being physically located on a surface, such as being positioned at or resting against the outer surface of something or being attached to it.
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
Which one should you use?
While на is used for objects on a surface, the preposition в (meaning 'in') is used for objects inside a volume or container. Additionally, do not confuse it with по, which indicates movement along a specific path or при, which indicates proximity or being near something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing movement toward a surface, such as 'onto', the preposition на is used with the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
na
Did you know?
- The preposition на can be used as a standalone command to tell someone to 'take' or 'here, catch' an object being handed to them.
- The Russian на is inherited from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂en-, making it a distant relative of the English word 'on'.
- While на usually means 'on', it is used for certain locations where English uses 'in', such as на почте for 'at the post office' or на заводе for 'at the factory'.
Examples in context
- Я был на горе.I was on the mountain.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of на regarding location on a mountain.Tatoeba #2680975 by odexed, translation #757390 by sctld
- Я упал на лёд.I fell down on the ice.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of на regarding falling onto a surface like ice.Tatoeba #5259264 by odexed, translation #261450 by CK
- Я лягу на пол.I'll lie on the floor.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of на regarding lying on a surface like a floor.Tatoeba #10470689 by marafon, translation #10470688 by shekitten
- Книга лежит на столе.The book is on the table.
- Я работаю на компьютере.I work on the computer.
- Мы живем на улице Ленина.We live on Lenin Street.
- Я поеду на работу поездом.I will go to work by train.
- Она пошла пешком по дороге.She walked on the road.
- Он стоит надо мной.He stands over me.
- Я работаю при университете.I work at the university.
- Мы сидим на скамейке.We are sitting on the bench.
- Я на даче.I'm at the summer cottage.
- Они на работе.They are at work.
- Я выйду в интернет через компьютер.I will go online on the computer.
- 10154 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey and Olga are in the kitchen looking for a book.
- Андрей AndreyКнига на столе?Kniga na stole?Is the book on the table?
- Ольга OlgaНет, она на стуле.Net, ona na stule.No, it is on the chair.
- Андрей AndreyА где мой телефон?A gde moy telefon?And where is my phone?
- Ольга OlgaОн на диване.On na divane.It is on the sofa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry на, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries на, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
