Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Russian! Whether you’re a beginner just starting your Russian language journey or an intermediate learner looking to expand your vocabulary, this guide will provide you with various ways to express “what” in Russian. We will cover both formal and informal ways to say “what,” and we will include tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So let’s dive in and discover the diverse ways to ask “what” in the Russian language!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in Russian
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking to authority figures, strangers, or in a professional setting, it is essential to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are some formal ways to ask “what” in Russian:
1. Что? (Chto?)
This is the most common formal translation of “what” in Russian. It is a straightforward and neutral way to ask for information.
Example:
Извините, что вы сказали? (Izvinite, chto vy skazali?) – Excuse me, what did you say?
2. Чему? (Chemu?)
This formal variation of “what” in Russian is used specifically when asking for information about a purpose or a goal.
Example:
Чему вы стремитесь в этой карьере? (Chemu vy stremites’ v etoy karyere?) – What are you aiming for in this career?
3. Чего́? (Chegó?)
This formal variation of “what” in Russian is used mainly when asking about something missing or absent.
Example:
Чего́ вам не хватает для счастья? (Chegó vam ne khvataet dlya schast’ya?) – What do you lack for happiness?
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Russian
When addressing friends, family members, or peers, a more relaxed and informal tone can be used. Here are some informal ways to ask “what” in Russian:
4. Чё (Chyo)
This is a colloquial or casual version of “what” in Russian, commonly used in everyday conversation among friends or family.
Example:
Чё ты делаешь? (Chyo ty delayesh?) – What are you doing?
5. Нафига (Nafiga)
A slightly more informal way to ask “what” in Russian, often used to express surprise or disbelief.
Example:
Не знаю, нафига он это сделал! (Ne znayu, nafiga on eto sdelal!) – I don’t know why he did that!
6. Чо (Cho)
This is a very informal slang variation of “what” in Russian, commonly used among young people or in casual settings.
Example:
Чо это значит? (Cho eto znachit?) – What does that mean?
Tips for Using “What” in Russian
- Remember to adjust your level of politeness based on the formality of the situation.
- Pay attention to the context to choose the most appropriate way of asking “what” in Russian.
- Practice the pronunciation of each variation to ensure clarity in your communication.
- Be aware of regional variations, as some phrases may be more commonly used in specific areas.
- Expand your vocabulary by using other question words such as “why,” “when,” and “where” in Russian.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now familiarized yourself with the various ways to say “what” in Russian. From the formal and polite variations suitable for professional settings to the informal and familiar versions used among friends and peers, you can now confidently express yourself in different contexts. As you continue your Russian language journey, remember to keep practicing and expanding your vocabulary. Happy learning!
