хитрый
xítryj[ˈxʲitrɨj]
The English word sneaky is translated into Russian as хитрый (xítryj).
The adjective хитрый describes someone or something that is dishonest or deceitful. It can also be used to describe someone who is clever or cunning, depending on the context. If you wish to refer to the quality of being sneaky or clever as a concept, you can use the noun хитрость (cunning/trickery).
Meaning: dishonest, deceitful (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: use хитрая for feminine nouns, хитрое for neuter nouns and хитрые for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is xítryj.
Did you know?
- While 'sneaky' is often negative in English, хитрый is frequently used as a compliment to describe someone who is resourceful or strategically smart.
- The word хитрый can be used to describe a complex mechanical device or a complicated plan that is 'sneaky' in its sophistication.
- In Russian folklore and fables, the fox is the ultimate embodiment of being хитрый, serving as a symbol of wit rather than just malice.
Examples in context
- Мой кот очень хитрый.My cat's really sneaky.This sentence shows how to use хитрый to describe a cat.Tatoeba #3741739 by Selena777, translation #10887644 by ddnktr
- Он был коварным и никогда не давал подсказок о своих истинных намерениях.He was sneaky and never gave any clues about his true intentions.
- Его лукавый план вызвал недоверие у всех присутствующих.His sneaky plan raised suspicions among everyone present.
- Он сыграл хитрую игру, чтобы получить то, что хотел.He played a sneaky game to get what he wanted.
- Этот хитрый план не сработает.Etot khitry plan ne srabotayet.This sneaky plan will not work.
- Он слишком хитрый человек.On slishkom khitry chelovek.He is a very sneaky person.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing a coworker at the office.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДмитрий, этот коллега очень хитрый.Dmitriy, etot kollega ochen' khitryy.Dmitry, this colleague is very sneaky.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы про тот случай с отчетом?Ty pro tot sluchay s otchetom?Are you talking about that incident with the report?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, он очень хитрый.Da, on ochen' khitryy.Yes, he is very sneaky.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ так и думал.Ya tak i dumal.I thought so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry хитрый, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
