At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'принцип' (preen-tseep) looks like the English word 'principle.' You might see it in simple sentences like 'Это мой принцип' (This is my principle/rule). It is a masculine noun. You don't need to worry about complex phrases yet. Just remember it relates to a rule you have for yourself. For example, if you always wake up at 6 AM, you could say it's your 'принцип.' It's a 'cognate,' which means it sounds similar in both languages, making it easy to remember. Focus on the nominative case for now. In A1, we use it to describe simple personal preferences that feel like rules. It's a solid, 'heavy' word that gives your simple Russian a bit more weight.
At the A2 level, you should start using the phrase 'в принципе.' You will hear Russians say this all the time. It means 'basically' or 'in general.' For example, 'В принципе, я всё понимаю' (Basically, I understand everything). This is a great 'buffer' phrase to use while you are thinking of what to say next. You should also recognize the word in the context of how things work, like 'принцип работы' (how it works). At this level, you are moving from just knowing the word to using it as a functional tool in conversation. You might also encounter it in plural: 'мои принципы' (my principles). It's a masculine noun, so it follows the standard pattern: принцип (singular), принципы (plural).
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the different cases of 'принцип.' You will learn phrases like 'из принципа' (out of principle), which is used when someone does something because they feel they must, often stubbornly. For example, 'Он не пошёл на вечеринку из принципа' (He didn't go to the party out of principle). You should also understand 'по принципу' (on the principle of), like 'по принципу домино' (the domino effect). At this stage, 'принцип' becomes a way to explain *why* people do things. You are expected to use it in discussions about morality, habits, and simple technical descriptions. You should also start noticing the adjective 'принципиальный' (principled/fundamental).
At the B2 level, you must master the nuances of 'принцип' in professional and abstract contexts. This includes understanding its role in scientific terminology ('принцип относительности') and legal discourse. You should be able to distinguish between 'принцип' and 'правило' (rule) or 'убеждение' (conviction). You'll use 'принципиально' as an adverb to mean 'fundamentally' (e.g., 'это принципиально другой подход' — this is a fundamentally different approach). At B2, you should also be aware of the 'stubborn' connotation of 'идти на принцип' (to take a stand/be stubborn). Your use of 'в принципе' should become more natural, using it to qualify statements or summarize complex arguments effectively in essays and debates.
At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'принцип' with stylistic precision. You should understand the philosophical weight of the word in Russian literature and intellectual history. You can use it to discuss 'высокие принципы' (high principles) or 'беспринципность' (lack of principles/unscrupulousness) in a political or social critique. You should be able to handle complex grammatical constructions like 'исходя из принципа' (proceeding from the principle of). At this level, you recognize when 'в принципе' is being used as a 'parasite word' (filler) versus when it truly means 'theoretically.' You can engage in nuanced debates about whether a person is 'принципиальный' (steadfast) or simply 'упрямый' (stubborn) using this vocabulary.
At the C2 level, 'принцип' is a tool for high-level abstraction and rhetorical flair. You understand its etymological roots and how it functions in specialized fields like jurisprudence, theoretical physics, and ethics at a native-equivalent level. You can use the word to articulate complex systemic logic, such as the 'принцип дополнительности' in quantum mechanics or 'принцип разделения властей' in constitutional law. You are sensitive to the subtle irony when someone uses 'в принципе' to mask uncertainty. You can write academic papers or deliver speeches where 'принцип' serves as the thematic anchor, and you can navigate the word's most archaic or highly formal collocations with ease, demonstrating a complete command of its semantic range.

принцип in 30 Seconds

  • A fundamental rule or belief (moral or scientific).
  • Used in 'в принципе' to mean 'basically' or 'generally.'
  • Used in 'из принципа' to mean 'out of stubbornness/principle.'
  • Indicates the underlying logic of a system or machine.

The Russian word принцип is a cognate of the English word 'principle,' but its usage in Russian carries a broader range of emotional and functional nuances that are essential for a B2 learner to master. At its core, it refers to a fundamental truth, a law of nature, or a moral rule that guides behavior. However, in daily Russian conversation, it frequently morphs into a tool for expressing stubbornness, general agreement, or even acting as a ubiquitous filler word. Understanding the word requires looking at it through two lenses: the formal, scientific lens and the informal, behavioral lens.

Moral Foundation
When used to describe a person, it refers to their internal compass. A person with 'принципы' is seen as upright and consistent. If someone says 'это мой принцип,' they are drawing a line in the sand regarding their ethical boundaries.
Scientific/Technical Basis
In technical contexts, it describes the mechanism of how something works, such as 'принцип работы двигателя' (the principle of engine operation). It denotes the underlying logic or physics of a system.
The 'Basically' Filler
The phrase 'в принципе' is perhaps one of the most common idiomatic expressions in Russian. It often translates to 'in principle' or 'basically,' used to signal qualified agreement or to summarize a complex situation.

Я не ем мясо — это мой принцип.

— I don't eat meat; it's my principle (a personal rule).

Historically, the word entered Russian from Latin via German (Prinzip) or French (principe) during the Petrine era when Western scientific and philosophical terminology was being imported. Today, it is indispensable in academic, legal, and casual registers. You will hear it in a laboratory discussing the 'принцип неопределенности' (uncertainty principle) and in a kitchen where two friends are arguing about why one of them refuses to call their ex 'из принципа' (out of principle/spite).

В принципе, я согласен с вашим предложением.

— In principle (basically), I agree with your proposal.

Mastering 'принцип' requires understanding its grammatical behavior and the specific prepositions it pairs with. As a masculine noun ending in a consonant, it follows the standard second declension pattern. However, the real power lies in the prepositional phrases that change its meaning entirely. Let's look at the three primary ways to deploy this word in various contexts.

The Preposition 'ПО' (According to)
When you want to say something is organized 'on the principle of' or 'according to the principle of,' use 'по принципу' + genitive case. For example, 'по принципу домино' (according to the domino principle).
The Preposition 'ИЗ' (Out of)
'Из принципа' is used when an action is motivated by a moral or personal rule. It is always in the genitive case. 'Он не взял деньги из принципа' (He didn't take the money out of principle).
The Preposition 'В' (In)
'В принципе' is the prepositional case. It is most commonly used as a parenthetical phrase meaning 'theoretically' or 'generally speaking.' It's the Russian equivalent of 'basically.'

Они строят работу по принципу взаимного доверия.

— They build their work on the principle of mutual trust.

In plural form, 'принципы' often refers to a person's entire worldview or a set of professional standards. For example, 'человек без принципов' (a person without principles) is a severe insult in Russian, implying someone is untrustworthy or lacks a moral core. Conversely, 'верность принципам' (loyalty to principles) is a highly praised trait in literature and political discourse.

Это был вопрос принципа, а не денег.

— It was a matter of principle, not money.

'Принцип' is a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between the ivory tower of academia and the grit of everyday life. In a university setting, you'll hear professors discussing the 'принцип разделения властей' (the principle of separation of powers) or the 'принцип Ле Шателье' in chemistry. It denotes a structured, logical approach to understanding the world.

In Business and Tech
Russian tech startups often talk about the 'принцип работы приложения' (how the app works) or 'принципы дизайна' (design principles). It sounds professional and authoritative.
In Legal and Political News
News anchors frequently mention 'международные принципы' (international principles) or the 'принцип невмешательства' (the principle of non-interference).
In Heated Arguments
When a Russian speaker says 'я иду на принцип' (I'm standing on principle), they are signaling that they will not compromise, even if it costs them. It's a declaration of a firm stance.

Он всегда поступает согласно своим принципам.

— He always acts according to his principles.

You will also hear it in the popular Russian phrase 'в принципе, ничего страшного' (basically, it's no big deal). Here, it softens the delivery, making the speaker sound more reasonable and analytical. In cinema and literature, the 'принципиальный герой' (the hero of principle) is a common archetype—someone like the protagonist in 'The Idiot' or 'Crime and Punishment' who is driven by an internal logic that others find baffling or saintly.

Это противоречит моим жизненным принципам.

— This contradicts my life principles.

For English speakers, the cognate 'принцип' seems easy, but it hides several linguistic traps. The most common error is misusing the phrase 'в принципе' or confusing the noun with its adjectival form 'принципиальный.' Let's break down the pitfalls to ensure your Russian sounds natural and precise.

Overusing 'В принципе'
While it means 'basically,' using it in every sentence makes you sound like a teenager or someone who can't commit to a point. Use it sparingly to summarize, not as a crutch for every thought.
Confusing 'Принцип' vs 'Правило'
A 'правило' (rule) is often external (like traffic rules), while a 'принцип' is internal or foundational. You follow a 'правило' but you live by a 'принцип.' Don't say 'принцип дорожного движения'—it's 'правила.'
The 'Из принципа' Misconception
English speakers often translate 'out of principle' as 'из-за принципа.' This is incorrect. The fixed idiom is 'из принципа' (genitive without the extra preposition).

Я сделал это из-за принципа.
Я сделал это из принципа.

— Correcting the prepositional error.

Another subtle mistake is the word 'принципиальный.' In English, 'principled' is almost always positive. In Russian, 'принципиальный' can be negative, meaning someone is 'difficult' or 'uncompromising to a fault.' If a bureaucrat is 'принципиальный,' it means they won't help you because they are following the letter of the law exactly, even if it's absurd. Context is everything.

Это принципиально важный вопрос.

— This is a fundamentally (principally) important question.

While 'принцип' is a powerful word, knowing its synonyms and alternatives will make your Russian more precise and varied. Depending on whether you're talking about a moral rule, a scientific law, or a general idea, you might want to reach for one of these words instead.

Правило (Rule)
A 'правило' is more specific and often less 'deep' than a principle. Principles are the 'why,' while rules are the 'how.' You can break a rule and pay a fine; if you break a principle, you lose your integrity.
Убеждение (Conviction/Belief)
If you're talking about someone's personal views, 'убеждение' is often a better fit. It emphasizes the 'faith' or 'certainty' the person has in the idea.
Основа (Foundation/Basis)
In technical or structural contexts, 'основа' (basis) is a great alternative. 'Лежать в основе' means 'to lie at the foundation of something,' which is often what a principle does.

Честность — это основа нашей дружбы.

— Honesty is the foundation (principle) of our friendship.

When you want to express the idea of 'basically' without using 'в принципе,' you can use 'по сути' (in essence) or 'в общем-то' (in general). 'По сути' is particularly useful when you want to get to the heart of a matter. If you are describing a law of nature, 'закон' (law) is often interchangeable with 'принцип,' but 'закон' implies a higher degree of necessity and invariability.

По сути, это одно и то же.

— Essentially (basically), it's the same thing.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The word entered Russian during the time of Peter the Great, who modernized the Russian language with thousands of European loanwords.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈprʲintsɨp/
US /ˈprɪnsɪpəl/
On the first syllable: прИн-цип.
Rhymes With
тип грипп скрип шип клип хрип лип джип
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'ц' as 'с'.
  • Stressing the second syllable.
  • Making the 'и' too long.
  • Forgetting to soften the 'пр'.
  • Confusing with 'принц'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it's a cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct case endings for prepositional phrases.

Speaking 4/5

Using 'в принципе' naturally like a native takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Common as a filler word, which can be confusing.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

правило закон основа человек работа

Learn Next

принципиальный убеждение мораль этика суть

Advanced

беспринципность концепция доктрина постулат аксиома

Grammar to Know

Genitive case after 'из'

Из принципа (out of principle).

Dative case after 'по'

По принципу (according to the principle).

Prepositional case after 'в'

В принципе (in principle).

Dative case after 'противоречить'

Это противоречит моим принципам.

Instrumental case with 'руководствоваться'

Руководствоваться принципами.

Examples by Level

1

Это мой принцип.

This is my principle.

Nominative singular.

2

Твой принцип — это хорошо.

Your principle is good.

Possessive pronoun agreement.

3

У него есть один принцип.

He has one principle.

Genitive with 'есть'.

4

Мой первый принцип — честность.

My first principle is honesty.

Subject-predicate structure.

5

Это важный принцип.

This is an important principle.

Adjective agreement.

6

Какой твой принцип?

What is your principle?

Interrogative pronoun.

7

Один принцип — одна жизнь.

One principle, one life.

Numeral agreement.

8

Это не мой принцип.

This is not my principle.

Negative particle 'не'.

1

В принципе, я согласен.

Basically, I agree.

Parenthetical phrase.

2

Это принцип работы телефона.

This is the principle of how the phone works.

Genitive of possession.

3

В принципе, это несложно.

In principle, it's not difficult.

Adverbial usage.

4

У нас общие принципы.

We have common principles.

Plural nominative.

5

Я понимаю этот принцип.

I understand this principle.

Accusative singular.

6

В принципе, мы можем пойти.

Basically, we can go.

Modal verb usage.

7

Это главный принцип игры.

This is the main principle of the game.

Attributive adjective.

8

В принципе, всё готово.

Basically, everything is ready.

Stative construction.

1

Он сделал это из принципа.

He did it out of principle.

Fixed prepositional phrase 'из принципа'.

2

Они работают по принципу доверия.

They work on the principle of trust.

Dative with 'по'.

3

Это противоречит моим принципам.

This contradicts my principles.

Dative plural after 'противоречить'.

4

Это был вопрос принципа.

It was a matter of principle.

Genitive case.

5

Нужно следовать своим принципам.

One must follow their principles.

Dative plural with 'следовать'.

6

В принципе, я не против перемен.

In principle, I'm not against changes.

Prepositional case in idiom.

7

Мы обсуждали принципы демократии.

We discussed the principles of democracy.

Accusative plural.

8

Это фундаментальный принцип.

This is a fundamental principle.

Academic adjective.

1

Она принципиально не ест мясо.

She fundamentally (on principle) does not eat meat.

Adverbial form 'принципиально'.

2

Он пошёл на принцип и уволился.

He took a stand on principle and quit.

Idiom 'идти на принцип'.

3

В принципе, проект можно завершить завтра.

In principle, the project can be finished tomorrow.

Conditional context.

4

Это противоречит принципам морали.

This contradicts the principles of morality.

Abstract genitive plural.

5

Она человек строгих принципов.

She is a person of strict principles.

Genitive plural of description.

6

Принцип разделения властей очень важен.

The principle of separation of powers is very important.

Political terminology.

7

Мы действовали, исходя из принципа равенства.

We acted based on the principle of equality.

Participle construction.

8

В принципе, это допустимо в данной ситуации.

Theoretically, this is permissible in this situation.

Formal parenthetical.

1

Его беспринципность поражала окружающих.

His lack of principles amazed those around him.

Noun derived from 'принцип'.

2

Это принципиально новый подход к лечению.

This is a fundamentally new approach to treatment.

Adverb modifying an adjective.

3

Мы должны придерживаться принципа гуманизма.

We must adhere to the principle of humanism.

Genitive with 'придерживаться'.

4

В принципе, это утверждение спорно.

Theoretically, this statement is debatable.

Logical qualifier.

5

Вопрос носит принципиальный характер.

The issue is of a fundamental nature.

Formal bureaucratic style.

6

Он всегда был верен своим принципам.

He was always true to his principles.

Dative plural with 'верен'.

7

Принцип работы этого механизма уникален.

The operating principle of this mechanism is unique.

Technical genitive.

8

Я не буду этого делать из принципа.

I won't do that out of principle.

Fixed idiomatic expression.

1

Это противоречит основополагающим принципам права.

This contradicts the fundamental principles of law.

Compound adjective.

2

В принципе, данная гипотеза верифицируема.

In principle, this hypothesis is verifiable.

Academic register.

3

Он возвёл это в принцип своей жизни.

He made this a principle of his life.

Stylistic idiom 'возвести в принцип'.

4

Принцип неопределённости Гейзенберга.

Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.

Scientific terminology.

5

Это был акт вопиющей беспринципности.

It was an act of flagrant lack of principle.

High-level vocabulary.

6

Мы руководствуемся принципом презумпции невиновности.

We are guided by the principle of the presumption of innocence.

Instrumental case with 'руководствоваться'.

7

Такой подход в принципе недопустим.

Such an approach is fundamentally unacceptable.

Emphatic usage.

8

Он поступился своими принципами ради выгоды.

He compromised his principles for the sake of profit.

Instrumental plural with 'поступиться'.

Common Collocations

основной принцип
принцип работы
жизненные принципы
принцип разделения властей
научный принцип
принцип домино
моральный принцип
принцип взаимности
в принципе
из принципа

Common Phrases

дело принципа

— A matter of principle.

Для меня это дело принципа.

вопрос принципа

— A question of principle.

Это был вопрос принципа.

идти на принцип

— To take a stand, often stubbornly.

Она пошла на принцип и отказалась.

верность принципам

— Loyalty to one's principles.

Он сохранил верность своим принципам.

принцип невмешательства

— The principle of non-interference.

Мы соблюдаем принцип невмешательства.

человек без принципов

— An unprincipled person.

Я не хочу работать с человеком без принципов.

принцип справедливости

— The principle of justice.

Это основано на принципе справедливости.

в принципе возможно

— Theoretically possible.

В принципе, это возможно.

принцип относительности

— The principle of relativity.

Эйнштейн открыл принцип относительности.

по принципу

— According to the principle of.

Всё сделано по принципу 'сделай сам'.

Often Confused With

принцип vs принц

Means 'prince.' Only differs by one letter.

принцип vs правило

A 'rule' is specific; a 'principle' is foundational.

принцип vs суть

Means 'essence.' Often interchangeable with 'в принципе' (по сути).

Idioms & Expressions

"идти на принцип"

— To act stubbornly or refuse to compromise because of a personal rule.

Не надо идти на принцип, просто извинись.

informal
"в принципе"

— Basically, in essence, or theoretically.

В принципе, он прав.

neutral
"из принципа"

— Doing something purely to uphold a rule, often despite negative consequences.

Я не буду ему звонить из принципа.

neutral
"возвести в принцип"

— To make something a strict rule or dogma.

Он возвёл пунктуальность в принцип.

formal
"принцип домино"

— A chain reaction.

Один банк упал, и сработал принцип домино.

neutral
"беспринципный человек"

— A person who lacks morals and changes views for profit.

Он беспринципный карьерист.

negative
"принципиальный спор"

— A fundamental disagreement.

У них возник принципиальный спор.

formal
"не в моих принципах"

— It's against my rules/nature.

Лгать — не в моих принципах.

neutral
"принцип бумеранга"

— The idea that what you do comes back to you.

Сработал принцип бумеранга.

informal
"дело принципа"

— Something that must be done to maintain integrity.

Выиграть этот суд — дело принципа.

neutral

Easily Confused

принцип vs принципиальный

Can mean 'principled' or 'fundamental.'

In English, 'principled' is mostly moral. In Russian, it also means 'fundamental' in science.

Это принципиальная разница (This is a fundamental difference).

принцип vs правило

Both involve rules.

Rules are external/imposed; principles are internal/foundational.

Правила дорожного движения (Traffic rules).

принцип vs убеждение

Both relate to beliefs.

Convictions are what you believe; principles are the rules you derive from those beliefs.

Мои политические убеждения.

принцип vs закон

Both are 'laws.'

Laws are absolute; principles are guiding truths.

Законы физики.

принцип vs основа

Both mean 'basis.'

Foundation is physical or structural; principle is logical or moral.

Основа здания.

Sentence Patterns

A2

В принципе, [Sentence].

В принципе, я готов.

B1

Это [Adjective] принцип.

Это важный принцип.

B1

Сделать что-то из принципа.

Я не купил это из принципа.

B2

Принцип работы [Noun in Genitive].

Принцип работы мотора.

B2

По принципу [Noun in Genitive].

Группы созданы по принципу возраста.

C1

Придерживаться принципа [Noun in Genitive].

Мы придерживаемся принципа честности.

C1

Противоречить принципам [Noun in Genitive].

Это противоречит принципам свободы.

C2

Возвести [Noun] в принцип.

Он возвёл молчание в принцип.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both speech and writing.

Common Mistakes
  • Я сделал это из-за принципа. Я сделал это из принципа.

    The idiom 'out of principle' is 'из принципа' in the genitive case without the 'из-за' preposition.

  • Это мой главный правила. Это мой главный принцип.

    Don't confuse 'правило' (neuter) with 'принцип' (masculine). Use 'принцип' for foundational beliefs.

  • В принципу, всё хорошо. В принципе, всё хорошо.

    The phrase 'in principle' always uses the prepositional case ending in '-е'.

  • Принципиальный человек (meaning only 'stubborn'). Принципиальный человек (can be positive or negative).

    Remember it can mean 'principled' (positive) or 'uncompromising' (neutral/negative).

  • Принц работы мотора. Принцип работы мотора.

    Do not confuse 'принц' (prince) with 'принцип' (principle).

Tips

Case Mastery

Learn the three main prepositions: в принципе (prep), из принципа (gen), по принципу (dat).

The Filler Word

Use 'в принципе' when you want to sound more thoughtful or when you're giving a tentative 'yes'.

Cognate Advantage

Since it sounds like 'principle,' use it to boost your confidence in academic discussions.

Stubbornness

Remember that 'из принципа' often carries a hint of 'because I'm stubborn,' not just 'because I'm moral'.

The 'Ts' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'ц' clearly as 'ts' (like in 'cats'), not 's'.

Formal Tone

In essays, use 'принципиально важно' to emphasize a key point.

Context Clues

If you hear 'принцип работы,' expect a technical explanation.

Matter of Principle

Use 'дело принципа' when you want to explain that your decision isn't about the money or the effort, but about the rule.

Visualizing

Visualize a 'Prince' standing on a 'Principle'.

C1/C2 Nuance

Try using 'возвести в принцип' to describe someone's habits.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Prince' (Принц) who has a 'Principle' (Принцип). The Prince is the base of the kingdom, and the Principle is the base of his rules.

Visual Association

Imagine a large stone foundation of a building. On the stone, the word 'ПРИНЦИП' is carved. It's the base that holds everything up.

Word Web

Law Moral Logic Foundation Rule Basically Stubborn System

Challenge

Try to use 'в принципе' three times in a conversation today to mean 'basically' or 'generally.'

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'principium' (beginning, foundation, origin).

Original meaning: A fundamental source or the beginning of something.

Indo-European (Latin -> German/French -> Russian).

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'беспринципный' is a very strong insult, suggesting they have no soul or character.

English speakers use 'basically' much more than 'in principle,' but in Russian, 'в принципе' fills both roles.

The Uncertainty Principle (Принцип неопределённости) The Domino Principle (Принцип домино) The Peter Principle (Принцип Питера)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Science

  • принцип сохранения энергии
  • принцип относительности
  • научный принцип
  • принцип действия

Ethics

  • моральные принципы
  • человек принципа
  • из принципа
  • нарушить принципы

Politics

  • принцип демократии
  • принцип равенства
  • принцип разделения властей
  • международные принципы

Everyday Conversation

  • в принципе
  • дело принципа
  • идти на принцип
  • в принципе, да

Technology

  • принцип работы
  • технический принцип
  • принципы проектирования
  • основной принцип

Conversation Starters

"Какие у тебя самые главные жизненные принципы?"

"Ты когда-нибудь шёл на принцип в споре с друзьями?"

"В принципе, ты согласен с тем, что деньги — это не главное?"

"Как ты думаешь, можно ли прожить жизнь без принципов?"

"Объясни мне принцип работы твоего любимого гаджета."

Journal Prompts

Опишите ситуацию, когда вам пришлось поступиться своими принципами. Почему вы это сделали?

Что для вас важнее: следовать правилам или своим внутренним принципам?

Напишите о человеке, которого вы считаете по-настоящему принципиальным.

Как принципы работы современных технологий меняют нашу повседневную жизнь?

Разберите фразу 'в принципе'. Как часто вы слышите её в русской речи и что она на самом деле означает?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'В принципе' means 'theoretically' or 'basically,' while 'по сути' means 'in essence' or 'at the core.' They are often interchangeable, but 'по сути' is more focused on the deep meaning.

No, for traffic rules, you should use 'правила' (правила дорожного движения).

Not always. It can mean someone is being stubborn or difficult because they refuse to compromise on a rule.

You use the phrase 'из принципа' (out of principle).

It means to take a firm stand on something, often refusing to yield even if it's not the easiest path.

It is a masculine noun (ends in a consonant).

The plural is 'принципы'.

The stress is on the first syllable: прИн-цип.

Yes, it is very common as a filler word, similar to 'basically' in English.

It is the noun for 'lack of principles,' usually describing someone who is unscrupulous or opportunistic.

Test Yourself 87 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'из принципа'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'в принципе'.

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speaking

Say 'It's a matter of principle' in Russian.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify: 'В принципе, да.'

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writing

Write: 'He is a man of principle.'

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writing

Translate: 'unprincipled behavior'.

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writing

Write: 'In principle, it's possible.'

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writing

Translate: 'out of principle'.

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writing

Write: 'a fundamentally new method'.

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writing

Write: 'My principle'.

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writing

Translate: 'matter of principle'.

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writing

Translate: 'He went on principle.'

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writing

Write: 'In principle, I agree.'

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writing

Translate: 'my principles'.

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/ 87 correct

Perfect score!

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