покойся с миром
pokojsja s mirom
In Russian, "rest in peace" can be expressed in several ways. If unsure, use покойся с миром (pokojsja s mirom). Wiktionary also lists земля́ пу́хом (zemljá púxom) and пусть земля́ бу́дет пу́хом (pustʹ zemljá búdet púxom).
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| покойся с миром | pokojsja s mirom | |
| земля́ пу́хом | zemljá púxom | |
| пусть земля́ бу́дет пу́хом | pustʹ zemljá búdet púxom | |
| ца́рство ему́ небе́сное | cárstvo jemú nebésnoje | masculine |
| ца́рство ей небе́сное | cárstvo jej nebésnoje | feminine |
| мир пра́ху его́ | mir práxu jevó | masculine |
| мир пра́ху её | mir práxu jejó | feminine |
These phrases are used as blessings or expressions of hope.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase земля́ пу́хом literally means "may the earth be soft/fluffy" (referring to a soft grave).
Which one should you use?
земля́ пу́хом is a secular/folk expression, whereas ца́рство ему́ небе́сное is a religious/Orthodox expression.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ца́рство ему́ небе́сное is a highly religious and formal way to express condolences.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ца́рство ему́ небе́сное must change to ца́рство ей небе́сное when referring to a female deceased. The form мир пра́ху его́ must change to мир пра́ху её when referring to a female deceased.
How do you pronounce it?
pokojsja s mirom
Did you know?
- The verb покойся in покойся с миром is in the imperative mood, making it a direct command to the deceased to be at peace.
- The word пух in земля́ пу́хом is the same word used for 'down' feathers, which is why the earth is described as 'fluffy'.
- Unlike the English 'Rest In Peace' which is often abbreviated as 'R.I.P.' on tombstones, Russians rarely use abbreviations for these long, soulful phrases.
Examples in context
- Покойся с миром, Том.May Tom rest in peace.This example shows how to address a specific person using покойся с миром.Tatoeba #13709371 by gregoryguy, translation #11854861 by Adelpa
- Покойся с миром.Rest in peace.This is a standard way to say the phrase using покойся с миром.Tatoeba #2772106 by marafon, translation #692884 by CM
- Покойся с миром!Rest in peace!This shows the phrase used as an exclamation using покойся с миром.Tatoeba #12725471 by marafon, translation #6209183 by carlosalberto
Example conversation
Alexander and Olga are visiting a cemetery to pay their respects.
- Александр AleksandrЯ так скучаю по нему.Ya tak skuchayu po nemu.I miss him so much.
- Ольга OlgaОн был очень добрым человеком.On byl ochen dobrym chelovekom.He was a very kind person.
- Александр AleksandrПокойся с миром, дорогой друг.Pokoysya s mirom, dorogoy drug.Rest in peace, dear friend.
- Ольга OlgaМы всегда будем помнить его.My vsegda budem pomnit ego.We will always remember him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rest in peace” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
