Bedeutung
To get annoyed.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'терпение' is linked to the Orthodox Christian value of 'смирение' (humility). To lose it is often seen as a human failing, but also a very relatable one. In many Russian-speaking countries, dealing with official documents requires immense patience. 'Потерять терпение' is a common phrase in government offices. Dostoevsky's characters are famous for their long-suffering nature until they suddenly 'lose patience' and do something drastic. Traffic in cities like Moscow is legendary. Drivers often use this phrase to describe their daily commute.
Use 'начинаю'
If you want to warn someone, say 'Я начинаю терять терпение' (I'm starting to lose my patience). It's a polite way to tell them to hurry up.
Don't use with 'проиграть'
Never say 'проиграл терпение'. Even though 'lose' can be 'проиграть' in games, it never applies to emotions.
Bedeutung
To get annoyed.
Use 'начинаю'
If you want to warn someone, say 'Я начинаю терять терпение' (I'm starting to lose my patience). It's a polite way to tell them to hurry up.
Don't use with 'проиграть'
Never say 'проиграл терпение'. Even though 'lose' can be 'проиграть' in games, it never applies to emotions.
The 'Lopnulo' alternative
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'У меня лопнуло терпение!' when you are really, really angry.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'потерять'.
Вчера я долго ждал автобус и наконец ________ терпение.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past ('Вчера'), so the past perfective 'потерял' is correct.
Which sentence is the most natural?
How would you tell a friend to stay calm?
'Не теряй терпение' is the standard way to say 'Don't lose your patience'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You have been on hold with a bank for 45 minutes.
While you also lost time, 'потерял терпение' best describes your emotional state of frustration.
Complete the dialogue.
А: Почему ты кричишь? Б: Потому что я ________.
Losing patience is a common reason for shouting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenВчера я долго ждал автобус и наконец ________ терпение.
The sentence refers to a completed action in the past ('Вчера'), so the past perfective 'потерял' is correct.
How would you tell a friend to stay calm?
'Не теряй терпение' is the standard way to say 'Don't lose your patience'.
Situation: You have been on hold with a bank for 45 minutes.
While you also lost time, 'потерял терпение' best describes your emotional state of frustration.
А: Почему ты кричишь? Б: Потому что я ________.
Losing patience is a common reason for shouting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenNot necessarily. It describes a feeling. However, saying it directly to someone can be a strong warning.
Yes, like a pen that won't write or a knot you can't untie.
'Терять' is the process (I am losing it), 'потерять' is the result (I have lost it).
You could call them 'нетерпеливый человек' (an impatient person).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Выйти из себя
synonymTo lose one's temper completely.
Лопнуло терпение
similarPatience snapped/burst.
Терпеть не могу
builds onI can't stand (something).
Сохранять спокойствие
contrastTo keep calm.
