секу́нда
sekúndafeminine
The Russian word for the unit of time "second" is секу́нда (sekúnda).
секу́нда refers to one-sixtieth of a minute, the standard SI unit of time. Note that if you are referring to the second occurrence of something or a neuter noun in the second position, the word Второе is used.
Meaning: one-sixtieth of a minute, SI unit of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While секу́нда is the noun for the unit of time, the related form второ́й is used when you mean "second" as an ordinal number. Additionally, the verbs подде́рживать or поддержа́ть are used to mean "to second" in the sense of supporting someone or agreeing with them.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
секу́нда is a feminine noun. When describing a neuter noun in the second position or the second occurrence of something, use Второе.
How do you pronounce it?
sekúnda
Did you know?
- In Russian boxing or combat sports, a 'second' (the assistant to a fighter) is called a секунда́нт, which derives from the same root as the unit of time.
- The word секу́нда is a loanword from the Latin 'secundus', which originally meant 'following' or 'second' in a sequence.
- In Russian, the phrase секу́нду (the accusative form of секу́нда) is often used as a way to say 'wait a moment' or 'just a second' when asking someone to pause.
Examples in context
- Какой твой второй любимый фильм?What is your second favorite movie?
- У меня есть второе предложениеI have a second offering/suggestion.
- Я дам тебе второй шансI'll give you a second chance.
- Прошла всего одна секу́нда.Proshla vsego odna sekúnda.Only one second passed.
- Каждая секу́нда на счету.Kazhdaya sekúnda na schétu.Every second counts.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are waiting for a computer program to finish loading.
- Александр AleksandrНу как там, Екатерина?Nu kak tam, Ekaterina?How is it going, Ekaterina?
- Екатерина EkaterinaОсталась всего одна секу́нда.Ostalas' vsego odna sekúnda.There is only one second left.
- Александр AleksandrХорошо, я подожду.Khorosho, ya podozhdu.Good, I will wait.
- Екатерина EkaterinaГотово, Александр!Gotovo, Aleksandr!It is ready, Alexander!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “second” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
