дурак (durak)

//ˈdurək//character attack, mild

What does дурак (durak) mean? дурак (durak) is a Russian moderate that translates to “fool / idiot / stupid” in English.

Literal Translation

fool / stupid person

Meaning & Usage

"fool / idiot / stupid"

Fool; stupid person; idiot.

Examples in the Wild

Ты что, дурак? Это же легко! (Ty chto, durak? Eto zhe legko!) - Are you stupid? It's easy!

2/ 5

Moderate. Moderate. Common in everyday speech but not for polite company.

Cultural Context

Not mat (obscenity), but common profanity. From the card game 'Durak' (Fool). Mild enough to use in family arguments but still insulting. 'Дура' is the feminine form. 'Дурак' implies lack of intelligence but not moral failing. Can be used affectionately ('ты дурак' to a close friend). Common in literature where mat is banned. The word is culturally significant - there's even a traditional Russian role of the 'Holy Fool' (юродивый).