ну
nu[nu]
The Russian word for the English exclamation well is ну (nu).
The particle ну is used as a filler or an introductory exclamation similar to the English well to start a sentence or express hesitation.
Meaning: in good health (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ну is used as an introductory particle, if you want to say well in the sense of performing an action successfully, you should use хорошо́ or как сле́дует. Additionally, if you mean well as an exclamation of surprise, you might use так or так-так.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
nu
Did you know?
- The word ну is actually a cognate of the English word 'now' in some very ancient Indo-European reconstructions, though they have diverged completely in modern usage.
- The particle ну is often used as a command to animals, such as dogs or horses, to make them move or start walking.
- In a questioning tone, ну? can stand alone as a complete sentence meaning 'Well? What are you waiting for?' or 'So? Speak up!'
Examples in context
- Ну, вот и всё.Well, that's that.This sentence is useful for showing how ну introduces a concluding statement.Tatoeba #7707926 by odexed, translation #3565825 by CK
- Ну, я не хотел.Well, I didn't mean that.This sentence shows how ну can be used when explaining an intention.Tatoeba #9014188 by marafon, translation #9007971 by CK
- Ну, я не удивлён.Well, I'm not surprised.This sentence demonstrates using ну to introduce a reaction of lack of surprise.Tatoeba #4575193 by Selena777, translation #3820431 by CK
- Как проходит ваш день? – Отлично, я достиг важных целей.How is your day going? – Well, I have achieved important goals.
- Хочешь идти на концерт завтра? – Ну, почему бы и нет!Do you want to go to the concert tomorrow? – Well, why not!
- Как прошла прогулка? – Ну, ничего особенного.How was the walk? – Well, nothing special.
- Пойдем в кино вечером? – Ладно, я позвоню тебе позже.Shall we go to the cinema in the evening? – Well, I'll call you later.
- 264 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Dmitry are greeting each other on the street.
- Ольга OlgaПривет, Дмитрий! Как ты?Privet, Dmitriy! Kak ty?Hi, Dmitry! How are you?
- Дмитрий DmitryПривет, Ольга! Ну, пойдёт.Privet, Ol'ga! Nu, poydët.Hi, Olga! Well, I'm doing okay.
- Ольга OlgaРада слышать, что ты в порядке.Rada slyshat', chto ty v poryadke.I'm glad to hear that you're alright.
- Дмитрий DmitryСпасибо, я чувствую себя нормально.Spasibo, ya chuvstvuyu sebya normal'no.Thanks, I feel fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ну, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ну, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
