ра́дуга
rádugafeminine
The Russian word for "rainbow" is ра́дуга (ráduga). Wiktionary also lists весёлка (vesjólka).
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ра́дуга | ráduga | feminine |
| весёлка | vesjólka | dialectal, feminine |
Both terms refer to the multicolored arch in the sky.
Which one should you use?
ра́дуга is the standard, most common word for a rainbow, while весёлка is restricted to specific dialects.
Is it said differently in some regions?
весёлка is a dialectal term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of ра́дуга is ра́дуги.
How do you pronounce it?
ráduga
Did you know?
- While 'rainbow' in English is a compound of 'rain' and 'bow', the Russian ра́дуга is a single, unified concept that does not mention rain or shape in its standard form.
- In Russian folklore, the ра́дуга was often viewed as a bridge used by spirits or gods to descend to earth.
- The standard word ра́дуга shares its root with the ancient word for 'joy' or 'gladness', linking the phenomenon to a feeling of happiness.
Examples in context
- Вчера после дождя мы увидели прекрасную радугу.Yesterday after the rain, we saw a beautiful rainbow.
- После дождя в небе появилась ра́дуга.Posle dozhdya v nebe poyavilas' raduga.After the rain, a rainbow appeared in the sky.
- Посмотри, какая яркая ра́дуга!Posmotri, kakaya yarkaya raduga!Look, what a bright rainbow!
Example conversation
A couple is walking outside after a summer shower.
- Мария MariaАлександр, посмотри на небо!Aleksandr, posmotri na nebo!Alexander, look at the sky!
- Александр AleksandrОго, какая красивая ра́дуга!Ogo, kakaya krasivaya raduga!Wow, what a beautiful rainbow!
- Мария MariaОна очень большая и яркая.Ona ochen' bol'shaya i yarkaya.It is very large and bright.
- Александр AleksandrМария, давай сделаем фото.Mariya, davay sdelayem foto.Maria, let's take a photo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
