Are you planning a trip to Russia or simply want to impress your Russian friends with your language skills? Knowing how to say “wait, what?” in Russian can come in handy in various situations. Whether you prefer formal or informal language, or if you want to understand regional variations, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying “Wait, What?” in Russian
If you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or an official event, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to express “wait, what?” in Russian:
1. Подождите, что? (Podozhdyte, chto?)
This phrase translates to “wait, what?” and can be used formally when you need someone to repeat or clarify what they said.
2. Извините, что вы сказали? (Izvinite, chto vy skazali?)
When you want to politely ask someone to repeat what they said, you can use this sentence. It means “excuse me, what did you say?” and is a respectful way to seek further clarification.
Informal Ways of Saying “Wait, What?” in Russian
In more casual situations, such as talking to friends or family, you can use informal expressions to convey your confusion. Here are some examples:
1. Чего? (Chego?)
This is a commonly used informal expression to ask “what?” or “huh?” in Russian. It is a versatile word that can convey surprise, confusion, or even disbelief.
2. Что ты сказал(а)? (Chto ty skazal(a)?)
If you want to ask someone to repeat what they just said casually, you can use this phrase. It translates to “what did you say?” and is suitable when talking to friends or acquaintances.
Regional Variations
Russian is spoken across a vast territory, and regional variations in vocabulary and expressions do exist. However, when it comes to saying “wait, what?” these variations are not significant. The expressions mentioned above are understood and used throughout Russia.
Tips for Pronunciation
Pronouncing these phrases correctly will make your Russian sound more natural. Here are some tips:
- Подождите, что? (Podozhdyte, chto?) – The П at the beginning is pronounced like “p” in “pause.”
- Чего? (Chego?) – The Ч is pronounced like “ch” in “cheese.”
- Што ты сказал(а)? (Shto ty skazal(a)?) – The Ш is pronounced like “sh” in “sheep.”
Examples in Context
To understand how these phrases can be used, let’s explore some examples:
Formal Example:
Imagine you’re in a formal meeting, and someone says something that confuses you. You can respond:Подождите, что? Можете повторить, пожалуйста? (Podozhdyte, chto? Mozhete povtorit’, pozhaluysta?)
(Wait, what? Can you repeat that, please?)
Informal Example:
You’re chatting with your Russian friend, and they say something you didn’t catch. You can use an informal expression like this:Что ты сказал? Можешь повторить? (Chto ty skazal? Mozheš’ povtorit’?)
(What did you say? Can you repeat that?)
Recap
Now you’re equipped with various phrases to express “wait, what?” in Russian. Remember:
- Use “Подождите, что?” (Podozhdyte, chto?) in formal settings.
- Opt for “Чего?” (Chego?) in informal situations.
- Feel free to use “Что ты сказал(а)?” (Chto ty skazal(a)?) casually.
- Pronounce the phrases correctly by paying attention to the tips provided.
With these phrases and tips in mind, you’ll confidently navigate conversations in Russian and express your confusion when needed. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these expressions and immerse yourself in the language. Enjoy your language learning journey!
