Bedeutung
Asking for the correct word.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Russians value linguistic precision. Using this phrase shows you care about the 'right' word, which is highly respected. In many Russian-speaking countries, people are used to code-switching. This phrase is a common bridge between local languages and Russian. Emigres often use this phrase when they forget a Russian word and replace it with an English one (Runglish). In literature, this phrase can signal a character's internal struggle or the 'inexpressibility' of a deep emotion.
Use it as a filler
If you get stuck, don't say 'um'. Say 'как это сказать...' It makes you sound much more fluent even while you're struggling!
Don't overdo it
Using it every three words can be distracting. Try to describe the word if you really can't find it.
Bedeutung
Asking for the correct word.
Use it as a filler
If you get stuck, don't say 'um'. Say 'как это сказать...' It makes you sound much more fluent even while you're struggling!
Don't overdo it
Using it every three words can be distracting. Try to describe the word if you really can't find it.
Russians love to help
Don't be afraid to use this phrase. Most Russians will be delighted to help you find the right word.
Add 'по-русски'
Always add 'по-русски' if you are asking for a translation to be specific.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to ask how to say something in Russian.
Как это ___ по-русски?
We use the perfective infinitive 'сказать' in this standard phrase.
Match the situation to the correct variation of the phrase.
You are pointing at a strange fruit you've never seen.
When asking for the name of an object, 'называется' is the most accurate.
Which phrase is used as a polite hesitation filler?
Я хочу... ___ ... пойти домой.
'Как это сказать' acts as a natural pause in speech.
Complete the dialogue.
— Извините, я забыл слово. — Ничего страшного. ___ ?
The speaker is prompting the other person to describe what they mean.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Сказать vs. Называться
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenКак это ___ по-русски?
We use the perfective infinitive 'сказать' in this standard phrase.
You are pointing at a strange fruit you've never seen.
When asking for the name of an object, 'называется' is the most accurate.
Я хочу... ___ ... пойти домой.
'Как это сказать' acts as a natural pause in speech.
— Извините, я забыл слово. — Ничего страшного. ___ ?
The speaker is prompting the other person to describe what they mean.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenAlways 'сказать' in this phrase because you are looking for a specific word (a result).
It's better to use 'Как это выразить' or 'Как это называется' in formal writing.
You can point and say 'Как это называется?'.
No, if you are a learner, it's a natural way to ask for help.
It can mean both. Russian infinitives often cover both meanings.
In Russian, you ask *how* a word is formed/said, not *what* it is said.
Yes, but 'Как это сказать' is the more common word order.
The phrase itself isn't slang, but it's used in slangy contexts as a filler.
Как это сказать по-русски?
'Сказать' is for the act of saying; 'называться' is for the name of an object.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Как это называется?
similarWhat is this called?
Как это будет по-русски?
synonymHow will it be in Russian?
Что вы имеете в виду?
builds onWhat do you mean?
Как это пишется?
specialized formHow is this written/spelled?
Как это произносится?
specialized formHow is this pronounced?
