Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| бере́менный | berémennyj | |
| на сно́сях | na snósjax | |
| на снося́х | na snosjáx | |
| брюха́тый | brjuxátyj | slang |
| в положе́нии | v položénii | colloquial, euphemistic |
The term is used to describe a person or animal carrying developing offspring within the body. The noun for the state of being pregnant is бере́менность.
Which one should you use?
While бере́менный is the standard adjective, you may encounter на сно́сях or на снося́х, which are used to describe being pregnant. The phrase в положе́нии is a way to say someone is 'expecting'. брюха́тый is a slang term specifically describing someone as 'pot-bellied'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
бере́менный is the standard term. в положе́нии is a colloquial and euphemistic way to say someone is expecting, making it a more polite or indirect option. In contrast, брюха́тый is slang and can be used in a derogatory or crude manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective бере́менный changes based on gender and number: the feminine form is бере́менная, the neuter form is бере́менное and the plural genitive form is бере́менных.
How do you pronounce it?
berémennyj
Did you know?
- If you use the phrase на сно́сях to describe a person, you are effectively calling them a 'laying bird'.
- The euphemism в положе́нии literally translates to 'in a position', leaving the specific 'position' unnamed to maintain modesty.
- The slang term брюха́тый is also commonly used to describe a man with a large beer belly, having nothing to do with pregnancy.
Examples in context
- Моя сестра в положении, и мы очень рады!My sister is expecting, and we are thrilled!
Example conversation
Sergey and Ekaterina are discussing a friend's news.
- Сергей SergeyТы слышала новость про Марину?Ty slyshala novost' pro Marinu?Did you hear the news about Marina?
- Екатерина EkaterinaНет, что случилось?Net, chto sluchilos'?No, what happened?
- Сергей SergeyМарина бере́менный!Marina berémennyy!Marina is pregnant!
- Екатерина EkaterinaОй, как здорово!Oy, kak zdorovo!Oh, how wonderful!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pregnant” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
