рассла́биться
rasslábitʹsjaperfective
To relax in Russian is рассла́биться (rasslábitʹsja). Wiktionary also lists расслабля́ться (rasslabljátʹsja).
Meaning: (intransitive) to rest and become relieved of stress (verb)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| рассла́биться | rasslábitʹsja | perfective |
| расслабля́ться | rasslabljátʹsja | imperfective |
The verb is used to describe resting and becoming relieved of stress, either physically or mentally. In colloquial contexts, it can also mean to let one's guard down or to become lax in one's behavior.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is constructed from the prefix рас- (meaning un- or dis-) and the root слаб (meaning weak).
Which one should you use?
The imperfective form расслабля́ться is used to describe ongoing processes or habitual actions, such as the act of relaxing. In contrast, the perfective form рассла́биться is used when referring to a completed state of relaxation.
How do you pronounce it?
rasslábitʹsja
Did you know?
- In a high-pressure Russian work environment, the phrase не расслабля́йтесь (do not relax) is often used as a motivational command to stay alert and avoid mistakes.
- While an English speaker might say 'I am relaxing' during a vacation, a Russian would typically use отдыха́ть (to rest). Using расслабля́ться in that context would sound like a specific physiological or psychological release of tension.
- Because рассла́биться can mean 'to let one's guard down', it is frequently used in sports and military contexts to describe a team that loses focus just before the finish line.
Examples in context
- Мы рекомендуем вам отдохнуть и забыть о проблемах.We recommend you relax and forget about your problems.
- Ну давай, расслабься, все будет хорошо!Come on, relax, everything will be fine!
- Не думай о работе, просто отдыхай!Don't think about work, just relax!
- Мне нужно срочно рассла́биться.Mne nuzhno srochno rasslabit'sya.I need to relax urgently.
- Ванна поможет тебе рассла́биться.Vanna pomozhet tebe rasslabit'sya.A bath will help you relax.
- После работы я хочу рассла́биться.Posle raboty ya khochu rasslabit'sya.I want to relax after work.
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their plans for the evening at home.
- Александр AleksandrЕкатерина, ты выглядишь очень уставшей.Ekaterina, ty vyglyadish' ochen' ustavshey.Ekaterina, you look very tired.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, мне очень хочется рассла́биться.Da, mne ochen' khochetsya rasslabit'sya.Yes, I really want to relax.
- Александр AleksandrДавай закажем пиццу и отдохнём.Davay zakazhem pittsu i otdokhnyom.Let's order pizza and rest.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЭто отличная идея, Александр.Eto otlichnaya ideya, Aleksandr.That is a great idea, Alexander.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “relax” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
