меч
meč[mʲet͡ɕ]masculine
The English word "sword" is translated into Russian as меч (meč). If unsure, use меч. Wiktionary also lists шпа́га (špága) and са́бля (sáblja).
Meaning: weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| меч | meč | [mʲet͡ɕ] (narrow) | masculine |
| шпа́га | špága | feminine | |
| са́бля | sáblja | feminine |
Russian uses different words to specify the type of sword being discussed. While меч is the general term for a sword, you might use more specific terms such as шпа́га for a thin thrusting sword, са́бля for a curved saber or рапира for a rapier. Additionally, if you are referring specifically to the blade of the weapon, the word клинок is used.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the design of the weapon. меч is the standard term for a sword. Use са́бля to refer to a curved sword with a single cutting edge, such as a saber or scimitar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun меч uses the genitive ending -а in the singular to indicate possession or absence, such as in the phrase нет меча (there is no sword).
How do you pronounce it?
meč
Did you know?
- In many Russian fairy tales, the hero does not just find a 'sword' but specifically seeks a меч-кладенец, a legendary, magical sword that possesses its own will.
- Unlike English, where 'sword' is a broad category, a Russian speaker might accidentally use меч for a small, light blade, which would sound strangely epic or archaic to a native ear.
- In Russian culture, the са́бля is strongly associated with the Cossacks, the legendary frontiersmen and soldiers of the Russian Empire.
Examples in context
- Я точу мой меч.I am sharpening my sword.This sentence demonstrates using the word меч in the context of sharpening the weapon.Tatoeba #3000835 by odexed, translation #1665948 by Amastan
- Дай мне мой меч.Give me my sword.This sentence shows how to request the word меч.Tatoeba #4476111 by odexed, translation #1078683 by Scott
- У меня нет меча.I don't have a sword.This sentence illustrates the use of the genitive form меча to indicate absence.Tatoeba #5079763 by odexed, translation #386506 by Dorenda
- Король держал меч в руке.The king held the sword in his hand.
- Рыцари и их мечи – символы мощи и доблести.Knights and their swords are symbols of power and chivalry.
- Он купил себе новую шпагу для косплея.He bought a new sword for cosplay.
- Этот фильм про пиратов и их шпаги.This movie is about pirates and their swords.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey and Ekaterina are looking at museum exhibits.
- Андрей AndreyСмотри, какой красивый меч!Smotri, kakoy krasivyy mech!Look, what a beautiful sword!
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, он выглядит очень древним.Da, on vyglyadit ochen' drevnim.Yes, it looks very ancient.
- Андрей AndreyТы думаешь, он был острым?Ty dumayesh', on byl ostrym?Do you think it was sharp?
- Екатерина EkaterinaНаверняка, Андрей.Navernyaka, Andrey.Most likely, Andrey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sword” translations and entries меч, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
