сло́во
slóvoneuter
The English word "word" is translated into Russian as сло́во (slóvo).
сло́во refers to a unit of language. It is used in several common idioms: дать сло́во means to give one's word (to make a promise), держа́ть сло́во means to keep one's word (to keep a promise) and сло́во в сло́во means "word for word" (describing something done exactly or verbatim).
Meaning: unit of language (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
сло́во is a neuter noun. Its plural form is слова. In the accusative case, the form remains слово. If you need to indicate the means by which something is done (the instrumental case), use the form словом.
How do you pronounce it?
slóvo
Did you know?
- The word слово is a cognate with the Sanskrit word śábda, reflecting a shared ancient ancestor. This connects the Russian word for 'word' to some of the oldest written languages in the world.
- Russian distinguishes between сло́во and слове́чко. Adding the diminutive suffix creates слове́чко, which can imply a secret, a flirtatious remark or a 'little word' of caution.
- In Russian, the word слово can be used as a synonym for 'speech'. For example, if a leader says Я скажу краткое слово, they mean they will give a short speech, not literally utter one word.
Examples in context
- ПриветHello
- СпасибоThank you
- До свиданияGoodbye
- КрасивыйBeautiful
- ДругFriend
- СемьяFamily
- ЛюбовьLove
- ЕдаFood
- ПутешествиеTravel
- Это очень длинное сло́во.Eto ochen' dlinnoye slovo.This is a very long word.
- Напиши это сло́во на бума́ге.Napishi eto slovo na bumage.Write this word on the paper.
Example conversation
Alexander is learning Russian and asks Anastasia for help.
- Александр AleksandrАнастасия, что значит это сло́во?Anastasiya, chto znachit eto slovo?Anastasia, what does this word mean?
- Анастасия AnastasiaОно означает «привет».Ono oznachaet "privet".It means 'hello'.
- Александр AleksandrТеперь я понимаю.Teper' ya ponimayu.Now I understand.
- Анастасия AnastasiaМолодец, Александр!Molodets, Aleksandr!Well done, Alexander!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “word” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
