квир
kvir
The Russian word for "queer" is квир (kvir).
квир is a direct loanword from English and is used primarily as an adjective or a noun within activist, academic or LGBTQ+ contexts.
Meaning: pertaining to non-normative sexuality (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kvir.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the slang term Пида́р, as it is a highly derogatory and offensive word.
Did you know?
- In many Russian-speaking digital spaces, users often use the English spelling 'queer' in Latin characters rather than the Cyrillic квир to bypass automated censorship or content filters.
- Unlike the English word 'queer', which has a long history of being 'reclaimed' from a slur, the Russian квир was adopted primarily as a neutral academic and activist term from the start.
- The word квир is almost exclusively used by younger generations and urban populations, meaning an older Russian speaker may not recognize the word at all despite its prevalence in online spaces.
Examples in context
- Саша сказа́л, что он ге́й.Sasha said that he is queer/gay.
- Это квир-фестиваль в центре города.Eto kvir-festival v tsentre goroda.This is a queer festival in the city center.
- Она любит квир-кинематограф.Ona lyubit kvir-kinematograf.She loves queer cinema.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing film preferences at a cafe.
- Андрей AndreyТы видела новый квир-фильм?Ty videla novyy kvir-fil'm?Have you seen the new queer film?
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, он был очень интересным.Da, on byl ochen' interesnym.Yes, it was very interesting.
- Андрей AndreyАнастасия, ты хочешь сходить на лекцию?Anastasiya, ty khochesh' skhodit' na lektsiyu?Anastasia, do you want to go to a lecture?
- Анастасия AnastasiaС удовольствием, Андрей.S udovol'stviyem, Andrey.With pleasure, Andrey.
