In this post, I’ll cover 10 Russian idioms (or sayings – whatever you want to call them) and provide English translations and explanations so you know when and how to use them. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-l0tojwefu")); Disclosure: This site has affiliate links to language products including those on Amazon. Perhaps most famous is Alexander Pushkin, who penned verses about love found and lost, lived passionately and died dramatically. After these 3 words, you can say any verb which will designate the action that you can’t do. Гром-баба “A thunder woman” What sounds like a superhero name, refers to a strong, usually sturdy woman who won’t take nonsense from anyone. So you are on your journey of learning Russian, it's an exciting adventure, but it does get hard at times. It can also be applied if something positive happens three times, or it can be compared to, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” (That’s trying three times, right?) She holds a Diploma in Translation (IoLet Level 7) from the Chartered Institute of Linguists. Russians are a somewhat God-fearing folk, though much of their faith is entwined with a deeply-rooted sense of soul and spirituality. )- Are you deliberately winding me up? Russians often shorten their sayings and expect others to understand what they mean, so don't be surprised if you find yourself missing whole layers of meaning … ◈ Как селедка в бочке To peel a turnip to some pepper (horseradish), ◈ Начистить репу какому-то перцу/хрену They are usually used in the figurative sense. ◈ tyanut’ kota za hvost. 13. So, if your Russian friend “наломал дров” it means he had a bit too much to drink and did something regrettable! Pushkin married the great beauty Natalia Goncharova. However, Russian sayings are often confused with proverbs. You will speak more and express yourself better. Of course, 10 is not the end. Prick up your ass! Whore, slut. Schau dir unsere Auswahl an russian sayings an, um die tollsten einzigartigen oder spezialgefertigten, handgemachten Stücke aus unseren Shops zu finden. […] 10 funny Russian phrases & sayings […]. (a pacheMOO vy myNYA SPRAshivayete, SHTOH ya, LYsiy)- Why me? This phrase means “rather no.”. So, I will clarify them. Or, if you like idioms, … If you ask some Russian a question, and he answers “Да нет, наверное”, it means “I’m not sure, but rather no than yes”. Mangle the firewood наломать дров nalomat’ drov Russians usually make fun of nationalities unlike Americans. ◈ Да нет, наверное. “God loves the Trinity” is a lighthearted phrase that basically means that good things come in threes. - Надоело быть канцелярской крысой. Learn a few and use them to impress the next Russian speaker you meet. Translation: to force/lead someone out of themselves, Meaning: to cause someone to lose their temper, to get on someone's "last nerve". This is a useful phrase when someone is being infuriatingly annoying. - А ты что стоишь как в рот воды набрал? (Russian Proverb) All are not cooks that walk with long knives. The 20 funniest Russian expressions (and how to use them) Languages Student Work. In our case “Руки не доходят посмотреть” means that author doesn’t have time to take a look at something. It’s part of Russian culture to simplify communication with each other. This article presents the most famous Russian proverbs and sayings – the most popular, widespread and loved by all. Not only will you discover the words of wisdom accumulated by Russian folk since the early 12th century, but you will also increase your Russian vocabulary and catch on some rhymes used in proverbs. This phrase means to procrastinate. This is for people who are interested in Russian. You can use this expression when talking about someone's handwriting—it is a known fact that chickens' handwriting is pretty bad! - А почему вы меня спрашиваете, что я, лысый? Pronunciation: kak baRAN na NOvy-ye vaROta, Translation: to stare like a ram at the new gates, Meaning: to stare at something in shock, to be stunned into silence. Russian Proverbs and Sayings. Some Funny New Zealand Slang Terms, Expressions, Sayings, Colloquialisms and Insults! (aNEE na VSYO EHta SMOTryat SKVOZ' PALtsy)- They always look the other way. We’ve broken down our list of swear words in Russian into three categories. Plus, “Russian-English Dictionary of Idioms” covers phrases from the 19th century to today, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in Russian literature. Maia Nikitina is a writer and Russian language translator. These are used in daily life and are NOT dry, textbook phrases. Basically, this phrase means to satisfy hunger and eat something. A lot of funny Russian sayings don’t make sense when translated into English: “To rub in glasses” — to deceive, “To show one Kuzma's mother” — to teach someone a lesson, “After it rains on Thursday” — a way of saying that something will never happen. Russian Proverbs (948 Proverbs) A Horse has four legs, but still stumbles. One danger in language learning is to get so focused on grammar and vocabulary that you forget to simply practice and enjoy the language. First, “Начистить репу” literally means to “To peel a turnip” but the meaning here is “to beat someone” or “punch someone in the face.” In Russian “репа” means turnip but in informal use, it can also mean “face.” The second part, “какому-то перцу/хрену,” literally means “some vegetables pepper or horseradish.”  But the true meaning here is this: “Перец” and “хрен” can mean “guys” in informal speech.Y oung people very often call their friends in this way. (Russian Proverb) Freedom for the free and heaven for the saved. Colloquialisms and funny sayings make up a significant part of the Russian language and culture. P.S. Russian Swear Word (Latin) English Translation. Also used as a link word. Russians don’t exaggerate, they “make an elephant out of a fly.” ( delat iz muhi slona) 2. When studying Russian, knowing couple of these sayings is not only helpful for better understanding and communicating, but also shows your educational and cultural level. (Literally: you don't eat it and you don't let others have it. Russian slang is not only used by young representatives of our culture but also by older people. #1 Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (da oo nyVO samaVO RYL'tse f pooshKOO)- He's not all that innocent either. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; In … If you are in a crowded place in Russia, or a very crowded train, you can say you feel “Как селедка в бочке” – “like herring in the barrel”. Zalupa konskaya. “For ages” (ispokon vekov) is a good enough reason to justify the way things operate: Since it’s a proven method, it should be worthy.In general, the modern Russian culture values tradition above innovation and especially over foreign influences. Russia is no exception. Pronunciation: paTOM daKAzyvai, SHTOH ty nye vyrBLYUD, Translation: then you will have to prove that you are not a camel, Meaning: to have to prove something obvious. As a rule, Russian sayings are … ◈ Veshat’ lapshu na ushi. Russian language is famous for its various proverbs, idioms and really weird sayings. The English version of this is “like sardines in a can.” 7. This phrase is funny, but at least it has some logic. Tol’ko Poslye Vas! So, if someone in Russia is going to “Начистить репу какому-то перцу/хрену” it means that this person is going to punch someone in the face. Lesson: 10 Funny Russian Phrases You Should Know. (function(d, s, id) { Start Speaking New Languages in minutes: Easy Lessons & Proven Resources. Russian jokes embrace almost all spheres of human life, such as work, family life, and politics. There is only one meaning of this phrase – “Lie”. As in the example below, this expression is sometimes used in its longer form, but most of the time you will simply hear the first part of it—как собака на сене. So, it's ok to hear jokes that are considered racial in Russia. (ya seVODnya savSYEM kak SONnaya MOOha haZHOO)- Today I'm so sleepy and tired. Share with your friends. There are a lot more funny Russian phrases in the Russian language. (DYEtee tak naeeGRAlis', SPYAT seyCHAS bez ZADnih NOG)- The kids have played so much that they are sleeping like logs now. (a TY shtoh staEESH kak v ROT vaDY naBRAL)- And what are you standing here for and not saying anything? Blyat. (nadaYEla BYT' kantseLYARSkai KRYsai)- I'm so tired of being office plankton. 17 Hilarious Russian Swear Words That Will Have You Laughing. This last phrase in our funny Russian phrases means “something was in vain.” In other words, whatever was done went to waste, had no effect or was pointless. to beat someone” or “punch someone in the face. “Руки не доходят” literally means “Hands do not reach,” it REALLY means you do not have time to do something. Old Soviet comedies and jokes have provided a lot of material for some of these sayings, while others originate in modern popular culture and even in classic literature. ◈ заморить червячка Nice! If someone “хлопает ушами”, he is not paying attention to you. So, if you use them, you’ll definitely impress native speakers. …Oh, if you want to learn Russian with a complete Russian learning program — 1000+ audio/video lessons by real teachers – click here to visit RussianPod101 and try them for yourself. That’s good! This phrase is funny, but at least it has some logic. This phrase is used to describe someone who is moving slowly or feeling sleepy. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Конь не валялся (kon’ ne valyalsya) “A horse did not roll around,” the said phrase means that the things that should have been done are not even started yet. Once proven that he was not a camel, the character was asked to bring further evidence of not being a Bactrial camel with two humps, and then again that he wasn't a Himalayan camel (a play on his surname Gimalaisky). In Mother Russia, wacky idiom eat you. - Нет, тут надо осторожно действовать, а то потом доказывай, что не верблюд! There are lots of saying in Russian to tell that only hard work pays. (Russian Proverb) However you feed the wolf, he still looks at the wood. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; It makes the Russian language even funnier, but at the same time, special to foreigners. So of someone if “Вешает лапшу на уши” it means he’s lying like a rug. Want to learn more? – Otto von Bismarck #3 We had a very successful trip to Russia… (TY PRYAM kak saBAka na SYEnye, ee SAM ni AHM, ee drooGHIM nye DAM)- You're like a dog in the manger: you don't want it but you don't want anyone else to have it. The Russian peasants had a habit of giving some time for the horses to lie down before starting work. ◈ Nachistit’ repu kakomu-to pertsu(hrenu). Of course, 10 is not the end. We’ve simplified your search by dividing them into their respective categories. - Ну что ты уставился, как баран на новые ворота? js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/14/1245669914.js"; Imagine you hear “Yes, no, probably” in English; how would you react? Russians often shorten their sayings and expect others to understand what they mean, so don't be surprised if you find yourself missing whole layers of meaning when you don't know a particular saying. It’s like whatever comes form “under a dogs tail.”. Here are some funny Russian idioms for current and would-be language learners. Want to learn more? It’s also one of my favorite funny Russian phrases because who doesn’t like to procrastinate!? (tohl‘-kuh pohs-lee vahs; Only after you!) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. - Дети так наигрались, спят сейчас без задних ног. ◈ Вешать лапшу на уши It will help you connect with fellow Russians who like to joke around with their friends, and most importantly, you’ll recognize when someone else is using it on you! This one is more like, “If you don’t do anything, nothing will change.” 12. Used to express unfairness at being picked to do something unpleasant, this saying is very informal and comes from the idea that being bald or having red hair is rare and can make someone stand out. We bring to you a collection of funny and wise Chinese proverbs and sayings translated into English, about life, love, friendship, food, work, and so much more. Horse pee hole! (PEEshet kak KOOritsa LApay)- His handwriting is like chicken scratch. You may have heard some of these before, and some might be completely new to you. Pronunciation: medVED' NA ooha nastooPEEL, Translation: a bear has stepped onto one's ear. These uniquely Russian expressions don’t translate literally to English and aren’t essential to everyday conversation, but recognizing these expressions in speech and using them with ease can make you sound like a real Russian! Looking for some Russian proverbs, sayings and idioms? This is an incomprehensible phrase for any foreigner and this is not surprising. Just leave a comment! (a ty eem DAI na LApoo, aNEE i praPOOStyat)- Give them some money and they will let us through. Most of the time authors of the funny stories are unknown. 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