Translation guide
How to refer to the Russian language, Russian people, or things from Russia in Japanese.
Referring to the Russian language in general, or saying something is in Russian.
The standard word for the Russian language. Used in most contexts.
ロシア語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Russian.
これはロシア語で何と言いますか。
How do you say this in Russian?
An abbreviation using the kanji 露 for Russia. Rare and somewhat dated; mostly seen in written contexts or compound words.
露語の文献を読む。
Read Russian-language documents.
Referring to a person or people from Russia.
Standard term for a Russian person. Can be singular or plural.
彼はロシア人です。
He is Russian.
ロシア人はウォッカが好きだと言われている。
It is said that Russians like vodka.
Kanji abbreviation for Russian person. Rare and formal, mostly in historical or written contexts.
露人の作家
a Russian author
Describing things that are Russian in origin or style (food, culture, products, etc.).
Use ロシアの before a noun to mean 'Russian' as an adjective. This is the most common and natural way.
ロシアの文学が好きです。
I like Russian literature.
ロシアの料理を食べたことがありますか。
Have you ever eaten Russian food?
Kanji prefix meaning 'Russian' used in compounds like 露文学 (Russian literature). Very formal and rare.
露文学を専攻する。
Major in Russian literature.
The English word 'Russian' is sometimes rendered as ロシアン in katakana, but this is not standard Japanese. Use ロシアの for adjectives and ロシア語/ロシア人 for nouns.
× ロシアンレストラン
Not natural for 'Russian restaurant'
○ ロシア料理のレストラン
Natural: restaurant serving Russian food