спу́тник
spútnikmasculine
The English phrase "sputnik" refers to the Russian word спу́тник (spútnik). Wiktionary also lists иску́сственный спу́тник (iskússtvennyj spútnik).
Meaning: a Soviet robotic space satellite (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| спу́тник | spútnik | masculine |
| иску́сственный спу́тник | iskússtvennyj spútnik | masculine |
In a space context, this refers to a Soviet robotic space satellite. Outside of space-related topics, спу́тник is a common word for a companion or a life partner.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root пут meaning path or way and the suffix -ник meaning a person or thing, literally meaning "one who travels with someone on a path".
Which one should you use?
While спу́тник can mean a companion in a general sense, the term иску́сственный спу́тник is used specifically to mean "artificial satellite" to distinguish the object from a person or a natural celestial body.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word спу́тник is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
spútnik
Did you know?
- In Russian literature, спу́тник often carries a poetic weight of shared destiny, implying that two people are bound by a common fate rather than just a casual outing.
- While спу́тник refers to a companion, Russian uses the word спутница to specify that the companion is female. English usually uses the gender-neutral 'companion' for both.
- In Russian, the word спу́тник can refer to the Moon, as it is a natural satellite of Earth. The 1957 spacecraft was called an иску́сственный спу́тник specifically to distinguish it from the Moon.
Examples in context
- Я вспомнил первый спутник – Спутник-1I remembered the first satellite – Sputnik-1
- Спу́тник летит по орбите.Sputnik letit po orbite.The satellite is flying in orbit.
- Этот спу́тник был запущен первым.Etot sputnik byl zapushchen pervym.This satellite was launched first.
- Мы наблюдаем за спу́тником через телескоп.My nablyudaem za sputnikom cherez teleskop.We are observing the satellite through a telescope.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sputnik” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
