Signification
it doesn't matter at all
Contexte culturel
Using 'по барабану' is a way for young Russians to signal that they are 'cool' and not easily stressed by social expectations. The phrase gained massive popularity in the 70s and 80s as a form of 'internal emigration'—ignoring the rigid rules of the state. On platforms like VK and Telegram, the phrase is often shortened or used with emojis to show a lack of interest in online drama. There is a deep-seated cultural value in being able to endure hardship without complaining, which 'по барабану' reflects in a modern, casual way.
Use with Dative
Always remember: Мне, Тебе, Ему, Ей, Нам, Вам, Им.
Not for Bosses
It's too informal for work. Stick to 'всё равно' or 'не принципиально'.
Signification
it doesn't matter at all
Use with Dative
Always remember: Мне, Тебе, Ему, Ей, Нам, Вам, Им.
Not for Bosses
It's too informal for work. Stick to 'всё равно' or 'не принципиально'.
Add 'Вообще'
Adding 'вообще' (vobshe) before 'по барабану' makes you sound very native and emphasizes your indifference.
Intonation Matters
A flat intonation shows true indifference. A rising intonation might sound like a question or sarcasm.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the pronoun (Dative case).
___ (Я) по барабану, кто выиграет матч.
The phrase 'по барабану' requires the Dative case for the person who is indifferent.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'по барабану'?
Choose the best context:
'По барабану' is slang and should only be used in informal settings with people you know well.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Анна: 'Ты не боишься, что завтра будет тест?' Игорь: 'Да нет, ___.'
The standard idiom is 'мне по барабану'.
Match the phrase to the level of formality.
Match 'Мне по барабану' with its formality level.
It is a slang expression used in casual conversation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Drum vs. Lightbulb
Banque d exercices
4 exercices___ (Я) по барабану, кто выиграет матч.
The phrase 'по барабану' requires the Dative case for the person who is indifferent.
Choose the best context:
'По барабану' is slang and should only be used in informal settings with people you know well.
Анна: 'Ты не боишься, что завтра будет тест?' Игорь: 'Да нет, ___.'
The standard idiom is 'мне по барабану'.
Match 'Мне по барабану' with its formality level.
It is a slang expression used in casual conversation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not vulgar, but it is very informal. With friends, it's fine. With strangers or superiors, it's rude.
Yes! Just add 'было': 'Мне было по барабану.'
'Пофиг' is slightly stronger and can be considered 'borderline' vulgar by some, while 'по барабану' is safer slang.
No, that's a common mistake. You must use 'Мне' (Dative).
It's used equally by both, though it has a slightly 'tougher' vibe.
They mean the same thing, but 'фиолетово' is seen as a bit more 'creative' or 'youthful'.
Absolutely! It's very common in texting and social media.
Yes, 'по' (on/according to) and 'барабану' (drum).
Use 'Мне на него по барабану.'
The formal version is 'Это не имеет для меня значения' or 'Мне всё равно'.
Expressions liées
мне фиолетово
synonymI don't care (literally: it's purple to me)
до лампочки
synonymI don't care (literally: up to the lightbulb)
всё равно
similarIt's all the same
мне пофиг
synonymI don't give a damn
параллельно
synonymIn parallel
