принц
princ[prʲint͡s]masculine
The English word "prince" can be translated into Russian using several terms depending on the context. The default form is принц. Wiktionary also lists царе́вич (carévič) and короле́вич (korolévič).
Meaning: son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| принц | princ | [prʲint͡s] (narrow) | masculine |
| царе́вич | carévič | masculine | |
| короле́вич | korolévič | masculine |
The term refers to the son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the cultural context. принц is typically used when referring to princes from Western European or non-Russian monarchies. In contrast, царевич is specifically used for the son of a Tsar or a prince within a traditional Russian or Slavic historical context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term князь is also commonly used in Ukraine and Belarus.
How does it change in a sentence?
When принц is the direct object of a verb, such as 'to see' or 'to love', the ending changes to принца.
How do you pronounce it?
princ
Did you know?
- The Latin root of принц is a combination of 'prīmus' meaning 'first' and '-ceps' meaning 'catcher'.
- In Russian fairy tales, the character of the 'Prince' is often called Иван-царевич, merging a common name with the royal title.
- Russian has a specific term наследник for a 'crown prince' or heir, focusing on the legal right to the throne rather than just the title.
Examples in context
- Она влюбилась в принца.She fell in love with the prince.This sentence shows the use of принц as the object of a verb.Tatoeba #2832362 by odexed, translation #2449377 by Hybrid
- Принц хочет белого коня.The prince wants a white horse.This sentence uses принц as the subject of the sentence.Tatoeba #3860070 by Selena777, translation #3860069 by muriloricci
- Хотел бы я быть принцем.I wish I were a prince.This sentence uses the form of принц to express a wish.Tatoeba #5654099 by Selena777, translation #246623 by CK
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Ekaterina are talking about a fairy tale book.
- Сергей SergeyЭтот принц очень смелый.Etot prints' ochen' smelyy.This prince is very brave.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, он спасает принцессу.Da, on spasayet printsessu.Yes, he is saving the princess.
- Сергей SergeyЕкатерина, ты веришь в сказки?Ekaterina, ty verish' v skazki?Ekaterina, do you believe in fairy tales?
- Екатерина EkaterinaКонечно, я верю.Konechno, ya veryu.Of course, I do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prince” translations and entries принц, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries принц, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
