ара́хис
aráxismasculine
The Russian word for peanut is ара́хис (aráxis). Wiktionary also lists земляно́й оре́х (zemljanój oréx) and кита́йский оре́х (kitájskij oréx).
Meaning: a legume resembling a nut (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ара́хис | aráxis | masculine |
| земляно́й оре́х | zemljanój oréx | masculine |
| кита́йский оре́х | kitájskij oréx | masculine |
The term refers to the legume that resembles a nut. In modern Russian, ара́хис is the most common word used in supermarkets, recipes and everyday conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase земляно́й оре́х is a literal translation of 'ground nut', where земляно́й means 'of the earth/ground' and оре́х means 'nut'. The phrase кита́йский оре́х literally means 'Chinese nut'.
Which one should you use?
While ара́хис is the standard botanical and commercial term, земляно́й оре́х and кита́йский оре́х serve as more descriptive or colloquial alternatives.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ара́хис is a masculine noun. To indicate possession or quantity, such as in the phrase 'a bag of peanuts', use the genitive singular form ара́хиса.
How do you pronounce it?
aráxis
Did you know?
- If you use the term кита́йский оре́х in a bakery, you are more likely to be talking about a specific type of confectionery than a legume.
- Despite the name кита́йский оре́х meaning 'Chinese nut', the plant is actually native to South America.
- The word ара́хис is a loanword that entered the Russian language via German or French, following the global spread of the plant's name.
Examples in context
- Фисташки и арахис – мои любимые закуски.Pistachios and peanuts are my favorite snacks.
Example conversation
Alexander and Maria are preparing a snack together.
- Александр AleksandrМария, где лежит ара́хис?Mariya, gde lezhit arákhis?Maria, where are the peanuts?
- Мария MariaОн стоит в верхнем шкафу.On stoit v verknem shkafu.They are in the top cupboard.
- Александр AleksandrЯ не вижу его там.Ya ne vizhu yego tam.I don't see them there.
- Мария MariaПосмотри за банкой с солью.Posmotri za bankoy s sol'yu.Look behind the salt jar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peanut” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
