Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| пока́зывать | pokázyvatʹ | imperfective |
| показа́ть | pokazátʹ | perfective |
The primary meaning is to display something. Depending on the context, other nouns can be used to express the concept of a show, such as a demonstration, a performance or a broadcast program. For entertainment programs or spectacular performances, the loanword шо́у is used, while a play or show is referred to as Спектакль (spek-takl).
Which one should you use?
Russian uses two different verb forms to distinguish the nature of the action. Use the imperfective form пока́зывать for ongoing processes, repeated actions or the general ability to show something. Use the perfective form показа́ть to describe a single, completed action of showing something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the verbs are standard, specific nouns carry different registers. The noun пока́з refers to a demonstration or a display, such as a fashion show or a product demonstration. In formal contexts, Показ can mean a show or exhibition and Выступление is used to mean a performance. The word шо́у is a loanword specifically used for entertainment-oriented shows.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperfective verb пока́зывать belongs to the second conjugation, whereas the perfective verb показа́ть belongs to the first conjugation.
How do you pronounce it?
pokázyvatʹ
Did you know?
- The perfective verb показа́ть can be used idiomatically to mean 'to teach a lesson' or 'to humble someone' through a display of power.
- The verb показывать is related to the word пока́зный, which describes something that is 'showy' or 'done for appearance' rather than being genuine.
- The word пока́зывать shares a common root with the word for 'to point', as the core concept is to direct someone's attention to an object.
Examples in context
- Сегодня я иду смотреть новый спектакль в московском театре.Today, I'm going to watch a new play at the Moscow theater.
- У меня есть билеты на концерт известной поп-группы. Это будет потрясающее шоу!I have tickets for a concert of a famous pop group. It will be an amazing show!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “show” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
