What Russian words do English speakers already know?

While Russian is often called one of the hardest languages for English-speakers to master, historical links between the English- and Russian-speaking worlds mean that many words (once you’ve mastered the alphabet!) will be familiar to Russian learners. This blog post explores the fascinating journey of Russian words into the English language, highlighting their origins, meanings, and the contexts in which they have become part of everyday English. This is also the case with other languages, such as French.

The incorporation of Russian words into English is relatively recent compared to borrowings from Latin, French, or German. Most Russian terms entered English during the 19th and 20th centuries, a period marked by significant political, cultural, and scientific interactions between Russia and the Western world. The Cold War era, in particular, played a crucial role in this linguistic exchange, as geopolitical tensions and the ensuing fascination with Russian culture, politics, and science led to the adoption of numerous Russian terms.

Common Russian Words in English

Sputnik (Спутник)

   Originating from the Russian word for “satellite” or “companion,” *Sputnik* became globally recognized after the Soviet Union launched the world’s first artificial satellite in 1957. The term now symbolizes pioneering achievements in space exploration and is often used metaphorically to describe groundbreaking events or innovations.

Tsar (Царь)

   Derived from the Latin Caesar, meaning emperor, *tsar* refers to the monarchs who ruled Russia from the 16th century until the early 20th century. In English, it is used both in historical contexts and metaphorically to describe someone with great power or authority, especially in a non-political context (e.g., “drug tsar”).

Borscht (Борщ)

   This word denotes a traditional Eastern European beet soup, widely associated with Russian cuisine. Borscht has become a staple in culinary lexicons, especially in contexts related to Eastern European food.

Troika (Тройка)  

 Meaning “group of three” in Russian, troika originally referred to a traditional Russian sleigh or carriage drawn by three horses abreast. In English, it is often used to describe a group or set of three individuals or entities, particularly in political or organisational contexts.

Perestroika (Перестройка)

 This term gained prominence during the late 1980s when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev introduced a series of political and economic reforms aimed at restructuring the Soviet system. *Perestroika* has since entered the English lexicon as a synonym for restructuring or reform.

Glasnost (Гласность)

   Alongside perestroika, glasnost, meaning “openness,” was another key policy of Gorbachev’s reforms, promoting transparency and freedom of information in the Soviet Union. In English, it signifies openness and transparency, particularly in governmental or organizational contexts.