учёный
učónyj[ʊˈt͡ɕɵnɨj]masculine
The English word "scientist" is translated into Russian as учёный (učónyj). Wiktionary also lists учёная (učónaja).
Meaning: one whose activities make use of the scientific method (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| учёный | učónyj | [ʊˈt͡ɕɵnɨj] (narrow) | masculine |
| учёная | učónaja | feminine |
The term refers to a person whose activities make use of the scientific method. Notably, the word учёный functions as both a noun meaning "scientist" and an adjective meaning "scholarly" or "learned".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form for scientists is учёные. When using the genitive singular case to indicate possession or following certain prepositions, use учёного for masculine and учёной for feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is učónyj.
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word учёный can be used as a sarcastic label for someone who thinks they know everything but is actually acting foolishly.
- The phrase учёный муж was historically used to describe a 'learned man' or scholar, long before the modern English word 'scientist' was coined in the 19th century.
- In Russian, a person with a PhD or a high academic degree is often called a доктор наук, which translates to 'doctor of sciences'.
Examples in context
- Том – не учёный.Tom isn't a scientist.This sentence is useful to show the negation of the noun учёный.Tatoeba #8982993 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #8978633 by CK
- Он учёный и музыкант.He is a scientist and musician.This sentence is useful to show the noun учёный used in a description.Tatoeba #3042156 by mrtaistoi, translation #294472 by CK
- Моя жена тоже учёный.My wife is also a scientist.This sentence is useful to show the noun учёный used to describe a person's profession.Tatoeba #8647926 by marafon, translation #6221143 by CK
- На конференции присутствовали многие учёные из разных стран.Many scientists from different countries were present at the conference.
- Университет нанял новых научных сотрудников для исследовательского проекта.The university hired new scientists for the research project.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Sergey are talking about a guest at a party.
- Ольга OlgaКто этот мужчина?Kto etot muzhchina?Who is this man?
- Сергей SergeyОн известный учёный из Москвы.On izvestnyy uchonyy iz Moskvy.He is a famous scientist from Moscow.
- Ольга OlgaЧем именно он занимается?Chem imenno on zanimayetsya?What exactly does he do?
- Сергей SergeyСергей, он изучает космос.Sergey, on izuchayet kosmos.Sergey, he studies space.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scientist” translations and entries учёный, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
