поду́шка
podúškafeminine
The Russian word for pillow is поду́шка (podúška).
поду́шка refers to a soft cushion used to support the head in bed.
Meaning: soft cushion used to support the head in bed (noun)
Which one should you use?
While поду́шка is the pillow itself, the word наволо́чка is used specifically to mean a pillowcase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun поду́шка is feminine. Its plural nominative form is поду́шки. When the pillow is the direct object of a verb, such as in the sentence 'I see a pillow', use the accusative singular form поду́шку. If you are using a preposition like 'на' to mean 'on the pillow', use the prepositional singular form поду́шке.
How do you pronounce it?
podúška
Did you know?
- While подушка is for sleeping, the word 'подушка безопасности' is the standard term for an 'airbag' in a car, literally translating to 'safety pillow'.
- In Russian cooking, a 'подушка' refers to a layer of mashed potatoes or vegetables placed underneath a piece of meat or fish on a plate.
- The word поду́шка shares the same root as the preposition под, which means 'under', reflecting the object's function of being under the head.
Examples in context
- Где я могу найти новую подушку?Where can I find a new pillow?
- Эта поду́шка очень мягкая.Eta podushka ochen' myagkaya.This pillow is very soft.
- Мне нужна новая поду́шка.Mne nuzhna novaya podushka.I need a new pillow.
- Где лежит моя поду́шка?Gde lezhit moya podushka?Where is my pillow?
Example conversation
Olga and Sergey are preparing the guest room.
- Ольга OlgaСергей, принеси, пожалуйста, белую поду́шку.Sergey, prinesi, pozhaluysta, beluyu podushku.Sergey, please bring the white pillow.
- Сергей SergeyХорошо, она в шкафу.Khorosho, ona v shkafu.Okay, it is in the closet.
- Ольга OlgaТвоя поду́шка тоже здесь.Tvoya podushka tozhe zdes'.Your pillow is also here.
- Сергей SergeyСпасибо, Ольга.Spasibo, Olga.Thank you, Olga.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pillow” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
