самолёт
samoljót[səmɐˈlʲɵt]masculine
The English word 'plane' is translated into Russian as самолёт (samoljót). Wiktionary also lists аэропла́н (aeroplán).
Meaning: airplane (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| самолёт | samoljót | [səmɐˈlʲɵt] (narrow) | masculine |
| аэропла́н | aeroplán | dated, masculine |
The standard term for an airplane is самолёт. You may also encounter the informal diminutive самолётик, which is used to add a sense of affection or smallness.
What does it mean word for word?
The word самолёт is a compound formed from само- (self) and лёт (flight/flying), literally meaning 'self-flyer'.
Which one should you use?
While самолёт is the standard modern word for an airplane, аэропла́н is a dated term similar to the English 'aeroplane' and is often considered more technical or archaic.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that you are 'on the plane' (in the sense of being inside or on board), the form changes from самолёт to самолёте.
How do you pronounce it?
samoljót
Did you know?
- The word самолёт is a direct cousin to the Polish word samolot, illustrating how Slavic languages developed similar logical compounds for new technology.
- The term аэропла́н is often associated in Russian culture with the early 20th century and the romantic era of pioneer aviators.
- While самолёт is the standard word for a plane, the Russian language uses a completely different root for 'aviation' in авиация, borrowing from Latin rather than using the 'self-flying' root.
Examples in context
- Я сел в самолёт.I got on the plane.This sentence is useful for saying you got on the plane using самолёт.Tatoeba #4205257 by marafon, translation #4915763 by CK
- Он сел в самолёт.He went on board the plane.This sentence is useful for saying he went on board the plane using самолёт.Tatoeba #4072883 by Ooneykcall, translation #4072892 by Ooneykcall
- Я уже в самолёте.I'm already on the plane.This sentence is useful for saying you are already on the plane using самолёт.Tatoeba #7647398 by marafon, translation #9239854 by CK
- Я прилечу в Москву на самолёте.I will fly to Moscow by plane.
- Мой племянник был в восторге от маленького самолётика.My nephew was thrilled with the small plane.
- Мы полетели на юг на аэропланчике.We flew south on a little plane.
- 461 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ekaterina and Andrey are looking out the airport window.
- Екатерина EkaterinaАндрей, посмотри, какой красивый самолёт!Andrey, posmotri, kakoy krasivyy samolyot!Andrey, look, what a beautiful airplane!
- Андрей AndreyДа, этот самолёт действительно впечатляет.Da, etot samolyot deystvitel'no vpechatlyayet.Yes, this airplane is truly impressive.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНадеюсь, наш самолёт скоро прилетит.Nadeyus', nash samolyot skoro priletit.I hope our airplane arrives soon.
- Андрей AndreyЕкатерина, не волнуйся, он будет скоро.Ekaterina, ne volnuysya, on budet skoro.Ekaterina, don't worry, it will be here soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plane” translations and entries самолёт, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries самолёт, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
