noun

kopek

koh-PEK

Quiz me More like this

Kopek (noun) means a monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a ruble, and by extension of similar currencies in some neighbouring countries. Example: “One ruble is made up of one hundred kopeks.”

noun

A monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a ruble, and by extension of similar currencies in some neighbouring countries.

"One ruble is made up of one hundred kopeks."

"Some shop prices were still marked down to the last kopek."

"She found a handful of old Soviet kopeks in a drawer."

How to use kopek

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small coin worth one hundredth of a Russian ruble.

When to use it

Kopek is a neutral term used in ordinary writing about Russian currency.

Memory tip

Kopek and kopeck are both accepted spellings, with kopek preferred by The Moscow Times.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

kopiyka kapeyka

Common pairings

a few kopeks cost one kopek a hundred kopeks old kopeks

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like kopek.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “kopek” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

One ruble is made up of one hundred _____.

Etymology

The word is borrowed from Russian kopeyka, which itself comes from a Russian word for spear. This refers to the image of a rider carrying a spear that appeared on coins minted in Moscow after it captured Novgorod in 1478.

Origin: Russian

Synonyms

View more →

copeck kopeck

Frequently asked questions

What is a kopek?

A kopek is a small unit of Russian currency worth one hundredth of a ruble.

How many kopeks are in a ruble?

There are one hundred kopeks in a single ruble.

Where does the word kopek come from?

It comes from the Russian kopeyka, ultimately from a word for spear, referring to the image of a spear-carrying rider on old Moscow coins.

What is the meaning of kopek?

"kopek" (noun) means a monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a ruble, and by extension of similar currencies in some neighbouring countries.