Signification
Something very delicious.
Contexte culturel
In Russia, it's common to compliment the hostess multiple times during a meal. 'Пальчики оближешь' is the highest informal compliment you can give. Similar to Russia, Ukrainian hospitality (hastynnist) revolves around abundant food. The phrase is equally popular and used in the same way. In countries like Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, where eating with hands (e.g., Plov) is still culturally significant in some contexts, this idiom feels very literal and respectful. In Brighton Beach or other Russian enclaves abroad, this phrase is a 'linguistic comfort food' that connects immigrants to their roots.
Add 'Просто' for emphasis
Russians almost always say 'Просто пальчики оближешь' (Simply finger-licking good) to sound more enthusiastic.
Don't use for people
Never use this to describe an attractive person. It sounds very strange and inappropriate.
Signification
Something very delicious.
Add 'Просто' for emphasis
Russians almost always say 'Просто пальчики оближешь' (Simply finger-licking good) to sound more enthusiastic.
Don't use for people
Never use this to describe an attractive person. It sounds very strange and inappropriate.
The 'Babushka' Rule
If a Russian grandmother feeds you, saying this phrase is the fastest way to her heart.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
Этот борщ просто ______ ______!
The idiom for delicious food is 'пальчики оближешь'.
In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Пальчики оближешь'?
Choose the best context:
The idiom is specifically for food in informal settings.
Complete the dialogue.
— Как тебе пицца? — ______!
This is a natural positive response to a question about food quality.
Which word is missing?
Оближешь ______.
The diminutive form 'пальчики' is the standard form for this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Пальчики оближешь'
Food
- • Home cooking
- • Street food
- • Desserts
People
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Grandma
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЭтот борщ просто ______ ______!
The idiom for delicious food is 'пальчики оближешь'.
Choose the best context:
The idiom is specifically for food in informal settings.
— Как тебе пицца? — ______!
This is a natural positive response to a question about food quality.
Оближешь ______.
The diminutive form 'пальчики' is the standard form for this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's purely figurative. In fact, licking your fingers in public might be considered rude.
Usually no. It's for solid food or thick soups. For drinks, just say 'очень вкусно'.
Yes, it's gender-neutral. Everyone uses it.
Not exactly. It's an idiom. It's informal but not 'street talk'.
Yes, you can say 'Было пальчики оближешь', but the phrase itself stays the same.
People will understand you, but it sounds a bit 'colder'. The diminutive 'пальчики' is much more common.
Not a direct idiom. You would just use formal adjectives like 'превосходно' (excellent).
No, use 'пахнет просто пальчики оближешь' is rare. Better to say 'запах — слюнки текут'.
Yes, it is a universal Russian idiom used from Moscow to Vladivostok.
Yes, it works for anything from a full meal to a small cookie.
Expressions liées
Язык проглотишь
similarSo delicious you'll swallow your tongue.
Слюнки текут
builds onMouth is watering.
Тает во рту
similarMelts in the mouth.
За уши не оттащишь
similarYou can't pull them away by the ears.
