Signification
to fix in one's memory.
Contexte culturel
The 'birka' (wooden tally) was so essential that it was often buried with its owner to settle 'debts' in the afterlife. Teachers in the Soviet era frequently used 'зарубить на носу' to instill discipline, which is why many older Russians associate the phrase with strictness. In the age of 'bookmarks' and 'saves,' young Russians might use the phrase ironically when they finally remember something obvious. Russian writers like Dostoevsky and Tolstoy used memory metaphors to show the deep psychological scars of their characters.
Use 'Себе'
Adding 'себе' (заруби СЕБЕ на память) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a reflexive emphasis.
Aspect Matters
Never use 'зарубать.' The idiom only exists in the perfective 'зарубить' because it's about the result of remembering.
Signification
to fix in one's memory.
Use 'Себе'
Adding 'себе' (заруби СЕБЕ на память) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a reflexive emphasis.
Aspect Matters
Never use 'зарубать.' The idiom only exists in the perfective 'зарубить' because it's about the result of remembering.
The 'Nose' Trap
Be careful with 'зарубить на носу.' It's very common but can sound like you're talking down to someone. Stick to 'на память' for general use.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Заруби себе ___ память: никогда не опаздывай на поезд.
The idiom is 'зарубить НА память.'
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a neutral context?
Choose the best sentence:
This is a perfect context for a firm instruction. Buying milk is too trivial, and 'зарубаем' is the wrong aspect.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Match the following:
These are the three main 'memory' idioms involving physical metaphors.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
— Почему ты всегда проверяешь утюг перед выходом? — Однажды я его не выключил и чуть не сжег дом. Я это ___ на память.
The speaker is talking about a past event that led to a permanent lesson.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЗаруби себе ___ память: никогда не опаздывай на поезд.
The idiom is 'зарубить НА память.'
Choose the best sentence:
This is a perfect context for a firm instruction. Buying milk is too trivial, and 'зарубаем' is the wrong aspect.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the three main 'memory' idioms involving physical metaphors.
— Почему ты всегда проверяешь утюг перед выходом? — Однажды я его не выключил и чуть не сжег дом. Я это ___ на память.
The speaker is talking about a past event that led to a permanent lesson.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's neutral-informal. You can use it in conversation or casual writing, but avoid it in legal documents.
Yes, though it often implies a 'lesson' or 'important info,' it can be used for beautiful moments you want to keep forever.
'Запомнить' is just 'to remember.' 'Зарубить на память' is 'to remember firmly/forever' with a metaphorical punch.
Because you are making a notch 'on' a surface (like wood), not putting something 'inside' a box.
Yes, it's a very stable idiom in Russian. You'll hear it in movies, YouTube videos, and daily life.
Expressions liées
зарубить себе на носу
similarTo remember something as a stern warning.
врезаться в память
similarTo be etched into memory (often involuntarily).
вылететь из головы
contrastTo slip one's mind/forget.
хранить в памяти
similarTo cherish/keep in memory.
