Bedeutung
to support someone
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'Blat' (connections) is central to this phrase. It's not always seen as corruption, but as a necessary social lubricant. In many post-Soviet countries, personal recommendations are often more trusted than formal certifications or degrees. The 'Little Man' trope in Gogol and Dostoevsky often involves characters desperately seeking someone to 'замолвить словечко' for them to save their livelihood. Even in Westernized companies in Moscow, 'referral programs' are often colloquially referred to as 'замолвить словечко'.
The Power of the Diminutive
Always use 'словечко' instead of 'слово' when you want to sound more persuasive and less demanding. It triggers a psychological response that the favor is 'small'.
Don't Overuse It
If you ask for this too often, you might be seen as someone who can't achieve anything on their own merit.
Bedeutung
to support someone
The Power of the Diminutive
Always use 'словечко' instead of 'слово' when you want to sound more persuasive and less demanding. It triggers a psychological response that the favor is 'small'.
Don't Overuse It
If you ask for this too often, you might be seen as someone who can't achieve anything on their own merit.
Reciprocity
If someone 'замолвил словечко' for you, it is culturally expected that you will return the favor or at least bring a small gift (like chocolate or coffee) as a thank you.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct prepositions.
Я замолвлю словечко ____ тебя ____ директором.
In Russian, you put in a word 'за' (for) someone 'перед' (before) an authority figure.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for a favor?
Как лучше попросить друга о помощи с работой?
This is the most idiomatic and culturally appropriate way to ask for a recommendation.
Complete the dialogue.
— Я очень хочу попасть на этот проект. — Там работает мой знакомый. ...
All these options are correct, though 'словечко' is the most common in casual speech.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. Замолвить словечко, 2. Ходатайствовать, 3. Вписаться
Understanding register is key for B2+ learners.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenЯ замолвлю словечко ____ тебя ____ директором.
In Russian, you put in a word 'за' (for) someone 'перед' (before) an authority figure.
Как лучше попросить друга о помощи с работой?
This is the most idiomatic and culturally appropriate way to ask for a recommendation.
— Я очень хочу попасть на этот проект. — Там работает мой знакомый. ...
All these options are correct, though 'словечко' is the most common in casual speech.
Match: 1. Замолвить словечко, 2. Ходатайствовать, 3. Вписаться
Understanding register is key for B2+ learners.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenTechnically no. You can't 'замолвить словечко' for yourself. You ask someone else to do it for you.
Yes, if the email is to a colleague or a friend. It's too informal for a cold email to a stranger.
'Рекомендовать' is formal and official. 'Замолвить словечко' is informal and implies using personal influence.
No, it implies social influence and 'blat,' not necessarily money. However, in some contexts, it can be a precursor to corruption.
Only in literature or very poetic speech. In daily life, it only survives in idioms like this one.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Похлопотать за кого-то
similarTo take active steps or trouble oneself to help someone.
Вставить свои пять копеек
contrastTo interrupt with one's own (often unwanted) opinion.
Тянуть мазу
specialized formTo stand up for someone (criminal/street slang).
Оказать протекцию
synonymTo provide patronage or protection.
