Significado
Said after someone sneezes.
Contexto cultural
The 'Sneeze of Truth' is a very real social phenomenon. If you sneeze while speaking, people will often take it as a sign that your words are 100% true. In villages, you might hear the full version 'Будьте здоровы, живите богато'. It reflects a traditional wish for both physical health and material prosperity. While the phrase is secular today, some very religious people might still say 'Спаси тебя Господи' (May the Lord save you), though this is rare for a simple sneeze. In young, Westernized circles, some might use the English 'Bless you' as a joke or a sign of being 'cool' and international.
The Sneeze Count
If someone sneezes twice, you can say 'Будьте здоровы' twice, or just wait until they finish their 'round' of sneezing.
Don't overthink it
If you forget the gender/number, just say 'Будьте здоровы'. It's the safest, most polite version for everyone.
Significado
Said after someone sneezes.
The Sneeze Count
If someone sneezes twice, you can say 'Будьте здоровы' twice, or just wait until they finish their 'round' of sneezing.
Don't overthink it
If you forget the gender/number, just say 'Будьте здоровы'. It's the safest, most polite version for everyone.
The Response
If someone says this to you, the only correct response is 'Спасибо' (Thank you).
Strangers
In big cities like Moscow, people might not always say it to strangers on the street, but in smaller towns, it's almost mandatory.
Ponte a prueba
Your boss, Mr. Petrov, just sneezed. What do you say?
Mr. Petrov: 'Апчхи!' You: '_______'
Since it is your boss, you must use the formal 'Будьте' form.
Complete the informal wish for a female friend.
Маша чихнула. Я сказал: 'Будь _______!'
For a female friend (informal), use the feminine short-form adjective 'здорова'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. To a child who sneezed. 2. To a group of friends leaving. 3. To a stranger on the street.
'Расти большой' is for kids, 'ребята' implies friends, and the simple 'Будьте здоровы' is for strangers.
Complete the 'Sneeze of Truth' dialogue.
Анна: 'Я думаю, завтра будет дождь.' (Анна чихает). Иван: '_______! Значит, правда.'
Ivan wishes Anna health after her sneeze, confirming her statement about the rain.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Who to say it to?
Formal (Будьте)
- • Boss
- • Teacher
- • Stranger
- • Grandparents
Informal (Будь)
- • Friend
- • Sibling
- • Child
- • Pet
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMr. Petrov: 'Апчхи!' You: '_______'
Since it is your boss, you must use the formal 'Будьте' form.
Маша чихнула. Я сказал: 'Будь _______!'
For a female friend (informal), use the feminine short-form adjective 'здорова'.
1. To a child who sneezed. 2. To a group of friends leaving. 3. To a stranger on the street.
'Расти большой' is for kids, 'ребята' implies friends, and the simple 'Будьте здоровы' is for strangers.
Анна: 'Я думаю, завтра будет дождь.' (Анна чихает). Иван: '_______! Значит, правда.'
Ivan wishes Anna health after her sneeze, confirming her statement about the rain.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it is a secular phrase. While it has roots in ancient beliefs, it is not considered a religious 'blessing' like the English 'Bless you'.
Yes, but only the plural form 'Будьте здоровы'. Using 'Будь здоров' would be too informal.
You should say 'Извините' (Excuse me) if it was loud, and then 'Спасибо' (Thank you) when someone wishes you health.
Not really, but 'Здоров будь' is a more casual, slightly 'tough' way to say it among male friends.
Russian uses short-form adjectives for temporary states or wishes. 'Здоровы' is the short form.
No, only for sneezing. For coughing, you might ask 'Are you okay?' (Вы в порядке?).
It's a superstition that if you sneeze while talking, you are telling the truth.
Yes, 'Будьте здоровы' is a common way to say goodbye, especially for doctors or when leaving a group.
It means 'Grow big' and is said to children when they sneeze.
It's not 'rude', but saying it is considered much warmer and more polite.
Frases relacionadas
На здоровье
similarTo your health / You're welcome
С лёгким паром
specialized formWith light steam
Не болей
similarDon't be sick
Выздоравливай
builds onGet well soon
Здравия желаю
formalI wish you health
