Russian
10 Russian swear words you'll actually hear
A traveller's shortlist of Russian expletives, insults and exclamations — what they mean, and how strong they are.
Every language swears differently. This guide collects 10 Russian expressions you're genuinely likely to hear — from mild exclamations to properly strong stuff — and explains what each one actually means, not just its dictionary translation.
Burn Ratings are an approximate, cross-language heuristic. Context, region, tone and who's speaking all change how a word lands. Treat these as a guide, not gospel.
- хуй 5/5 · Extreme
khuy
This is a very vulgar term for 'penis' and is often used in various swear phrases.
Full entry → - ебать 5/5 · Extreme
yebat
Literally “have sex”. This is a very vulgar way to say 'to fuck.'
Full entry → - идти на хуй 5/5 · Extreme
idti na khuy
This phrase is a strong way to tell someone to fuck off, essentially dismissing them with a harsh command. The literal translation is 'go onto a penis,' but it's used more for its aggressive intent than for any literal meaning.
Full entry → - пиздец 5/5 · Extreme
pizdets
This is used to describe an extreme disaster or a strong expression of shock. It can also convey astonishment in a non-literal sense.
Full entry → - долбоёб 5/5 · Extreme
dolboyob
This is a very strong insult aimed at someone perceived as extremely foolish or stupid. It's a harsh way to call someone an idiot.
Full entry → - ебать-копать 4/5 · Strong
yebat-kopat
Literally “fuck-dig”. This is a strong, somewhat humorous expression used to convey surprise or irritation.
Full entry → - заебись 4/5 · Strong
zayebis
It's a very vulgar way to say something is great or excellent. It can also be used sarcastically, depending on the tone.
Full entry → - жопа 3/5 · Vulgar
zhopa
Literally “buttocks”. This is a coarse term for the backside, but it’s also used to describe a disastrous situation. It’s quite versatile in its application.
Full entry → - проебать 4/5 · Strong
proyebat
It means to lose, waste, or miss something in a very vulgar way. It's often used in a figurative sense rather than a literal one.
Full entry → - на хер 3/5 · Vulgar
na kher
This phrase is used to dismiss something or someone emphatically, similar to saying 'fuck off' in English. It's a bit less intense than the more common 'на хуй.'
Full entry →