пропи́сывать
propísyvatʹimperfective
To prescribe in Russian is expressed as пропи́сывать (propísyvatʹ). Wiktionary also lists назнача́ть (naznačátʹ).
Meaning: to order a drug or medical device (verb)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| пропи́сывать | propísyvatʹ | imperfective |
| назнача́ть | naznačátʹ | imperfective |
This verb is used when a medical professional orders a specific drug or medical device. When using these verbs, the object being prescribed (such as medicine, лекарство) is typically placed in the accusative case.
Which one should you use?
назнача́ть is the standard, professional term used by doctors to prescribe medication or treatment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms provided are imperfective. To refer to a completed action or a specific instance of prescribing, you should use the perfective forms: назна́чить and пропи́сать.
How do you pronounce it?
propísyvatʹ
Did you know?
- In a casual or ironic sense, Russians might use пропи́сать to describe delivering a physical blow or a punch to someone, as if 'prescribing' them a lesson.
- The verb пропи́сывать shares a root with the word for 'registration' or 'residency permit', пропи́ска. Both come from the idea of 'writing someone in' to a list or official record.
- While назнача́ть is the professional term for prescribing, it is also the standard word used for 'appointing' someone to a job or position.
Examples in context
- К сожалению, вам придется __назначить__ курс лечения.Unfortunately, you will have to prescribe a course of treatment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prescribe” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
