руби́н
rubínmasculine
In Russian, ruby is called руби́н (rubín). Wiktionary also lists лал (lal).
Meaning: type of gem (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| руби́н | rubín | masculine | |
| лал | lal | [ɫaɫ] (narrow) | masculine |
The term refers to the gemstone. You may also encounter the related adjective руби́новый, which describes something as being of a deep red colour or the female given name Руби.
Which one should you use?
руби́н is the standard, modern term for the gemstone. In contrast, лал is an obsolete or poetic term used primarily in historical literature.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more familiar and charming way to say ruby, you can use the diminutive Рубинчик. The form лал is restricted to poetic registers.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective руби́новый (meaning ruby-colored) changes its form to руби́нового when used in the masculine genitive singular case.
How do you pronounce it?
rubín
Did you know?
- The word руби́н is a homonym for the imperative form of the verb 'to chop' or 'to hack' (руби́).
- The poetic word лал is a loanword from Sanskrit and is rarely seen outside of archaic texts or high-style poetry.
- The word руби́н is a loanword that entered Russian via French and German, whereas лал entered via the Silk Road from the East.
Examples in context
- У неё есть красивый рубин.She has a beautiful ruby.
- Я ношу рубинчик, который мне подарила моя мама.I wear a ruby that my mom gave me.
- Этот руби́н очень красивый.Etot rubin ochen' krasivyy.This ruby is very beautiful.
- В кольце вставлен яркий руби́н.V kol'tse vstaven yarkiy rubin.A bright ruby is set in the ring.
- Цвет напоминает настоящий руби́н.Tsvet napominayet nastoyashchiy rubin.The color resembles a real ruby.
Example conversation
A jeweler is showing a gemstone to a customer.
- Дмитрий DmitryПосмотрите на этот руби́н.Posmotrite na etot rubin.Look at this ruby.
- Мария MariaОн действительно великолепен, Дмитрий.On deystvitel'no velikolepen, Dmitriy.It is truly magnificent, Dmitry.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭто очень редкий руби́н.Eto ochen' redkiy rubin.This is a very rare ruby.
- Мария MariaЯ хочу его купить.Ya khochu yego kupit'.I want to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ruby” translations and entries лал, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
