шпио́н
špiónmasculine
The English word 'spy' is translated into Russian as шпио́н (špión). Wiktionary also lists шпио́нка (špiónka) and аге́нт (agént).
Meaning: person who secretly watches (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| шпио́н | špión | masculine | |
| шпио́нка | špiónka | feminine | |
| аге́нт | agént | masculine | |
| шпик | špik | [ʂpʲik] (narrow) | colloquial, masculine |
The noun refers to a person who secretly watches. You can use the verb шпио́нить to describe the act of spying, or the verb следи́ть to describe the act of following or monitoring someone. The phrase Шпионские романы is used specifically to refer to spy novels.
Which one should you use?
While шпио́н often carries a negative or criminal connotation, аге́нт is a more neutral term used to describe an intelligence agent. For a female spy, use the feminine form шпио́нка.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term шпик is a colloquial or slang word for a spy, often used to imply that the person is a snitch or an informant. In contrast, аге́нт provides a more neutral tone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form шпио́нка is used specifically to denote a female spy.
How do you pronounce it?
špión
Did you know?
- The slang word шпик for a spy is a linguistic relative of the German word Speck, which means 'bacon' or 'fat'.
- While следи́ть means 'to follow' or 'to monitor', it is also the verb used for 'watching' television or 'following' a recipe.
- The verb шпио́нить is often used colloquially to describe a child or spouse secretly looking through someone else's phone or diary.
Examples in context
- В истории много известных шпионов, которые совершили героические подвиги.In history, there are many famous spies who have accomplished heroic deeds.
- Посмотри этот новый фильм про шпиона, он очень захватывающий!Check out this new movie about a spy, it's so thrilling!
- Он настоящий шпио́н.On nastoyashchiy shpion.He is a real spy.
- Шпио́н пытался украсть документы.Shpion pytalsya ukrast' dokumenty.The spy tried to steal the documents.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mystery novel they are reading.
- Андрей AndreyКто этот шпио́н в книге?Kto etot shpion v knige?Who is this spy in the book?
- Ольга OlgaЯ думаю, что это сосед.Ya dumayu, chto eto sosed.I think it is the neighbor.
- Андрей AndreyОльга, ты очень умная.Ol'ga, ty ochen' umnaya.Olga, you are very smart.
- Ольга OlgaАндрей, это просто детектив!Andrey, eto prosto detektiv!Andrey, it is just a detective story!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spy” translations and entries шпик, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries шпик, CC BY-SA 4.0.
