женщина — meaning in English: female

zhenshchina · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for female

Экономика

Ekonomika

ночь

noch'

Процессор

Protsessor

опыт

opyt

женщина

zhenshchina

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Russian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'женщина' in everyday conversations to refer to women in various contexts, such as discussing family members, friends, or colleagues. For example, you might hear it in a sentence like, 'Эта женщина работает в больнице' (This woman works at the hospital), highlighting its use in both casual and professional settings.

Synonyms & nuances

'женщина' is a straightforward term for 'woman,' while 'дама' (dama) might be used in more formal contexts to indicate elegance or social status. Choosing 'женщина' over 'дама' conveys a more neutral tone, which is suited for everyday discussions rather than formal introductions.

Culture

'женщина' has its roots in the Old Church Slavonic language, which adds a layer of historical significance to its usage. In Russian culture, the notion of 'женщина' is often tied to traditional gender roles, yet modern contexts increasingly celebrate female empowerment and equality, making the word a reflection of evolving societal values.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of the word 'женщина'?

'женщина' is pronounced as 'zhenshchina.' It combines the sounds for 'zh,' 'ensh,' and 'china,' with the emphasis typically on the first syllable.

Q.Are there different forms of the word 'женщина' in Russian?

Yes, the word 'женщина' is a feminine noun and can be used in different grammatical cases. For instance, in the genitive case, it becomes 'женщины,' which can change based on the sentence structure.

Q.Can 'женщина' be used in a derogatory way?

'женщина' itself is a neutral term, but context matters. It can be used negatively if combined with derogatory adjectives or in a dismissive tone, which can shape its perception in conversation.

Learn russian with Maspeak →

Russian 2000