икс
iks[iks]
The English letter x is expressed in Russian as икс (iks).
In Russian, икс is used to refer to the letter x, often used as a symbol for an unknown variable in mathematics.
Which one should you use?
While the letter x is икс, the letter y is called игрек in Russian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word икс declines like a masculine noun ending in a consonant. For example, it becomes икса in the genitive case, such as in the phrase нет икса (there is no x).
How do you pronounce it?
iks
Did you know?
- The term икс is often used colloquially in Russian to describe an unknown or mysterious person, similar to the English 'Mr. X'.
- While икс is used for the variable, the Russian alphabet actually has its own letter х that looks identical but is pronounced as a raspy 'h' sound.
- When speaking about the letter 'x' as a phonetic sound in the Russian alphabet, one says ха, but as a mathematical variable, one says икс.
Examples in context
- Три икс в кубе плюс константа… О чём я?Three x cubed plus a constant… What am I on about?This sentence shows the use of икс in a mathematical expression.Tatoeba #2923718 by Ooneykcall, translation #2924371 by astyng
- Когда икс равен нулю, игрек равен двадцати пяти, а когда икс равен ста пятидесяти, игрек равен восьмидесяти. Чему равен икс, когда игрек равен шестидесяти?When x equals 0, y equals 25, and when x equals 150, y equals 80. What is x when y equals 60?This sentence demonstrates how to use икс and игрек when describing variables in an equation.Tatoeba #10363414 by Ooneykcall, translation #10363412 by Ooneykcall
- Найдите значение икс в этом уравнении.Naydite znacheniye iks v etom uravnenii.Find the value of x in this equation.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student asks a teacher for help with a math problem in a classroom.
- Александр AleksandrМария, как найти икс здесь?Mariya, kak nayti iks zdes'?Maria, how do I find x here?
- Мария MariaСначала нужно перенести число в другую сторону.Snachala nuzhno perenesti chislo v druguyu storonu.First, you need to move the number to the other side.
- Александр AleksandrА потом будет икс равен десяти?A potom budet iks raven desyati?And then will x equal ten?
- Мария MariaДа, Александр, именно так.Da, Aleksandr, imenno tak.Yes, Alexander, exactly so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry икс, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
