Learning how to say “what is” in Russian is an essential part of mastering the language. Whether you’re planning a trip to Russia, curious about the culture, or simply looking to expand your language skills, this guide will help you navigate the different ways to express “what is” in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also touch upon regional variations, providing you with plenty of tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive into the exciting world of Russian expressions!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What is” in Russian
When it comes to formal speech, Russian offers several variations to convey the meaning of “what is.” Here are some of the most common formal expressions:
Что тако́е…? (Chto takóye…?) – What is…?
Что обознача́ет…? (Chto oboznacháet…?) – What does… mean?
Что означа́ет…? (Chto oznacháet…?) – What does… signify?
Что подразумева́ется…? (Chto podrazumeváetsya…?) – What is implied…?
These expressions are useful in formal settings such as business meetings, academic discussions, or professional encounters. Remember to use them with appropriate introductory phrases and maintain a polite and respectful tone.
Informal Ways to Say “What is” in Russian
In informal conversations, especially among friends or peers, Russians tend to use more relaxed language. Here are some informal expressions to say “what is” in a casual setting:
Чё это…? (Chyo eto…?) – What’s this…?
Чё этот…? (Chyo etot…?) – What’s that…?
Чё он/она значит…? (Chyo on/ona znachit…?) – What does he/she mean…?
Чё за…? (Chyo za…?) – What kind of…?
These informal expressions are perfect for casual conversations, and using them will help you sound more like a native speaker. Be sure to use the appropriate gender and case endings depending on the context of your question.
Regional Variations in Saying “What is” in Russian
Russian is a diverse language with regional variations. While the formal and informal expressions mentioned above are widely used across Russia, different regions may have their own unique ways of expressing “what is.” Here is an example of a regional variation:
Чиво это…? (Chivo eto…?) – What’s this…? (Ural region dialect)
Regional variations like this one may add charm and flavor to your Russian speaking abilities. However, for most situations, sticking to the formal and informal expressions covered earlier will serve you well.
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the basic expressions, here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand how to use them effectively:
- Tip 1: To ask “What is your name?” formally, use the phrase “Как вас зову́т?” (Kak vas zovút?). For an informal setting, say “Как тебя зову́т?” (Kak tebya zovút?).
- Tip 2: When discussing an object or a concept, you can use the following structure in an informal context: “Э́то что тако́е?” (Eto chto takóye?), which literally means “What is this?”
- Tip 3: To ask about the meaning of a word or a phrase, you can say “Что значит…?” (Chto znachit…?), followed by the word or phrase you would like to understand.
Here are a few examples to provide further clarity:
- Example 1: Formal – “Что обознача́ет ‘споко́й’?” (Chto oboznacháet ‘spokóy’?) – What does ‘peace’ mean?
- Example 2: Informal – “Чё это тако́е?” (Chyo eto takóye?) – What’s this?
- Example 3: Informal – “Чё это значи́т?” (Chyo eto zna-chít?) – What does this mean?
Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don’t hesitate to use these expressions in your conversations and engage with native speakers to refine your skills.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “what is” in Russian opens up a world of possibilities for effective communication. In this guide, we explored both formal and informal expressions, with a touch of regional variations. We provided you with numerous tips and examples to help you understand and use these expressions in a meaningful way.
Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate various situations, hold engaging conversations, and continue your journey towards fluency in the Russian language. Enjoy the richness of the language and the cultural connections it brings!
