если не секрет

Russian

Etymology

Literally, “if not a secret”.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ˌjes⁽ʲ⁾lʲɪ nʲɪ‿sʲɪˈkrʲet]

Phrase

е́сли не секре́т • (jésli ne sekrét)

1. if you don't mind me asking, if you don't mind my asking, if I may ask

   Где ты рабо́таешь, е́сли не секре́т? ― Gde ty rabótaješʹ, jésli ne sekrét? ― Where do you work, if you don't mind me asking?

Usage notes

Often translated literally into English by Russian speakers, despite sounding quaint and unnatural to English native speakers.