русский язык
russkiy yazyk
русский язык (russkiy yazyk) is the Russian way to say the English phrase 'russian language'.
русский язык refers to the official language spoken in Russia and several other countries.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the adjective русский (Russian) and the noun язык (language).
Which one should you use?
While русский язык specifically means 'the Russian language', the single word русский is often used alone to refer to the language in casual contexts, though it primarily means 'a Russian person'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on its role in a sentence. When used after a preposition like о (about) or для (for), the phrase changes to the genitive case русского языка. When used in the instrumental case, such as to express speaking 'with' or 'in' the language, the phrase becomes русским языком.
How do you pronounce it?
russkiy yazyk
Did you know?
- In a military context, the word язык can refer to a prisoner of war captured specifically for interrogation. In this sense, the person is literally called a 'tongue' because they provide information about the enemy.
- While русский язык is the name of the language, the adjective русский exclusively describes ethnic Russians. To refer to something related to the Russian state or citizenship regardless of ethnicity, Russians use the word российский.
- The Russian word for 'language', язык, is the exact same word used for 'tongue' in the anatomical sense.
Examples in context
- Я учу русский язык.I'm learning the Russian language.This sentence shows how to express that you are learning русский язык.Tatoeba #10192893 by marafon, translation #10454964 by Adelpa
- Я влюбляюсь в русский язык.I'm falling in love with the Russian language.This sentence shows how to express falling in love with русский язык.Tatoeba #11215107 by marafon, translation #9640786 by Ricardo14
- Я люблю русский язык. Я считаю его очень красивым и гармоничным.I love the Russian language. I find it very beautiful and harmonious.This sentence expresses a love for русский язык and describes its qualities.Tatoeba #6683603 by nina99nv, translation #10791885 by ddnktr
- Я изучаю русский язык для путешествий в Россию.I am studying the Russian language to travel to Russia.
- Мои друзья говорят на русском.My friends speak Russian.
- Он разговаривает по-русски.He speaks in Russian.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Ekaterina are talking about their studies.
- Сергей SergeyЕкатерина, ты хорошо знаешь русский язык?Ekaterina, ty khorosho znayesh russkiy yazyk?Ekaterina, do you know the Russian language well?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, русский язык мой родной.Da, russkiy yazyk moy rodnoy.Yes, the Russian language is my native tongue.
- Сергей SergeyПоможешь мне с грамматикой?Pomozhesh mne s grammatikoy?Will you help me with the grammar?
- Екатерина EkaterinaКонечно, Сергей, с радостью помогу!Konechno, Sergey, s radostyu pomogu!Of course, Sergey, I'd be happy to help!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
