# Russian

/ˈɹəʃən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/russian
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a person

noun · CEFR A1

a person from Russia.

For teachers: a citizen of Russia or a person of Russian ethnic descent.

- She met a friendly Russian while she was traveling through Europe.
- The delegation included a prominent Russian who had spent decades working in international diplomacy.

### 2. the language

noun · CEFR A1

the language that people speak in Russia.

For teachers: the East Slavic language spoken primarily in Russia and other parts of the former Soviet Union.

- He is learning to speak Russian because he wants to work in Moscow.
- Although the grammar is complex, many students find that learning Russian opens up a vast world of classical literature.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the language itself.

### 3. relating to Russia

adjective · CEFR A1

coming from or related to Russia.

For teachers: of or pertaining to Russia, its people, its culture, or its language.

- We went to a local restaurant to try some traditional Russian food.
- The museum houses an extensive collection of Russian art, ranging from medieval icons to modern avant-garde paintings.

### 4. a type of sausage

noun · CEFR B2 · Dialect

a type of spicy sausage popular in South Africa.

For teachers: a specific variety of precooked, spicy sausage commonly sold in South Africa, derived from Eastern European kolbasa.

- He ordered a portion of chips and a Russian for lunch.
- In South African fast-food culture, a 'Russian and chips' is a ubiquitous and affordable meal option.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to South African English; outside of this region, people will assume you are talking about a person.

### 5. a gun

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

a slang word for a gun.

For teachers: a slang term for a firearm, specifically associated with gang culture and a preference for Russian-made weapons.

- The lyrics of the song mentioned someone carrying a Russian.
- The detective noted that the term 'Russian' was frequently used in intercepted communications to refer to illicit firearms.

Teaching tip: This is highly specific street slang; avoid using it in any standard or professional context.

## Examples

- She speaks Russian very well.
- The museum guide explained the history of the painting in both Russian and English for the tourists.
- While many people in the region are fluent in Russian, the local dialect often incorporates unique loanwords that reflect the area's complex history of cultural exchange.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.