diff --git a/mercurial/repo.py b/mercurial/repo.py
--- a/mercurial/repo.py
+++ b/mercurial/repo.py
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
 # This software may be used and distributed according to the terms
 # of the GNU General Public License, incorporated herein by reference.
 
+from i18n import _
+
 class RepoError(Exception):
     pass