Intelligentny (Интеллигентный) (Intelligentnyy)

Meaning: Actually means 'cultured' and 'well-mannered'. For clever, say умный (umny).

Looks like: Intelligent

Origin: Describes a whole social ideal — the интеллигенция — of courtesy, education and ethical bearing, not raw brainpower.

More Russian false friends

Aktualny (Актуальный) (Aktualnyy) Actually means 'topical' or 'currently relevant'. For actual (real), say настоящий (nasto…
Artist (Артист) (Artist) Actually means 'performer' — an actor, singer or circus artiste. A painter is художник (k…
Magazin (Магазин) (Magazin) Actually means 'shop' or 'store'. A magazine (periodical) is журнал (zhurnal).
Familiya (Фамилия) (Familiya) Actually means 'surname'. A family is семья (semya).

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Золотые руки (Zolotye ruki) You're wonderfully skilled with your hands — a true master at making and fixing things.
Без царя в голове (Bez tsarya v golove) Foolish and reckless — with no one in charge upstairs.
Ты умница (ty umnitsa) You're bright, clever, and admirable — said warmly of someone who handles things well.

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