ведьмы
The English phrase 'witches' is translated into Russian as ведьмы.
The term ведьмы is the standard and widely accepted way to refer to witches in Russian. Etymologically, the word is related to the concept of 'knowing' (ведать), implying a woman who possesses supernatural knowledge or powers.
Which one should you use?
While ведьмы is the standard plural, the singular form is ведьма. If you want to use an affectionate or diminutive form, such as 'little witches', you would use ведьмочки.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ведьмы is the nominative plural, which is used when the witches are the subject of a sentence. The singular form is ведьма. If you need the genitive plural, such as when indicating possession or following certain numbers, use ведьм.
Did you know?
- Russian fairy tales often feature the Баба-яга, a specific type of ведьма who lives in a house that stands on giant chicken legs.
- Unlike the Western concept where witches often use broomsticks, Russian folklore often associates supernatural women with other elements, such as riding through the air in a mortar.
- While ведьма is specifically feminine, the term for a male witch, веду́н, describes a man who knows the secrets of nature and possesses prophetic powers.
Examples in context
- Ведьмы летают на мётлах.Witches fly on broomsticks.This sentence is useful for describing what witches do with broomsticks using the form ведьмы.Tatoeba #5942434 by Selena777, translation #5942277 by mailohilohi
- Ведьмы умеют летать на метле.Witches can fly on broomsticks.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability of witches to fly using the form ведьмы.Tatoeba #4054753 by marafon, translation #2587326 by Hybrid
- Ведьмы не плачут.Witches don't cry.This sentence is useful for stating that witches do not cry using the form ведьмы.Tatoeba #3542025 by marafon, translation #3541829 by danepo
- Ученые изучают древних ведьм.Scientists study ancient witches.
- Сегодня на улице полно ведьмочек.Today, there are lots of little witches in the street.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are discussing a book of fairy tales.
- Дмитрий DmitryВ этой книге есть злые ведьмы.V etoy knige yest' zlyye ved'my.There are evil witches in this book.
- Мария MariaОни очень пугающие, правда?Oni ochen' pugayushchiye, pravda?They are very scary, right?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, эти ведьмы выглядят страшно.Da, eti ved'my vyglyadyat strashno.Yes, these witches look scary.
- Мария MariaМне не нравятся такие сказки.Mne ne nravyat'sya takiye skazki.I do not like such fairy tales.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
