What Does "Пока" Mean in Russian?

The Russian word "пока́" (poka) most commonly means "bye" in casual conversation, but it can also mean "while," "until," or "for now" depending on context. In this guide, you'll learn what пока́ means in Russian and exactly how to use it in every situation.

Let's break down all four meanings, starting with the most common one.

1. Пока́ = bye / see you (casual goodbye)

The most common everyday meaning of пока́ is a casual "bye" or "see you later." It's the Russian equivalent of English "bye" — friendly, informal, and used between people who know each other well.

• Пока́! — Bye!
• Ну, пока́, до за́втра. — Well, bye, see you tomorrow.
• Пока́-пока́! — Bye-bye! 

Пока́ is informal. Don't use it with:

• your boss or colleagues you're not close with
• older people you've just met
• in formal or business situations

In those cases, use до свида́ния (formal goodbye) instead.

2. Пока́ = while (simultaneous actions)

Use пока́ to mean “while” when two actions happen at the same time. In this meaning, пока́ is usually followed by an imperfective verb, because the focus is on an ongoing process.

• Я чита́ю, пока́ он смо́трит телеви́зор. 

I’m reading while he is watching TV.

• Я слу́шала му́зыку, пока́ гото́вила.

I was listening to music while I was cooking.

• Она рабо́тает, пока́ де́ти спят.

She is working while the children are sleeping.

3. Пока́ не = until (up to the moment when something happens)

Important: In Russian, не is used after пока́, but in English we don’t use “not” with "until" in these sentences.

• Подожди́, пока́ я не приду́.

Wait until I come.

• Я не уйду́, пока́ ты не объясни́шь.

I won’t leave until you explain.

• Он бу́дет учи́ться, пока́ не сдаст экза́мен.

He will study until he passes the exam.

Common mistake: English speakers often forget the не after пока́. In Russian, пока́ я приду́ sounds wrong — you must say пока́ я не приду́.

4. Пока́ что = for now / at the moment (temporary situation that may change in the future)

• Пока́ что я живу́ в По́льше.

For now, I live in Poland.

• Де́нег пока́ что нет.

There’s no money at the moment.

• Пока́ что всё хорошо́.

Everything is fine for now.

Note the difference: Пока́ я живу́ в По́льше = "While I'm living in Poland." Пока́ что я живу́ в По́льше = "For now, I live in Poland." That little что changes the meaning completely.

Frequently asked questions about пока́

• Does пока́ mean "hello" or "goodbye"? Пока́ means goodbye, not hello. It's a casual way to say "bye" or "see you." For "hello," use приве́т (informal) or здра́вствуйте (formal).
• What does пока́-пока́ mean? Пока́-пока́ is just a doubled, even more casual version of пока́ — like saying "bye-bye" in English. It's often used with kids or in playful conversation.
• Is пока́ formal or informal? Пока́ is informal. Use it with friends, family, and people you know well. In formal situations, use до свида́ния instead.
• What's the difference between пока́ and пока́ что? Пока́ on its own usually means "while," "until," or "bye." Пока́ что adds the meaning "for now" or "at the moment," suggesting a temporary situation.

Now practice пока́ like a native

Reading about Russian is one thing — using it is another. The best way to truly learn пока́ is to practice it in context, again and again, until it becomes automatic.

👉 Try the exercises: Test yourself with interactive пока́ exercises in the Exercise section. 

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