снегови́к
snegovíkmasculine
The English word snowman is translated into Russian as снегови́к (snegovík). Wiktionary also lists сне́жная ба́ба (snéžnaja bába).
Meaning: figure made of snow (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| снегови́к | snegovík | masculine |
| сне́жная ба́ба | snéžnaja bába | feminine |
The word снегови́к is the standard and most common term used in modern contexts, such as in children's books or when discussing winter activities.
What does it mean word for word?
The term снегови́к is a compound of снег (snow) and the suffix -вик, which is used to form nouns denoting an agent or a person associated with something.
Which one should you use?
While снегови́к is the standard, neutral term, the phrase сне́жная ба́ба represents a more traditional or colloquial way to refer to a figure made of snow.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun снегови́к follows standard declension for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. For example, the genitive singular form is снеговика́.
How do you pronounce it?
snegovík
Did you know?
- The word ба́ба in сне́жная ба́ба can be offensive when used to describe a real woman, but it remains perfectly acceptable and charming when used for a snowman.
- The root of the word снегови́к, which is снег, also appears in the name of the снеги́рь, a bird famous in Russia for its bright red breast and winter presence.
- Even if you build a snowman that looks distinctly masculine, the traditional phrase сне́жная ба́ба remains grammatically feminine and is used to describe the object regardless of its appearance.
Examples in context
- Этот снегови́к очень большой.Etot snegovik ochen' bol'shoy.This snowman is very big.
Example conversation
A couple is walking outside after a snowfall.
- Дмитрий DmitryСмотри, какой милый снегови́к!Smotri, kakoy milyy snegovik!Look, what a cute snowman!
- Мария MariaДа, Дмитрий, он очень красивый.Da, Dmitriy, on ochen' krasivyy.Yes, Dmitry, it is very beautiful.
- Дмитрий DmitryДавай сделаем своего снеговика?Davay sdelayem svoyego snegovika?Shall we make our own snowman?
- Мария MariaС удовольствием, давай!S udovol'stviem, davay!With pleasure, let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snowman” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
