ру́чка
rúčkafeminine
The English word 'pen' is translated into Russian as ру́чка (rúčka). Wiktionary also lists автору́чка (avtorúčka) and перо́ (peró).
Meaning: writing tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ру́чка | rúčka | feminine |
| автору́чка | avtorúčka | feminine |
| перо́ | peró | neuter |
| ша́риковая ру́чка | šárikovaja rúčka | feminine |
While ру́чка means 'pen', it is also the standard word for 'handle' or 'knob'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ру́чка is the diminutive form of рука (hand), literally meaning 'little hand'.
Which one should you use?
If you want to be precise about a ballpoint pen, use the phrase ша́риковая ру́чка. The term автору́чка is used to specify a fountain pen. The word перо́ refers specifically to a quill or the metal nib of a pen, rather than the whole writing instrument.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ру́чка is a feminine noun. автору́чка and ша́риковая ру́чка are also feminine. перо́ is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
rúčka
Did you know?
- While ру́чка is a diminutive of рука (hand), the word рука also forms the basis for the Russian word for 'arm', as the language does not distinguish between the two with separate words.
- The word автору́чка sounds like it might mean 'car pen', but it actually refers to the 'automatic' nature of the ink reservoir.
- The word перо́ is used for both a quill and a bird's feather, linking the act of writing directly to nature.
Examples in context
- Пожалуйста, дайте мне ручку.Please give me a pen.
- У тебя есть ручка?Do you have a pen?
- Эта си́няя ру́чка не пи́шет.Eta sinyaya ruchka ne pishet.This blue pen does not write.
Example conversation
Sergey is looking for something to write with in the office.
- Сергей SergeyО́льга, у тебя есть лишняя ру́чка?Ol'ga, u tebya yest' lishnyaya ruchka?Olga, do you have an extra pen?
- Ольга OlgaДа, вот, бери́.Da, vot, beri.Yes, here, take it.
- Сергей SergeyСпаси́бо, она́ о́чень удобная.Spasibo, ona ochen' udobnaya.Thanks, it is very comfortable.
- Ольга OlgaНе за что́.Ne za chto.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
