What’s the Best Russian Word or Phrase to Adopt into English Common Usage?

Among the many languages, Russian stands out for its unique and expressive words. Here are a few that would bring a fresh, nuanced perspective to the English language.

The Power of 'Отучиться'

One term to consider for adoption is отучиться, which means “to get used to not…” In English, we can adapt to something, but there’s no equivalent phrase for not getting used to something disappearing. This provides a fascinating semantic nuance that encourages us to reflect on temporary changes rather than permanent ones.

Top Three Picks for Russian_words in English

Item #1: Ишь!

ishy! The closest English equivalent might be “take a gander at this!” or “I can’t believe I’m seeing this!” This exclamation is used to point out something objectionable or ridiculous.

How do I unsee this? Да, явно старался!!

Example:

Ишь вырядился!

“Yuck, these clothes are simply ridiculous!”

Note that this exclamation strongly suggests a sense of disapproval mixed with a touch of glee in being right. An American might express a similar sentiment using “Damn” or “Blimey!” while still showing a touch of personal satisfaction.

Item #2: А и то!

ay i-to! This exclamation, pronounced “eye-ee-tów” with a sharp drop at the end, highlights a sudden and unexpected positive idea or suggestion. There’s no direct English equivalent, but it’s closest to something like “Great idea never thought about it!” or “This is new horizons, isn’t it?”

Example:

Let’s forget this thing the boss asked us to do and go get some beers. — А и то!

If your work colleague suddenly shows you some breast at the far end of a Christmas corporate party, you might respond with:

А и то! – Let’s take a gander at this and see if we can make something of it, shall we?

Item #3: Собаки!

sobáki! This term, pronounced “sabáki” with a hard long “b,” is an extremely useful exclamation. It’s a versatile expression of concern, empathy, or mild outrage. There’s no direct translation, as it conveys a complex mix of emotions.

Examples:

Act of God Enemies of the Queen Idiots who shouldn’t be allowed to drive a car Insects that bite you while you sleep in the sun

After the fall of the Soviet Union, this term was particularly useful for expressing outrage or disappointment towards anti-Semitic propaganda. For instance:

Regardless of the source, something you might say is: Собаки! This would convey both disappointment and indignation.

Conclusion

Adding Russian phrases like отучиться, ишь!, and собаки! into the English language could enrich its expressive capacity. These words bring a unique flavor and nuance that English currently lacks, offering new ways to express a range of emotions and situations. Whether in humor, exclamation, or even formal discourse, these terms could well find their place in everyday English use.