си́ла
sílafeminine
The English word strength can be translated into Russian as си́ла (síla) or мощь.
Meaning: quality of being strong (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| си́ла | síla | feminine | |
| мощь | moščʹ | [moɕː] (narrow) | feminine |
си́ла is the standard word for general physical strength, force or power, particularly when referring to the strength of a person or an animal. мощь is used to describe a great, impressive or overwhelming power, often in the context of natural forces or military might.
Which one should you use?
Use си́ла for general concepts of strength, force or power. In contrast, use мощь to express might, potency or a sense of overwhelming power.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form си́лы is frequently used in the specific phrase нет си́л, which means to have no strength or energy.
How do you pronounce it?
síla
Did you know?
- In Russian folklore and idioms, the phrase си́ла в правде means 'strength is in the truth', suggesting that moral righteousness provides a power that physical strength cannot match.
- The word мощь is actually a linguistic 'outsider' in Russian, having been borrowed from Old Church Slavonic rather than developing from the native East Slavic word for power.
- The word мощный (powerful) is often used to describe engines or technical machinery, whereas сильный (strong) is more commonly used for human beings.
Examples in context
- Само присутствие тёмных рыцарей утраивает боевую мощь нашей армии.The very presence of the dark knights triples the battle strength of our army.This sentence illustrates how to use мощь to describe the battle strength of an army.Tatoeba #10351813 by Ooneykcall, translation #10351809 by Ooneykcall
- У него очень большая сила.He has a lot of strength.
- Это требует большой силы воли.This requires great willpower.
- Сила приходит с опытом.Strength comes with experience.
- Ты настоящий силач!You are a real strong person!
- Мой брат – настоящий силач.My brother is a true strongman.
- Он постоянно тренируется, чтобы быть силачом.He constantly trains to be a strongman.
- В этом слове чувствуется си́ла.V etom slove chuvstvuetsya sila.Strength can be felt in this word.
Example conversation
Maria and Dmitry are talking about their gym progress.
- Мария MariaДмитрий, ты заметил, как выросла твоя си́ла?Dmitriy, ty zametil, kak vyrosla tvoya sila?Dmitry, have you noticed how your strength has grown?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, теперь я поднимаю больше веса.Da, teper' ya podnimayu bol'she vesa.Yes, I can lift more weight now.
- Мария MariaЭто очень хороший результат!Eto ochen' khoroshiy rezul'tat!That is a very good result!
- Дмитрий DmitryСпасибо, Мария, я много тренировался.Spasibo, Mariya, ya mnogo trenirovalsya.Thank you, Maria, I trained a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries мощь, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries мощь, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
