Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| о́чень | óčenʹ | |
| весьма́ | vesʹmá | |
| изря́дно | izrjádno | |
| дю́же | djúže | colloquial |
| зело́ | zeló | archaic |
| вельми́ | velʹmí | archaic |
In Russian, several words can express the idea of 'to a high degree'. о́чень is the most common and versatile way to say 'very' in almost all contexts. For expressing an amount or a degree of change, you might use изря́дно, which often means 'considerably' or 'quite a bit'. To add extra emphasis in an informal and slightly playful manner, you can repeat the word to create очень-очень. Additionally, the words са́мый and тот са́мый are related forms that can mean 'the same' or 'identical' when used as adjectives.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the desired nuance and setting. о́чень is the standard neutral option. изря́дно focuses more on the degree or amount of something, often translated as 'considerably'. весьма́ is a formal and slightly antiquated version of 'very'. дю́же is a colloquial or dialectal term used to mean 'very' or 'greatly'. For a stylized or humorous effect, one might use the archaic terms зело́ (meaning 'very' or 'exceedingly') or вельми́ (meaning 'very' or 'much').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
о́чень is the standard neutral term. весьма́ is considered rather formal and slightly antiquated. For high-level formal speech, крайне is a more formal term for 'very'. дю́же is colloquial and is not used in standard formal speech. The terms зело́ and вельми́ are archaic and are generally used today for stylistic effect or humor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
дю́же is used as a colloquial or dialectal way to say 'very' and is not used in standard formal speech.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
óčenʹ
Did you know?
- In colloquial speech, Russians may replace о́чень with the word пипец or капец as an intensifier to express that something is 'very' extreme, often with a negative or shocked connotation.
- To describe being 'very' tired or 'very' drunk, Russians often use сильно, which literally means 'strongly'.
- The formal term кра́йне implies that a quality has reached its absolute limit because it shares a root with the word for 'edge'.
Examples in context
- Это очень важно.This is very important.
- Он говорит очень быстро.He speaks very quickly.
- Это крайне важно для нашего успеха.This is extremely important for our success.
- Она крайне красива.She is extremely beautiful.
- Он весьма образованный человек.He is a highly educated person.
- Ваша помощь весьма важна для нас.Your help is very important for us.
- Это очень вкусно!This is very delicious!
- Он очень смешной парень.He is a very funny guy.
- Ты мне очень-очень нравишься.I like you a lot.
- Это очень-очень важно для меня.This is very, very important to me.
- Этот фильм офигенно крутой!This movie is incredibly awesome!
- Сегодня о́чень жарко.Segodnya óchen' zharko.It is very hot today.
- Этот фильм о́чень интересный.Etot fil'm óchen' interesnyy.This movie is very interesting.
- Я о́чень рад тебя видеть.Ya óchen' rad tebya videt'.I am very glad to see you.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new restaurant.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТебе понравился этот ресторан?Tebe ponravilsya etot restoran?Did you like this restaurant?
- Сергей SergeyДа, еда там о́чень вкусная.Da, eda tam óchen' vkusnaya.Yes, the food there is very tasty.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСергей, ты считаешь это место дорогим?Sergey, ty schitayesh' eto mesto dorogim?Sergey, do you consider this place expensive?
- Сергей SergeyНет, цены вполне нормальные.Net, tseny vpolne normal'nyye.No, the prices are quite normal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “very” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
