Signification
To bring bad luck by talking.
Contexte culturel
Superstition is deeply embedded even in urban life. It is common to see people knock on wood (three times) or mimic spitting over their left shoulder (three times) after saying something optimistic. Similar to Russia, the 'evil eye' (вроки) is a common folk belief. Mothers often pin a small safety pin inside a child's clothing to protect them from being 'jinxed' by strangers' praise. In these Russian-speaking regions, the 'Adyrashman' (burning herb) or blue beads are used alongside the phrase 'сглазить' to protect one's home and business from the evil eye. Even Russians living abroad for decades often retain the linguistic habit of saying 'не сглазить', showing it's more of a cultural 'code' than a literal belief.
The 'Pah-Pah' Rule
If you accidentally brag, say 'Тьфу-тьфу-тьфу' (mimicking spitting over your left shoulder) to 'reset' your luck.
Use it to be humble
If someone praises you too much and you feel awkward, just smile and say 'Не сглазьте!'. It's a polite way to deflect a compliment.
Signification
To bring bad luck by talking.
The 'Pah-Pah' Rule
If you accidentally brag, say 'Тьфу-тьфу-тьфу' (mimicking spitting over your left shoulder) to 'reset' your luck.
Use it to be humble
If someone praises you too much and you feel awkward, just smile and say 'Не сглазьте!'. It's a polite way to deflect a compliment.
Don't overuse in business
While common, using it too much in a professional presentation might make you look slightly unprofessional or overly superstitious.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Я не хочу ..., но, кажется, мы успеем на поезд. (I don't want to jinx it, but it seems we'll make the train.)
The perfective infinitive 'сглазить' is used after 'не хочу'.
Which response is most culturally appropriate?
Друг: 'У тебя завтра свидание с той красавицей? Ты точно ей понравишься!'
Option 'б' uses the protective interjection and the phrase to ward off bad luck.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. Накаркать, 2. Сглазить ситуацию.
'Накаркать' is for negative predictions, 'сглазить' is for ruining positive ones.
Complete the dialogue.
— Мы завтра летим в отпуск! — Ой, здорово! ... — Да, я тоже постучу по дереву.
The speaker is warning the other person not to ruin the upcoming trip with too much excitement.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯ не хочу ..., но, кажется, мы успеем на поезд. (I don't want to jinx it, but it seems we'll make the train.)
The perfective infinitive 'сглазить' is used after 'не хочу'.
Друг: 'У тебя завтра свидание с той красавицей? Ты точно ей понравишься!'
Option 'б' uses the protective interjection and the phrase to ward off bad luck.
Match: 1. Накаркать, 2. Сглазить ситуацию.
'Накаркать' is for negative predictions, 'сглазить' is for ruining positive ones.
— Мы завтра летим в отпуск! — Ой, здорово! ... — Да, я тоже постучу по дереву.
The speaker is warning the other person not to ruin the upcoming trip with too much excitement.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's not a swear word or offensive. It's a standard part of the language used by all age groups.
Not at all. Most people use it as a figure of speech, similar to how English speakers say 'fingers crossed' without literally crossing them.
Yes, you can say 'Ты меня сглазил!' (You jinxed me!) if someone's comment led to your failure.
There isn't a direct single verb, but you could say 'принести удачу' (to bring luck).
In Slavic folklore, the devil sits on your left shoulder, and the angel on your right. You spit on the devil to prevent him from hearing your plans.
Expressions liées
Накаркать
similarTo bring bad luck by predicting it.
Постучать по дереву
builds onTo knock on wood.
Дурной глаз
specialized formThe evil eye.
Типун тебе на язык
contrastMay you get a sore on your tongue.
