татуиро́вка
tatuiróvkafeminine
The English word tattoo is татуиро́вка (tatuiróvka) in Russian. Wiktionary also lists нако́лка (nakólka) and тату́ (tatú).
Meaning: an image made in the skin with ink and a needle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| татуиро́вка | tatuiróvka | feminine |
| нако́лка | nakólka | colloquial, feminine |
| тату́ | tatú | neuter |
A tattoo is an image made in the skin with ink and a needle.
What does it mean word for word?
The colloquial term нако́лка is derived from the verb наколоть, which means to prick or puncture with a needle.
Which one should you use?
Татуиро́вка is the standard term. Нако́лка is a more colloquial, informal way to refer to a tattoo. Тату́ is a common, modern and informal way to say tattoo, often used in the context of fashion or art.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Татуиро́вка is the most common formal term. Нако́лка is a colloquial term, while тату́ is an informal way to speak, particularly regarding art or fashion.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the standard feminine noun татуиро́вка is татуиро́вки.
How do you pronounce it?
tatuiróvka
Did you know?
- A Russian speaker might use the verb би́ть (to hit or beat) when describing the act of getting a tattoo, as in 'to beat a tattoo' (би́ть татуиро́вку).
- In the Soviet era, specific нако́лки acted as a visual resume in prisons, signaling a person's rank, crimes and social status to other inmates.
- The verb наколоть also means to chop wood into logs, creating a linguistic link between pricking skin and splitting wood.
Examples in context
- Я решил сделать себе татуировку на плече.I decided to get a tattoo on my shoulder.
- На моей руке есть тату.I have a tattoo on my arm.
- Ты не боишься делать татуировку?Aren't you afraid of getting a tattoo?
- Эта татуиро́вка выглядит очень красиво.Eta tatuirovka vyglyadit ochen' krasivo.This tattoo looks very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tattoo” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
