оса́да
osádafeminine
The English word 'siege' is translated into Russian as оса́да (osáda). If unsure, use оса́да. Wiktionary also lists блока́да (blokáda).
Meaning: military blockade of settlement (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| оса́да | osáda | feminine |
| блока́да | blokáda | feminine |
The term refers to a military blockade of a settlement. It is the most common and neutral way to express the concept of a siege in Russian.
Which one should you use?
While both оса́да and блока́да can refer to a blockade, оса́да is specifically used to describe a military siege where an attacking force surrounds a location to force a surrender. In contrast, блока́да is a more general term for a blockade.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of оса́да is оса́ды. When you use the word as a direct object in a sentence, such as when saying 'to endure a siege', the form changes to the accusative case: оса́ду.
How do you pronounce it?
osáda
Did you know?
- The word оса́да shares a root with the Russian verb сесть, meaning 'to sit'. Historically, a siege was described as the act of 'sitting' around a city to wait it out.
- While 'siege' is a neutral military term, the word блока́да is loaded with intense historical and emotional weight for Russian speakers, as it almost always evokes the tragic Siege of Leningrad.
- The verb used to 'lift' a siege, снять, is the same word Russians use when taking off a hat or removing a piece of clothing.
Examples in context
- Осада ЛенинградаThe Siege of Leningrad
- Во время блокады не хватало едыDuring the siege, there was a shortage of food
- Эта оса́да длилась три месяца.Eta osada dlilas tri mesyatsa.This siege lasted three months.
- Оса́да города была очень тяжёлой.Osada goroda byla ochen tyazhyeloy.The siege of the city was very difficult.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a history book.
- Андрей AndreyТы читаешь книгу про эту войну?Ty chitayesh knigu pro etu voynu?Are you reading the book about this war?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, сейчас там описывается долгая оса́да.Da, seychas tam opisyvayetsya dolgaya osada.Yes, a long siege is being described there now.
- Андрей AndreyОна была очень успешной?Ona byla ochen uspeshnoy?Was it very successful?
- Екатерина EkaterinaНет, армия не смогла взять город.Net, armiya ne smogla vzyat gorod.No, the army could not take the city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “siege” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
