Один, два, три
Odin, dva, tri
The English phrase "one, two, three" is translated into Russian as Один, два, три (Odin, dva, tri).
This sequence is used as a countdown to signal the start of a physical activity, such as a race or a synchronized movement.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this specific counting sequence, the numbers are used in their masculine/neutral dictionary forms regardless of the gender of the objects being counted.
How do you pronounce it?
Odin, dva, tri
Did you know?
- The sequence раз, два, три is often used instead of один, два, три when counting beats in music or counting out for a game.
- While один means 'one', it is also the root for the Russian word for 'alone' or 'single', одинокий.
- While один is the standard word for 'one', the name of the Norse god Один (Odin) is a phonetic lookalike that stems from a completely different Germanic root meaning 'fury' or 'inspiration'.
Examples in context
- Посчитай: один, два, три.Schitay: odin, dva, tri.Count: one, two, three.
- Один, два, три, поехали!Odin, dva, tri, poyekhali!One, two, three, let's go!
Example conversation
Andrey and Anastasia are about to take a photo together.
- Андрей AndreyГотова? Считаю до трёх.Gotova? Schitayu do tryokh.Are you ready? I'm counting to three.
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, я готова. Улыбаюсь!Da, ya gotova. Ulybayus!Yes, I'm ready. I'm smiling!
- Андрей AndreyОдин, два, три! Сфотографировал.Odin, dva, tri! Sfotografiroval.One, two, three! I took the photo.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПокажи мне, что получилось.Pokazhi mne, chto poluchilos.Show me how it turned out.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Один, два, один, три, CC BY-SA 4.0.
