Bedeutung
Someone who does not fit in.
Kultureller Hintergrund
During the Soviet period, the 'white crow' was often a tragic figure. In a society that prioritized the collective, being different was often equated with being a dissident or mentally unstable. Today, being a 'white crow' is often seen as a badge of honor among Gen Z and Millennials in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, representing 'individuality' (индивидуальность). The 'white crow' is a cousin to the 'Superfluous Man' (лишний человек) trope in 19th-century literature (like Onegin or Pechorin)—men who were too educated or sensitive for their society. The 1980s 'Leningrad Rock Club' scene embraced the 'white crow' identity to protest the 'grey' stagnation of late Soviet life.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about the gender of the person you're describing. 'Белая ворона' is a grammatically feminine phrase that applies to everyone.
Don't say 'Black Sheep'
While 'чёрная овца' is understood, it sounds like a translation from English. Stick to the crow to sound like a native.
Bedeutung
Someone who does not fit in.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about the gender of the person you're describing. 'Белая ворона' is a grammatically feminine phrase that applies to everyone.
Don't say 'Black Sheep'
While 'чёрная овца' is understood, it sounds like a translation from English. Stick to the crow to sound like a native.
Use with 'Чувствовать себя'
The most natural way to use this is with the verb 'чувствовать себя' (to feel like). Remember to use the instrumental case: 'белой вороной'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
В нашей семье все врачи, а я художник. Я чувствую себя ... .
After 'чувствую себя' (I feel like), we use the instrumental case: 'белой вороной'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a man?
Choose the correct sentence:
The idiom 'белая ворона' is feminine even when it refers to a male subject.
Match the person to the description 'белая ворона'.
Who is the 'белая ворона' here?
A 'white crow' is someone who stands out by being different from the rest of the group.
Complete the dialogue.
— Почему ты не идешь в клуб со всеми? — Я не люблю громкую музыку. — Ну ты и ... !
The speaker is noting that the other person is different from the group.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenВ нашей семье все врачи, а я художник. Я чувствую себя ... .
After 'чувствую себя' (I feel like), we use the instrumental case: 'белой вороной'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The idiom 'белая ворона' is feminine even when it refers to a male subject.
Who is the 'белая ворона' here?
A 'white crow' is someone who stands out by being different from the rest of the group.
— Почему ты не идешь в клуб со всеми? — Я не люблю громкую музыку. — Ну ты и ... !
The speaker is noting that the other person is different from the group.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot necessarily. It's usually a neutral observation. It can even be a compliment for someone creative or brave.
Yes, absolutely. 'Он — белая ворона' is the correct way to say it.
The plural is 'белые вороны'. For example: 'Они были белыми воронами в этом городе.'
Mostly, but 'black sheep' often implies the person is 'bad' or a 'disgrace,' while 'white crow' just means they are 'different.'
It's almost always used for people. For objects, you'd just say 'необычный' or 'редкий'.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a newspaper article or a business meeting.
Because crows are usually black, so a white one is the most visible contrast possible in the bird world.
No. 'Ворон' (Raven) is a different bird. The idiom specifically uses 'ворона' (Crow).
No, you have to use 'быть' (to be), 'стать' (to become), or 'выглядеть' (to look like).
Often, yes. Being a white crow usually means you don't have many people who understand you in your immediate circle.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Редкая птица
synonymA rare bird.
Не от мира сего
similarNot of this world.
Как все
contrastLike everyone else.
Плыть против течения
builds onTo swim against the current.
