Language
Russian swear words
A guide to swearing in Russian: 100 words and phrases from the Swear Atlas catalogue, organised from mild to strong and explained in plain English. Every entry links to its full page with meaning, pronunciation and a 1–5 Burn Rating.
Common Russian swear words
The recognisable everyday expressions, with what each one actually means.
- на фиг · na fig It's a milder way to express dismissal or frustration, similar to saying 'to hell with it.' 2/5 · Coarse
- дурак · durak It means idiot or fool, often used as an insult. It's a straightforward way to call someone stupid. 2/5 · Coarse
- едрить колотить · yedrit kolotit This is a humorous way to express surprise or frustration, akin to saying 'holy shit' in English. It's a softer version of stronger Russian swearing. 2/5 · Coarse
- идиот · idiot It's a direct insult for someone considered a fool or stupid. While it literally translates to 'idiot', it’s not as harsh as some other insults. 2/5 · Coarse
- лох · lokh It's an insult for someone who's seen as a gullible loser or a sucker. It often implies they've been easily deceived. 2/5 · Coarse
- ни фига · ni figa It means 'nothing at all' or can express surprise. The full phrase gives it more context in conversation. 2/5 · Coarse
- отстой · otstoy It refers to something lousy or rubbish. The literal translation is 'sediment,' but here it’s about quality. 2/5 · Coarse
- офигеть · ofiget This means to express amazement, disbelief, or indignation. It's a softer way to react to something surprising or outrageous. 2/5 · Coarse
Milder expressions
Gentler exclamations and everyday grumbles.
- пукать · pukat This is a mild or childish way to say 'to fart.' It's not particularly offensive and is often used in a lighthearted context. 1/5 · Mild
- дурак · durak It means idiot or fool, often used as an insult. It's a straightforward way to call someone stupid. 2/5 · Coarse
- едрить колотить · yedrit kolotit This is a humorous way to express surprise or frustration, akin to saying 'holy shit' in English. It's a softer version of stronger Russian swearing. 2/5 · Coarse
- идиот · idiot It's a direct insult for someone considered a fool or stupid. While it literally translates to 'idiot', it’s not as harsh as some other insults. 2/5 · Coarse
- лох · lokh It's an insult for someone who's seen as a gullible loser or a sucker. It often implies they've been easily deceived. 2/5 · Coarse
- на фиг · na fig It's a milder way to express dismissal or frustration, similar to saying 'to hell with it.' 2/5 · Coarse
- ни фига · ni figa It means 'nothing at all' or can express surprise. The full phrase gives it more context in conversation. 2/5 · Coarse
- отстой · otstoy It refers to something lousy or rubbish. The literal translation is 'sediment,' but here it’s about quality. 2/5 · Coarse
Stronger stuff
The heavier end of the scale — handle with care.
- долбоёб · 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. 5/5 · Extreme
- ебать · yebat Literally “have sex”. This is a very vulgar way to say 'to fuck.' 5/5 · Extreme
- завали ебало · zavali yebalo This is an extremely rude way to tell someone to shut up. Literally, it translates to 'shut the face.' 5/5 · Extreme
- заебать · zayebat This is a very vulgar way to say that someone is exhausting or seriously annoying you. It can also have sexual connotations depending on the context. 5/5 · Extreme
- идти на хуй · 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. 5/5 · Extreme
- на хуй · na khuy This phrase is used as a very strong dismissive or emphatic expression, often to convey anger or frustration. Literally, it translates to 'onto the penis.' 5/5 · Extreme
- на хуя · na khuya This is a very rude way to ask 'why?' or 'what for?'. It's not the same as just dismissing something with 'на хуй'. 5/5 · Extreme
- ни хуя · ni khuya This phrase is used to express 'nothing' or to emphasize a negation, often in a very forceful way. It’s extremely vulgar and can convey surprise or intensity depending on the context. 5/5 · Extreme
Russian insults
Words aimed at a person rather than shouted at the world.
- долбоёб · 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. 5/5 · Extreme
- завали ебало · zavali yebalo This is an extremely rude way to tell someone to shut up. Literally, it translates to 'shut the face.' 5/5 · Extreme
- идти на хуй · 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. 5/5 · Extreme
- отъебись · otyebis This is a very strong way to tell someone to leave you the fuck alone. It's a direct and aggressive dismissal. 5/5 · Extreme
- хуило · khuilo It's a very harsh insult aimed at a contemptible person, often used to demean someone's character. It doesn't have a specific ethnic connotation, just a general sense of disdain. 5/5 · Extreme
- гандон · gandon This is a derogatory term for a contemptible person, often used to insult someone's character. Literally, it translates to 'condom.' 4/5 · Strong
- говноед · govnoyed It's a strong personal insult, essentially calling someone a 'shit eater.' 4/5 · Strong
- ебало · yebalo Literally “face/mouth”. This is a very coarse term for someone's face or mouth, often used to insult someone directly. It carries a strong negative connotation. 4/5 · Strong
Expressions & phrases
Multi-word expressions and set phrases.
- едрить колотить · yedrit kolotit This is a humorous way to express surprise or frustration, akin to saying 'holy shit' in English. It's a softer version of stronger Russian swearing. 2/5 · Coarse
- на фиг · na fig It's a milder way to express dismissal or frustration, similar to saying 'to hell with it.' 2/5 · Coarse
- ни фига · ni figa It means 'nothing at all' or can express surprise. The full phrase gives it more context in conversation. 2/5 · Coarse
- чёрт возьми · chyort vozmi Literally “devil take it”. It's an exclamation similar to 'damn it.' 2/5 · Coarse
- говно собачье · govno sobachye This is a dismissive way to call something worthless, essentially saying it's as bad as dog shit. It can also be used literally to refer to actual dog feces. 3/5 · Vulgar
- как два пальца обоссать · kak dva paltsa obossat Literally “like pissing on two fingers”. This phrase means something is very easy to do. It uses a crude metaphor to emphasize simplicity. 3/5 · Vulgar
- на хер · 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.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- пасть закрой · past zakroy It's a very rude command to tell someone to shut up. The phrase literally translates to 'shut the animal mouth,' which adds an extra layer of insult. 3/5 · Vulgar
How to pronounce them
An English-friendly “sounds like” cue for each.
- пукать · pukat Sounds like “POO-kat”. 1/5 · Mild
- дурак · durak Sounds like “doo-RAK”. 2/5 · Coarse
- едрить колотить · yedrit kolotit Sounds like “YED-rit koh-loh-TIT”. 2/5 · Coarse
- идиот · idiot Sounds like “ee-DEE-ot”. 2/5 · Coarse
- лох · lokh Sounds like “LOKH”. 2/5 · Coarse
- на фиг · na fig Sounds like “nah feeg”. 2/5 · Coarse
- ни фига · ni figa Sounds like “nee FEE-gah”. 2/5 · Coarse
- отстой · otstoy Sounds like “ot-STOY”. 2/5 · Coarse
Curious literal translations
What these expressions say word-for-word, versus what they really mean.
- хреновый · khrenovy Literally “horseradish-related” — It means lousy or bad, often used to describe something disappointing. The literal translation relates to horseradish, but that's not the focus here. 2/5 · Coarse
- чёрт возьми · chyort vozmi Literally “devil take it” — It's an exclamation similar to 'damn it.' 2/5 · Coarse
- говно · govno Literally “excrement” — It means 'shit' and can refer to something of poor quality or contemptible. It's a straightforward insult or expression of disdain. 3/5 · Vulgar
- дерьмо · dermo Literally “excrement” — This means 'shit' or 'crap', and can also refer to something worthless. It's used in both literal and figurative contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- жопа · 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. 3/5 · Vulgar
- как два пальца обоссать · kak dva paltsa obossat Literally “like pissing on two fingers” — This phrase means something is very easy to do. It uses a crude metaphor to emphasize simplicity. 3/5 · Vulgar
- ссать · ssat Literally “urinate” — It means to piss, used as a vulgar term for urination. It can also be used figuratively to express fear or cowardice. 3/5 · Vulgar
- ебало · yebalo Literally “face/mouth” — This is a very coarse term for someone's face or mouth, often used to insult someone directly. It carries a strong negative connotation. 4/5 · Strong
How strong is Russian swearing?
Burn Rating spread across all 100 Russian entries (1 = mild, 5 = extreme).
- 1 · Mild 1
- 2 · Coarse 13
- 3 · Vulgar 35
- 4 · Strong 36
- 5 · Extreme 15
All Russian words A–Z
Г
- гандон · gandon This is a derogatory term for a contemptible person, often used to insult someone's character. Literally, it translates to 'condom.' 4/5 · Strong
- говнище · govnishche It means something really awful or terrible, often used for emphasis. Literally, it translates to 'big shit.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- говно · govno It means 'shit' and can refer to something of poor quality or contemptible. It's a straightforward insult or expression of disdain. 3/5 · Vulgar
- говно собачье · govno sobachye This is a dismissive way to call something worthless, essentially saying it's as bad as dog shit. It can also be used literally to refer to actual dog feces. 3/5 · Vulgar
- говноед · govnoyed It's a strong personal insult, essentially calling someone a 'shit eater.' 4/5 · Strong
- говнюк · govnyuk It's an insult that means 'shit person,' akin to calling someone a little shit. It's often used to express disdain for someone's character or actions. 3/5 · Vulgar
Д
- дерьмо · dermo This means 'shit' or 'crap', and can also refer to something worthless. It's used in both literal and figurative contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- дерьмовый · dermovy It describes something as bad, lousy, or worthless. The literal translation relates to the quality of being 'shitty.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- доебаться · doyebatsya It means to pester or pick on someone, often in a very annoying way. It's used for intrusive criticism or harassment. 4/5 · Strong
- долбоёб · 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. 5/5 · Extreme
- дристать · dristat It means to have diarrhoea, used in a coarse way to describe the act of shitting yourself. It's more about the act than a polite reference to a bodily function. 3/5 · Vulgar
- дурак · durak It means idiot or fool, often used as an insult. It's a straightforward way to call someone stupid. 2/5 · Coarse
Е
- ебало · yebalo This is a very coarse term for someone's face or mouth, often used to insult someone directly. It carries a strong negative connotation. 4/5 · Strong
- ебать · yebat This is a very vulgar way to say 'to fuck.' 5/5 · Extreme
- ебать-копать · yebat-kopat This is a strong, somewhat humorous expression used to convey surprise or irritation. 4/5 · Strong
- еблан · yeblan It's a very rude way to call someone an idiot or a jerk. Essentially, it’s an insult aimed at someone's intelligence or character. 4/5 · Strong
- едрить колотить · yedrit kolotit This is a humorous way to express surprise or frustration, akin to saying 'holy shit' in English. It's a softer version of stronger Russian swearing. 2/5 · Coarse
Ё
- ёбаный · yobany It serves as a very vulgar intensifier, similar to how we use 'fucking' in English. It often modifies a noun rather than relating to sex directly. 4/5 · Strong
- ёбнуть · yobnut This is a very vulgar way to say to hit, fall, or do something suddenly. The context can imply actual violence or just a sudden action. 4/5 · Strong
Ж
- жопа · zhopa 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. 3/5 · Vulgar
- жополиз · zhopoliz This is an insult used for someone who is a sycophant or excessively flattering towards others, often to gain favor. Literally, it translates to 'arse licker.' 3/5 · Vulgar
З
- завали ебало · zavali yebalo This is an extremely rude way to tell someone to shut up. Literally, it translates to 'shut the face.' 5/5 · Extreme
- заебать · zayebat This is a very vulgar way to say that someone is exhausting or seriously annoying you. It can also have sexual connotations depending on the context. 5/5 · Extreme
- заебись · zayebis It's a very vulgar way to say something is great or excellent. It can also be used sarcastically, depending on the tone. 4/5 · Strong
- засранец · zasranets It's an insult similar to calling someone a little shit or a bastard. Literally, it refers to a person soiled with excrement, which adds a layer of disgust. 3/5 · Vulgar
- засрать · zasrat It means to dirty or spoil something, often in a messy way. Literally, it translates to 'cover in shit.' 3/5 · Vulgar
И
- идиот · idiot It's a direct insult for someone considered a fool or stupid. While it literally translates to 'idiot', it’s not as harsh as some other insults. 2/5 · Coarse
- идти на хуй · 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. 5/5 · Extreme
К
- как два пальца обоссать · kak dva paltsa obossat This phrase means something is very easy to do. It uses a crude metaphor to emphasize simplicity. 3/5 · Vulgar
- козёл · kozyol This is an insult used for a nasty or objectionable man, similar to calling someone a 'dick' in English. The literal translation is 'male goat', but that's not how it's used in conversation. 3/5 · Vulgar
Л
М
- мразь · mraz It’s a strong insult that refers to someone as scum or filth, implying they are morally reprehensible. It carries a heavy connotation of disdain. 4/5 · Strong
- мудак · mudak It's a vulgar insult meaning 'asshole' or 'jerk.' It's specifically aimed at men, implying they're a real piece of work. 4/5 · Strong
- мудила · mudila It's a vulgar insult for someone considered an asshole or generally objectionable. Think of it as calling someone a real piece of shit. 4/5 · Strong
- мудозвон · mudozvon It's a derogatory term for someone who talks a lot without saying anything meaningful, essentially calling them a fool. It criticizes their speech or behavior. 3/5 · Vulgar
Н
- на фиг · na fig It's a milder way to express dismissal or frustration, similar to saying 'to hell with it.' 2/5 · Coarse
- на хер · 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.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- на хуй · na khuy This phrase is used as a very strong dismissive or emphatic expression, often to convey anger or frustration. Literally, it translates to 'onto the penis.' 5/5 · Extreme
- на хуя · na khuya This is a very rude way to ask 'why?' or 'what for?'. It's not the same as just dismissing something with 'на хуй'. 5/5 · Extreme
- наебать · nayebat This means to deceive or cheat someone, often in a very blatant way. It's a strong term that conveys a significant breach of trust. 4/5 · Strong
- насрать · nasrat It means to not give a shit about something. The literal translation is 'to shit onto,' which emphasizes a lack of concern. 3/5 · Vulgar
- ни фига · ni figa It means 'nothing at all' or can express surprise. The full phrase gives it more context in conversation. 2/5 · Coarse
- ни хуя · ni khuya This phrase is used to express 'nothing' or to emphasize a negation, often in a very forceful way. It’s extremely vulgar and can convey surprise or intensity depending on the context. 5/5 · Extreme
О
- обосраться · obosratsya It means to soil oneself or to fail badly, often in a moment of fear. The literal translation is 'shit oneself.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- обоссаться · obossatsya It means to piss oneself, either literally or as a reaction to something extremely funny or surprising. The context will tell you if it's about actually wetting yourself or just being overwhelmed with laughter. 3/5 · Vulgar
- отстой · otstoy It refers to something lousy or rubbish. The literal translation is 'sediment,' but here it’s about quality. 2/5 · Coarse
- отъебаться · otyebatsya It means to stop bothering someone or to leave them alone. The context will clarify who it's aimed at. 4/5 · Strong
- отъебись · otyebis This is a very strong way to tell someone to leave you the fuck alone. It's a direct and aggressive dismissal. 5/5 · Extreme
- офигеть · ofiget This means to express amazement, disbelief, or indignation. It's a softer way to react to something surprising or outrageous. 2/5 · Coarse
- охренеть · okhrenet This is used to express shock or disbelief in a blunt manner. It's a step down in intensity from a stronger equivalent. 3/5 · Vulgar
- охуенный · okhuyenny This is a very vulgar way to say something is excellent or enormous. It’s often used to express excitement or approval. 4/5 · Strong
- охуеть · okhuyet This is a very vulgar way to express being stunned, shocked, or outraged. It can convey both positive and negative surprise depending on the context. 5/5 · Extreme
- охуительно · okhuitelno This means something is fucking amazing or extremely impressive. It's a very strong intensifier. 4/5 · Strong
П
- падла · padla It's a strong insult used to describe someone as rotten or treacherous, implying they're despicable. Literally, it translates to 'carrion.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- пасть закрой · past zakroy It's a very rude command to tell someone to shut up. The phrase literally translates to 'shut the animal mouth,' which adds an extra layer of insult. 3/5 · Vulgar
- пердеть · perdet It means to fart, referring to the act of passing gas. It's a straightforward term without any hidden meanings. 2/5 · Coarse
- пиздатый · pizdaty This is a very vulgar way to say something is excellent or cool. It's a strong compliment but definitely not polite. 4/5 · Strong
- пиздёж · pizdyozh This is a very vulgar term for lies or bullshit. It's not just a simple disagreement; it's a strong accusation of dishonesty. 4/5 · Strong
- пиздеть · pizdet It means to lie or talk nonsense in a very vulgar way. It's a strong term for dismissing what someone is saying as bullshit. 4/5 · Strong
- пиздец · 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. 5/5 · Extreme
- пиздобол · pizdobol It's a very vulgar term used to insult someone as a liar or a blabbermouth. It criticizes their honesty and what comes out of their mouth. 4/5 · Strong
- пиздюк · pizdyuk It's a very vulgar insult for a brat or a contemptible young person. Think of it as a harsh way to call someone a little shit. 4/5 · Strong
- подъебать · podyebat This means to tease or mock someone, often in a playful or sarcastic manner. It can also imply setting someone up for a fall. 4/5 · Strong
- полный пиздец · polny pizdets This means a total mess or disaster, used to express strong frustration or disbelief about a situation. 5/5 · Extreme
- посрать · posrat It means 'to have a shit' and can also imply disregarding something in certain contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- похуй · pokhuy It expresses a complete lack of concern or indifference about something. It's often used to convey that someone doesn't give a shit about a situation. 5/5 · Extreme
- придурок · pridurok It's a derogatory term for someone perceived as a fool or idiot. It's not a clinical term, just an insult for someone acting stupid. 3/5 · Vulgar
- проебать · 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. 4/5 · Strong
- просрать · prosrat It means to squander or lose an opportunity, often in a careless way. The literal translation is 'shit away.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- пукать · pukat This is a mild or childish way to say 'to fart.' It's not particularly offensive and is often used in a lighthearted context. 1/5 · Mild
С
- сволочь · svoloch This is a strong insult used to describe someone as despicable or contemptible. It's a term that conveys deep moral disdain. 4/5 · Strong
- скотина · skotina It refers to a brute or nasty person, essentially calling someone an animal. The literal translation is 'livestock', but in this context, it’s an insult. 3/5 · Vulgar
- спиздить · spizdit This is a very vulgar way to say 'to steal.' It's a harsh term that conveys a strong sense of wrongdoing. 4/5 · Strong
- срать · srat This means to shit, used as a vulgar verb in everyday language. It literally translates to 'defecate.' 3/5 · Vulgar
- срач · srach A filthy mess or an angry quarrel, particularly in online contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- ссать · ssat It means to piss, used as a vulgar term for urination. It can also be used figuratively to express fear or cowardice. 3/5 · Vulgar
- съебаться · syebatsya This is a very vulgar way to say 'get out' or 'leave quickly.' 4/5 · Strong
Т
У
- ублюдок · ublyudok This is a strong insult similar to calling someone a bastard. It originally referred to someone of mixed or illegitimate birth, but now it's used more generally to insult someone. 4/5 · Strong
- уёбывать · uyobyvat This is a very vulgar way to say 'to leave' or 'to get out.' It's often used in a dismissive or aggressive context. 4/5 · Strong
Х
- хер · kher This is a coarse term for 'penis' and is often used as a substitute for stronger swearing. It's commonly employed in dismissive or derogatory contexts. 3/5 · Vulgar
- хер с ним · kher s nim This means 'to hell with it' or 'let it go,' expressing a resigned dismissal of a situation or person. 3/5 · Vulgar
- херовый · kherovy It means lousy or shitty, used to describe something that's really not good. It's a bit less harsh than хуёвый, but still pretty rude. 3/5 · Vulgar
- хрен · khren This term literally means 'horseradish' but is often used as a mild-to-coarse substitute for stronger swearing, especially in sexual contexts. 2/5 · Coarse
- хреновый · khrenovy It means lousy or bad, often used to describe something disappointing. The literal translation relates to horseradish, but that's not the focus here. 2/5 · Coarse
- хуёво · khuyovo This is a very vulgar way to say something is bad or that things are going terribly. It's a strong expression of negativity. 4/5 · Strong
- хуёвый · khuyovy It's a very vulgar way to describe something as bad or shitty. It carries a strong negative connotation. 4/5 · Strong
- хуеплёт · khuyeplet This is a very vulgar insult aimed at someone who talks too much or is considered a useless blabbermouth. 4/5 · Strong
- хуило · khuilo It's a very harsh insult aimed at a contemptible person, often used to demean someone's character. It doesn't have a specific ethnic connotation, just a general sense of disdain. 5/5 · Extreme
- хуй · khuy This is a very vulgar term for 'penis' and is often used in various swear phrases. 5/5 · Extreme
- хуй пинать · khuy pinat It means to do nothing or waste time. The literal translation is 'kick a penis,' but that's not how it's used. 4/5 · Strong
- хуйней страдать · khuyney stradat It means to waste time on nonsense or pointless activity. The literal translation is 'suffer from bullshit.' 4/5 · Strong
- хуйня · khuynya This is a very vulgar term for nonsense or rubbish, often used to refer to something unspecified or worthless. 4/5 · Strong
Ч
- чёрт · chyort It expresses mild frustration, similar to saying 'damn' or 'hell.' The word literally means 'devil' in Russian, which adds a bit of flair to its usage. 2/5 · Coarse
- чёрт возьми · chyort vozmi It's an exclamation similar to 'damn it.' 2/5 · Coarse
- чмо · chmo It's a contemptuous insult aimed at someone seen as pathetic or worthless. Essentially, it's calling someone a loser. 3/5 · Vulgar
- чмошник · chmoshnik It's an insult for someone considered pathetic or contemptible. Essentially, it’s calling someone a loser or a worthless person. 3/5 · Vulgar