слова
slóva[ˈsɫovə]
The Russian phrase for "words" is слова (slóva).
слова refers to the plural form of a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing.
Which one should you use?
слова is the nominative plural form. However, if you are using the genitive plural after numbers like пять (five) or in specific grammatical constructions, you should use слов instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of слова is слово.
How do you pronounce it?
slóva
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word слово shares a deep historical root with the word слава, meaning 'glory' or 'fame'. This connects the act of speaking with the act of being remembered.
- Russian has a specific term словоизводство, which refers to the act of inventing new words, often used with a slightly mocking tone toward jargon.
- When a Russian speaker says слово за слово (word for word), they are not talking about a translation, but describing how one small comment accidentally led to a long, unplanned conversation.
Examples in context
- Он скуп на слова.He is spare in words.This sentence is useful for describing someone who does not use many слова.Tatoeba #8408902 by marafon, translation #1616239 by teskmon
- Это не мои слова.They're not my words.This sentence is useful for clarifying that certain слова do not belong to a speaker.Tatoeba #11238138 by Wezel, translation #11227697 by sundown
- Я помню его слова.I remember his words.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to recall someone's слова.Tatoeba #4775150 by marafon, translation #5206285 by jaz1313
- 715 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Dmitry are discussing a book they both read.
- Анастасия AnastasiaМне очень понравились слова в этой книге.Mne ochen' ponravilis' slova v etoy knige.I really liked the words in this book.
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, автор подобрал очень точные слова.Da, avtor podobral ochen' tochnyye slova.Yes, the author chose very precise words.
- Анастасия AnastasiaНекоторые слова были очень сложными.Nekotoryye slova byli ochen' slozhnymi.Some words were very difficult.
- Дмитрий DmitryНо эти слова делают текст красивым.No eti slova delayut tekst krasivym.But those words make the text beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry слова, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
