Today we are going to tell you about the names of the days of the week in the Russian language and to analyze their origin. Let’s have a closer look at the days of the week:

Similar to other world languages, Russian has 7 days of the week, 2 of which are called “Выходными” [Vykhadnye] Weekend, but the rest of the days when people work, study, or are busy doing some other things are called “Будние дни” [Budnie dni] weekdays or “Будни” [Budni].  Every work day [rah-BOH-cheey dyehn’] has its own original and interesting name which appeared in the past and still exists nowadays.

Sunday

Воскресенье [vuhs-kree-SYEHN’-yeh] Sunday

In ancient times, in Russia the week used to have a completely different name  – “Седмица” [sedmitsa], which is originated from the word “семь” [sem’] seven, but only one day of the week -воскресенье (Sunday)  was called  “неделя” [nee-DYEH-lyah] week , as it was a custom to do nothing (НЕ ДЕЛать )on this day. Therefore, the word “неделя” originated from this verb.  After Russia had become a Christian state, and Russians started to celebrate Easter, this day was called  “воскресенье” which means “raising” , “resurrection”.

Monday

Понедельник [puh-nee-DYEHL’-neek] Monday

The days were counted from Sunday, therefore “понедельник” [puh-nee-DYEHL’-neek]Monday was the first day after  “ничего не делать”.

Tuesday

Вторник [FTOHR-neek] Tuesday

The second day after Sunday was  “вторник”  [FTOHR-neek] Tuesday. The word originated from the Old-Slavic word which means “second”.

Wednesday

Среда [sree-DAH] Wednesday

Wednesday got its name because it is in the “в середине” [siridina] middle of the week or from the word “сердце”[sertse] heart.

Thursday

Четверг [cheet-VYEHRK] Thursday

Thursday is the fourth day after Sunday and it  is originated from the word “четыре” [chityri] four.

Friday

Пятница [PYAHT-nee-tsuh] Friday

Friday is the fifth day after Sunday and it is originated from the word “пять” [pyat’] five.

Saturday

Суббота [soo-BOH-tuh] Saturday

The name “субботa” originated from the Jewish word “sabbath” which means  “покой” [pakoj] rest.

What prepositions do Russians  use with the names of the days of the week?

Russians usually use the preposition  “В”/”ON” when they want to say that they are going to do something or to go somewhere on this day. For example: Я пойду в кино в воскресенье, а на работу – в понедельник. [Ya pajdu f kino f vaskrisen’e, a na rabotu – v panidel’nik] I will go to the cinema on Sunday, but to work – on Monday.

It should be mentioned that all days of the week are used with the preposition  “В”, except Tuesday. This day of the week is used with the preposition “Во”, for example: Во вторник будет жарко [Fa ftornik budet zharka] It is going to be hot on Tuesday.

Prepositions “к” or “ко” (for Tuesday) are also used with the days of the week.
For example:
Я выполню эту работу ко вторнику [Ya vypalnyu ehtu rabotu ka ftorniku] I will do this work by Tuesday.
К субботе я приготовлю кексы [K subote ya prigatovlyu kyeksi] I am going to make cupcakes by Saturday.

If you need to ask what day of the week it is today, you can use the phrase:
Какой сегодня день? [kah-KOI see-VOHD-nyah dyehn’].

Here are some more words and phrases that might be useful when you are going to speak about your schedule, calendar events, yesterday, today, or tomorrow:

• Завтра [ZAHF-trah] tomorrow
• Сегодня [see-VOHD-nyuh] today
• Вчера [fcheeh-RAH] yesterday
• На этой неделе [nah EH-tuy nee-DYEHL-yee] this week
• На следующей неделе [nah SLYED-oo-yoo-shchee nee-DYEHL-yeh] next week
• На прошлой неделе [nah PROSH-luy nee-DYEHL-yee] last week

We hope you have found this article interesting and now you know the names and origin of the days of the week in the Russian language. Russian language is fun to learn!