во́дка
vódkafeminine
The English word "vodka" is translated into Russian as во́дка (vódka). Wiktionary also lists горе́лка (gorélka) and гори́лка (gorílka).
Meaning: clear distilled alcoholic liquor (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| во́дка | vódka | feminine |
| горе́лка | gorélka | Russia, South, Ukraine, feminine, regional |
| гори́лка | gorílka | feminine |
The term refers to a clear distilled alcoholic liquor.
Which one should you use?
While во́дка is the standard term, other variations exist. гори́лка is a related form, and горе́лка is used in specific areas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form горе́лка is used in South Russia and Ukraine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard form во́дка and the variations гори́лка and горе́лка are all feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
vódka
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word во́дка is a diminutive form of вода, meaning 'water'. It literally translates to 'little water', reflecting the drink's clear appearance.
- Russian culture associates во́дка with a specific ritual called закуска, where every shot is followed by a salty or pickled snack to protect the stomach.
- The words гори́лка and горе́лка are derived from the verb 'гореть' meaning 'to burn'. This refers to the burning sensation the alcohol creates in the throat.
Examples in context
- Давай выпьем водочки на здоровье!Let's have some vodka for good health!
- Моя бабушка делает самогон в деревне.My grandmother makes homemade vodka in the village.
- Русская водка всегда на высоте!Russian vodka is always top-notch!
- В холодильнике есть холодная во́дка.V kholodil'nike yest' kholodnaya vodka.There is cold vodka in the refrigerator.
- Эта во́дка очень крепкая.Eta vodka ochen' krepkaya.This vodka is very strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vodka” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
