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Glite Dictionary
tovarisch

tovarisch

9.9
A person called comrade by Russian or Soviet communists
  • noun
  • /təˈvɑːrɪʃ/
translation icon : camarada
  • "My condolences for your loss, Tovarisch Fursenko." "And to you, sir." Fursenko turned and quickly strode away, feeling very uncomfortable with that man knowing his name or even standing behind him.

Examples

  • In the meeting, he addressed the group as tovarisch to emphasize their shared goals.

  • During the gathering, she greeted her fellow activists with a warm, "Hello, tovarisch!"

  • I could swear she adds, Tovarisch! Comrade!

    Fiction book (2002)

  • Okay, tovarisch.

    The Cat from Outer Space (1978)

  • "It was a pleasure to meet you, Gaspadeen." Fursenko had used the more modern post-Union breakup, more "politically correct" term for "mister," but he automatically stopped himself, then said, "Tovarisch Kazakov."

    Fiction book (2002)

  • "We must support one another, tovarisch, in the fight for our cause," he said passionately.

Synonyms

comrade
vstovarisch
88 3.8

A friend or companion who shares activities and experiences

is the narrower political address used in Russian or Soviet settings
tovarish
vstovarisch
9.9

A word people use when speaking to a friend in Russian or Soviet groups

is the alternative form used similarly in Russian or Soviet communist contexts
tovarich
vstovarisch
9.9

A person who Soviet and Russian communists call a friend or fellow member

is the same term in similar contexts but with different transliteration

Surface Forms

tovarisch singular
tovarische plural

Etymology

The word tovarisch comes from Russian товарищ, which means 'companion' or 'friend'. It grew from tovar meaning 'goods', like English ware, because a 'tovarisch' was first someone you shared goods with, and that idea later became the political 'comrade' used in Soviet times.