ве́щи
véščifeminine, plural
Russian 'stuff' can be translated as either ве́щи (véšči) or добро́.
Meaning: miscellaneous items, things (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ве́щи | véšči | feminine, plural |
| добро́ | dobró |
Both forms refer to miscellaneous items or things, but they are used in different contexts. ве́щи is used to refer to your personal belongings, such as clothes or items inside a bag. добро́ is used colloquially to refer to a collection of stuff or property, typically when discussing the movement or transport of items.
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'stuff' can often be abstract, ве́щи specifically refers to physical belongings or personal items. In contrast, добро́ is used informally to describe a group of goods or property, often in the context of moving.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The default plural form ве́щи has the singular form вещь, which means a single thing or item.
How do you pronounce it?
véšči
Did you know?
- In a criminal or underground context, добро́ is often used as slang for contraband or illegal goods, such as smuggled items or drugs.
- If a Russian speaker says какая вещь! (what a thing!), they aren't usually talking about the object's existence, but are praising its high quality or style.
- The word добро́ for 'stuff' shares the same root as the Russian word for 'good' or 'kindness'. In this context, it reflects an archaic view of possessions as 'good assets' or wealth.
Examples in context
- Извините, пожалуйста, как пройти к ближайшей станции метро?Excuse me, could you please tell me how to get to the nearest subway station?
- Собери свои ве́щи в рюкзак.Soberi svoi ve-shi v ryukzak.Pack your stuff into the backpack.
- Эти ве́щи лежат на столе.Eti ve-shi le-zhat na sto-le.These things are lying on the table.
- Я потерял все свои ве́щи.Ya po-te-ryal vse svo-i ve-shi.I lost all my stuff.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Ekaterina are preparing to leave their apartment.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы взяла свои ве́щи?Ty vzyala svoi ve-shi?Did you take your stuff?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, я всё собрала.Da, ya vsyo sob-ra-la.Yes, I gathered everything.
- Дмитрий DmitryХорошо, тогда пойдём.Khorosho, tog-da poy-dyom.Good, let's go then.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДмитрий, подожди меня минуту!Dmitriy, po-dozh-di me-nya mi-nu-tu!Dmitry, wait for me a minute!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stuff” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
