Significado
A topic that is sensitive for someone.
Contexto cultural
In Russia, the kitchen is the heart of the home where the most sensitive 'больные вопросы' are discussed. During the Soviet era, this was the only safe place to discuss politics. The concept of 'pain' in Russian literature is often seen as a path to spiritual growth. Therefore, a 'больной вопрос' is sometimes viewed as something that *must* be faced rather than avoided. Russians often use this phrase when dealing with slow government services (housing, healthcare). It expresses a shared, collective frustration. While Russians can be very open, they also value 'не лезть в душу' (not climbing into the soul). Saying 'это больной вопрос' is a firm but respected way to protect one's privacy.
Polite Deflection
If someone asks you something too personal, simply say 'Это больной вопрос'. It's more polite than saying 'It's none of your business'.
Don't Overuse
If you call every small problem a 'больной вопрос', you will sound overly dramatic. Save it for things that actually matter.
Significado
A topic that is sensitive for someone.
Polite Deflection
If someone asks you something too personal, simply say 'Это больной вопрос'. It's more polite than saying 'It's none of your business'.
Don't Overuse
If you call every small problem a 'больной вопрос', you will sound overly dramatic. Save it for things that actually matter.
Use with 'Для'
Always remember to use 'для' + Genitive to specify who is affected. 'Для меня', 'Для нас', 'Для компании'.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Для него политика — это ________ вопрос.
The noun 'вопрос' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'больной'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the most natural sentence:
The idiom must refer to a sensitive or painful topic, not a math problem or a physical object.
Match the situation to the response.
Someone asks you about a very painful breakup you just had.
This is the standard way to politely decline a sensitive conversation.
Complete the dialogue.
— Почему ты не хочешь говорить о ремонте? — Потому что это наш...
All three options are natural synonyms in this context.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosДля него политика — это ________ вопрос.
The noun 'вопрос' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'больной'.
Choose the most natural sentence:
The idiom must refer to a sensitive or painful topic, not a math problem or a physical object.
Someone asks you about a very painful breakup you just had.
This is the standard way to politely decline a sensitive conversation.
— Почему ты не хочешь говорить о ремонте? — Потому что это наш...
All three options are natural synonyms in this context.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, 'больной' used with a person just means they are physically ill. To say a person is 'sensitive', use 'чувствительный' or 'ранимий'.
Yes, if you are referring to a long-standing problem that is causing issues for the company. It shows you understand the gravity of the situation.
'Наболевший' specifically implies the problem has been around for a long time and has 'ripened' or become unbearable.
No, it is a standard idiom used in all levels of speech, from literature to daily conversation.
No, that doesn't exist as an idiom. Only 'больной вопрос' or 'болезненная тема'.
It is 'больные вопросы'. For example: 'У нас много больных вопросов'.
No, it's a way of saying 'that topic is painful for me'. It's actually quite a soft way to set a boundary.
Literally, yes, you could ask 'Это больной вопрос?' meaning 'Is the question of your health painful?', but it's almost always used figuratively.
Not really. There isn't a 'healthy question' idiom. The opposite would just be 'приятная тема' (pleasant topic).
In Russian, 'вопрос' often means 'issue' or 'matter' (like 'the German question' in history).
Frases relacionadas
Наступить на любимую мозоль
similarTo step on someone's favorite corn (sore spot).
Задеть за живое
builds onTo touch the quick.
Слабое место
synonymWeak spot.
Запретная тема
contrastForbidden topic.
Наболевший вопрос
similarA long-aching question.
