матрёшка
matrjóška[mɐˈtrʲɵʂkə]feminine
The Russian phrase for "russian doll" is матрёшка (matrjóška).
матрёшка refers to a wooden doll.
Meaning: wooden doll (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
матрёшка is a feminine noun. Its plural form is матрёшки. When the doll is the direct object of a verb, you use the accusative case form матрёшку.
How do you pronounce it?
matrjóška
When do people say it?
If you are interested in purchasing one, you might use the common phrase Где я могу купить Матрёшку? (Where can I buy a Matryoshka?).
Did you know?
- While globally seen as a symbol of Russia, the design of the матрёшка was likely inspired by nested dolls imported from Japan in the late 19th century.
- The name матрёшка is actually a diminutive of the traditional female name Матрёна, which was a very common name for women in rural Russia.
- In Russian culture, the матрёшка is frequently used as a metaphor for something that contains multiple layers of hidden meaning or a complex secret.
Examples in context
- Эта матрёшка очень красивая.Eta matryoshka ochen' krasivaya.This russian doll is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Dmitriy and Olga are browsing a souvenir shop.
- Дмитрий DmitryСмотри, какая яркая матрёшка!Smotri, kakaya yarkaya matryoshka!Look, what a bright russian doll!
- Ольга OlgaДа, она очень милая.Da, ona ochen' milaya.Yes, it is very cute.
- Дмитрий DmitryХочешь купить её себе?Khochesh' kupit' ee sebe?Do you want to buy it for yourself?
- Ольга OlgaНаверное, я возьму её.Navernoe, ya voz'mu ee.Maybe I will take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “russian doll” translations and entries матрёшка, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries матрёшка, CC BY-SA 4.0.
