russian language

[moonlight_mg]

erm, so this is the thing, i lurk around here reading fanfics and admiring fan art, but there's something really stupid that i can't understand, makes me feel dumb that i don't.  But anyway,  What does Vanya mean?  it appears that a lot of people like to call Raikov that.  Is it an expression of endearment?  or like a nickname

Comments

[voyevoda]

Pet form of "Ivan", which is Raikov's first name. :)

[silver_drake]

Russian nicknames, while adorable, usually don't make a lot of sense to non-speakers. "Ivan" becomes "Vanya," "Yevgeny" becomes "Zhenya," etc.

[bfm_od]

Sounds to me like it's just chopping off the first syllable (BAH) and adding the "ya" letter (BAHЯ). Strange, yet cute, way of making nicknames, I suppose.

[imre_nico]

All traditional Russian names have established casual nickname forms. These Russian casual forms are called diminutives.

There are reference lists of these names online.

[moonlight_mg]

i see....i'm not a russian speaker at all...i happen to be chinese...anyway, thanks for the info, i've been enlightened, and now am able to enjoy mgs fanfiction and fanart to the fullest. *has only known the existence of this wonderful game for 2 weeks, and has stayed up till 2 in the morning beating mgs 1 2 and 3....and researching as well"

[imre_nico]

It's a great series <3

People always tell me they expected it to be a regular boring first-person army shooter, and of course they are thrilled to find out it's not.

I know I was. Definitely my favorite game.

[moonlight_mg]

lol indeed, i read already. after browsing the backlog for so long, of course i'd notice that title

[alanahikarichan]

I see everyone else has answered your question about Raikov. XD;; I'll just conclude by saying Russian diminutives are always adorable.

Aww, that drawing is adorable! <3 I really like how you drew his face, especially. :3