санте́хник
santéxnikmasculine
The English word 'plumber' can be translated into Russian as санте́хник (santéxnik) or водопрово́дчик.
Meaning: one who fits, etc, pipes for water, gas or drainage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| санте́хник | santéxnik | masculine |
| водопрово́дчик | vodoprovódčik | masculine |
санте́хник is the standard term used to describe a plumber or a sanitary technician. водопрово́дчик is a more specific term used for someone who works specifically with water supply pipes.
What does it mean word for word?
The word водопрово́дчик is formed from водопровод, meaning 'water pipe' and the suffix -чик, which denotes a person who performs a specific task, literally translating to 'water-pipe-er'.
Which one should you use?
санте́хник is the common, broad term for a professional plumber. In contrast, водопрово́дчик specifically refers to a water-pipe layer or someone focused on water supply pipes.
How do you pronounce it?
santéxnik
Did you know?
- In the Soviet era, the санте́хник was often viewed as a powerful figure because they controlled access to essential utilities in communal apartment blocks.
- A Russian plumber is often part of the ЖЭК (ZHEK), a specialized municipal housing service, rather than being an independent contractor you call directly.
- The term санте́хник is a loanword derived from the French 'sanitaire' and the Greek 'techne'.
Examples in context
- Здравствуйте, я ищу сантехника для ремонта в ванной комнате.Hello, I am looking for a plumber for a bathroom repair.
- Чувак, у меня проблема с трубой. Ты не знаешь, где найти водопроводчика?Dude, I have a problem with the pipe. Do you know where to find a plumber?
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are discussing a leaking pipe in their kitchen.
- Дмитрий DmitryМария, у нас течёт труба!Mariya, u nas techyot truba!Maria, we have a leaking pipe!
- Мария MariaО нет, я сейчас найду санте́хника.O net, ya seychas naydu santekhnika.Oh no, I will find a plumber right now.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы знаешь кого-то надёжного?Ty znayesh kogo-to nadyozhnogo?Do you know someone reliable?
- Мария MariaДа, мой знакомый отличный санте́хник.Da, moy znakomyy otlichnyy santekhnik.Yes, an acquaintance of mine is a great plumber.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plumber” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
