пау́к
paúkmasculine
The English word "spider" is пау́к (paúk) in Russian.
пау́к is a masculine noun used to refer to the arthropod. Note that if you wish to refer to the spiderweb itself, you should use the different noun паути́на.
Meaning: arthropod (noun)
Which one should you use?
The diminutive form Паучок is used specifically to refer to a little spider. Additionally, паути́на refers to the web rather than the animal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is пау́ки. If the spider is the direct object of a verb, such as in the sentence "I see a spider", the form changes to the accusative паука́.
How do you pronounce it?
paúk
Did you know?
- In certain Russian folk traditions, seeing a spider in your house is sometimes interpreted as a sign of upcoming financial prosperity or good luck.
- The term паук is used to name specific industrial machines and heavy-duty tools that feature long, spindly-looking mechanical limbs.
- The verb used for a spider weaving a web, плести, is the exact same verb used in Russian to describe 'weaving' complex social intrigues or lies.
Examples in context
- Я увидел паука на стене.I saw a spider on the wall.
- Комната полна паукообразных существ.The room is full of spider-like creatures.
- Смотри, там маленький паучок!Look, there's a little spider!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spider” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
