варе́ники
varénikimasculine, plural, usually
The English phrase 'pierogi' can be translated into Russian as either варе́ники (varéniki) or пельме́ни.
Meaning: dumpling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| варе́ники | varéniki | masculine, plural, usually |
| пельме́ни | pelʹméni | masculine, plural, usually |
In Russian, the word for dumpling varies depending on the filling. The term варе́ники is used to describe both sweet and savory dumplings. The term пельме́ни refers specifically to meat-filled dumplings.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on what is inside the dough. варе́ники is often used for dough-wrapped fillings such as potato, cottage cheese or cherries. In contrast, пельме́ни is specifically used for meat-filled dumplings, which are usually served in a broth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ukraine, the term вареники is used in the same way as it is in Russia.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both варе́ники and пельме́ни are masculine plural forms. The singular form of the common dumpling type is варе́ник.
How do you pronounce it?
varéniki
Did you know?
- While пельме́ни are meat-filled, the word itself is derived from the Permic languages of the Ural mountains, where pel means 'ear' and nyan means 'bread'.
- In Russian culture, making пельме́ни is traditionally a social winter activity where the whole family gathers to fold hundreds of dumplings to freeze outdoors in the snow.
- If you order вареники with a cherry filling, you are eating a dessert, which is a common way to enjoy them in Eastern Europe.
Examples in context
- Вчера я приготовил пельмени с мясом.Yesterday, I cooked meat-filled dumplings.
- Вареники с творогом – мой любимый десерт.Cottage cheese-filled dumplings are my favorite dessert.
- Эти варе́ники очень вкусные.Eti vareniki ochen' vkusnye.These dumplings are very tasty.
- Я купил варе́ники в магазине.Ya kupil vareniki v magazine.I bought dumplings at the store.
- Бабушка приготовила варе́ники с картошкой.Babushka prigotovila vareniki s kartoshkoy.Grandmother made dumplings with potatoes.
Example conversation
Sergey and Anastasia are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- Сергей SergeyЧто мы будем есть на ужин?Chto my budem est na uzhin?What are we eating for dinner?
- Анастасия AnastasiaДавай приготовим варе́ники.Davay prigotovim vareniki.Let's make dumplings.
- Сергей SergeyОтличная идея, Анастасия!Otlichnaya ideya, Anastasiya!Great idea, Anastasia!
- Анастасия AnastasiaТогда я достану тесто.Togda ya dostanu testo.Then I will get the dough.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pierogi” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
