блины
bliny
The Russian phrase for pancakes is блины (bliny).
The term блины refers to pancakes. However, be aware that the singular form блин is also used in colloquial speech as a mild, euphemistic exclamation to express frustration, similar to saying 'damn' or 'shoot' in English.
Which one should you use?
The diminutive form блинчики is often used to refer to smaller, thinner pancakes or to express affection for the food.
How do you pronounce it?
bliny
When do people say it?
Блины are traditionally consumed during Maslenitsa, a week-long celebration leading up to Lent.
Did you know?
- In traditional Russian culture, блины were once used as funeral offerings to feed the souls of ancestors.
- While блины are pancakes, the word блин is a common euphemism used to avoid saying a stronger Russian swear word that starts with the same sound.
- During the festival of Maslenitsa, блины are not just food, but symbols of the sun itself, intended to bring warmth and light into the home.
Examples in context
- Том испёк Мэри блины.Tom made pancakes for Mary.This sentence is useful for describing someone making pancakes.Tatoeba #4116490 by odexed, translation #3444445 by CK
- Мы ели на завтрак блины.We ate pancakes for breakfast.This sentence is useful for describing eating pancakes for breakfast.Tatoeba #4703998 by odexed, translation #3154686 by CK
- Эти блины очень вкусные.These pancakes are really delicious.This sentence is useful for describing how delicious the pancakes are.Tatoeba #6376654 by Selena777, translation #6376616 by OsoHombre
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to cook for breakfast at home.
- Мария MariaДмитрий, ты хочешь блины на завтрак?Dmitriy, ty khochesh' bliny na zavtrak?Dmitry, do you want pancakes for breakfast?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, я очень люблю блины.Da, ya ochen' lyublyu bliny.Yes, I love pancakes very much.
- Мария MariaХорошо, я приготовлю блины с мёдом.Khorosho, ya prigotovlyu bliny s myodom.Okay, I will make pancakes with honey.
- Дмитрий DmitryОтлично, спасибо, Мария!Otlichno, spasibo, Mariya!Great, thanks, Maria!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
