I'm learning русский

парень — meaning in English: guy

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

Guess the translation for lad
инфляция
inflyatsiya
дорога
doroga
парень
paren'
прибытие
pribytiye
шок
shok
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
informal very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'парень' in informal settings, such as casual conversations among friends or when talking about a young man in a relaxed way. For instance, you might hear it while discussing plans for a night out or when referring to a boyfriend or male friend.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'парень' translates to 'guy', a close synonym is 'молодой человек' (molodoy chelovek), which is more formal and can imply a sense of respect. You would choose 'парень' over 'молодой человек' in casual contexts, where a laid-back tone is preferred.
Culture
'Парень' is derived from the Old Slavic word 'паръ,' which referred to a young man or lad. In contemporary Russian culture, the term has retained its informal charm, often used to describe not just any guy, but someone young and full of energy, frequently evoking a sense of camaraderie among peers.
FAQ
Q.What does парень mean in English?
'Парень' means 'guy' in English and is commonly used to refer to young men in informal situations.
Q.Can I use парень to talk about older men?
'Парень' is typically used for younger men, so using it for older men might sound disrespectful. For older individuals, it's better to use terms like 'мужчина' (muzhchina) which means 'man.'
Q.Is парень used to describe friends?
Yes, 'парень' is often used to refer to male friends or peers in a friendly and informal way. For example, you might say, 'Это мой парень' which translates to 'This is my guy/friend.'
Learn russian with Maspeak →
Russian 2000