настоящий
nastojáščij[nəstɐˈjæɕːɪj]
The English word 'real' is translated into Russian as настоящий (nastojáščij).
Настоящий is used to describe something that is genuine and not artificial, counterfeit or fake, such as real gold. It is also used in a metaphorical sense to mean 'true' or 'genuine', such as a real friend.
Meaning: genuine, not artificial, counterfeit or fake (adj)
Which one should you use?
While настоящий is the common word for 'real', the term подлинный is a more formal alternative often used specifically when referring to authentic documents, artifacts or historical evidence. To express the idea of 'in reality' or 'actually', you should use the phrase На самом деле. Additionally, the noun реа́л refers to a former unit of currency of Spain and its former colonies or a coin worth one real.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, настоящий must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the masculine form настоящий, the feminine form настоящая, the neuter form настоящее or the plural form настоящие.
How do you pronounce it?
nastojáščij
Did you know?
- The word настоящий can mean 'real' or 'current'. For example, настоящее время means 'the present tense' in grammar or 'the present time' in life.
- The Russian word for 'reality' is реальность, but the common way to say 'in reality' uses the word дело, which literally means 'business' or 'affair'.
- The adjective настоящий is etymologically rooted in the concept of something 'approaching' or 'happening'. Its ancient form described a life that was 'present' or 'at hand'.
Examples in context
- Том – настоящий друг.Tom is a real friend.This sentence uses настоящий to describe a friend.Tatoeba #4671577 by marafon, translation #2547586 by CK
- Ты не настоящий врач.You're not a real doctor.This sentence uses настоящий to negate a profession.Tatoeba #11383774 by marafon, translation #11383771 by ddnktr
- Вы мой настоящий отец?Are you my real father?This sentence uses настоящий to ask about a relationship.Tatoeba #12326512 by marafon, translation #11900761 by CK
- Он – настоящий профессионалHe is a real professional
- Это было реальное приключениеIt was a real adventure
- На самом деле, он хороший человекIn reality, he is a nice person
- 129 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Maria are looking at a piece of jewelry in a shop.
- Сергей SergeyЭто настоящий алмаз?Eto nastoyashchiy almaz?Is this a real diamond?
- Мария MariaДа, это настоящий камень.Da, eto nastoyashchiy kamen'.Yes, it is a real stone.
- Сергей SergeyОн выглядит очень красиво.On vyglyadit ochen' krasivo.It looks very beautiful.
- Мария MariaОн стоит очень дорого.On stoit ochen' dorogo.It is very expensive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry настоящий, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries настоящий, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
