Санкт-Петербург
Sankt-Peterburg
St. Petersburg is referred to in Russian as Санкт-Петербург (Sankt-Peterburg).
The phrase is used to name the major Russian city.
What does it mean word for word?
The name Санкт-Петербург is a direct equivalent of 'Saint Petersburg'. The component Санкт (Sankt) means 'Saint' and Петербург (Peterburg) refers to 'Peter's city'.
Which one should you use?
Санкт-Петербург is the standard name, whereas Город Санкт-Петербург is a more descriptive, formal way to say 'City of St. Petersburg'. Питер is a common nickname used in casual settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Санкт-Петербург and Город Санкт-Петербург are formal terms. In casual conversation, Russians often use the informal nickname Питер.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Sankt-Peterburg.
Did you know?
- The name honors two different 'Peters': the Apostle Saint Peter and the Russian Tsar Peter the Great.
- During the Soviet era, the city was officially renamed Ленинград (Leningrad) for nearly 70 years, so older Russians may still reflexively use this name.
- The word Санкт in Санкт-Петербург is a rare example of a German loanword being preserved in Russian, as the native Russian word for 'saint' is святой.
Examples in context
- Мы посетили Санкт-Петербург во время нашей деловой поездкиWe visited St. Petersburg during our business trip
- Завтра едем в Питер, чтобы посмотреть выставкуTomorrow we're going to Piter to see the exhibition
- Я хочу поехать в Санкт-Петербург.Ya khochu poyekhat' v Sankt-Peterburg.I want to go to Saint Petersburg.
- Санкт-Петербург очень красивый город.Sankt-Peterburg ochen' krasivyy gorod.Saint Petersburg is a very beautiful city.
- Вы когда-нибудь были в Санкт-Петербурге?Vy kogda-nibud' byli v Sankt-Peterburge?Have you ever been to Saint Petersburg?
Example conversation
Olga and Dmitry are discussing their travel plans.
- Ольга OlgaДмитрий, ты хочешь в Санкт-Петербург?Dmitriy, ty khochesh' v Sankt-Peterburg?Dmitry, do you want to go to Saint Petersburg?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, Ольга, я очень люблю этот город.Da, Ol'ga, ya ochen' lyublyu etot gorod.Yes, Olga, I love this city very much.
- Ольга OlgaТогда давай купим билеты.Togda davay kupim bilety.Then let's buy the tickets.
- Дмитрий DmitryОтличная идея!Otlichnaya ideya!Great idea!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Санкт-Петербург, CC BY-SA 4.0.
