Are you looking to expand your Russian vocabulary and learn how to say “bump into” in Russian? In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase. We will also provide you with various tips, examples, and regional variations to help you master this expression. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Bump Into in Russian
If you want to express the phrase “bump into” in a more formal manner, you can use the following phrases:
- Внезапно столкнуться (Vnezapno stolknut’sya) – This phrase literally means “to suddenly collide.” It can be used to convey the idea of accidentally bumping into someone.
- Случайно столкнуться (Sluchaino stolknut’sya) – Translated as “to accidentally collide,” this phrase can be used in a formal setting when referring to an unexpected encounter with someone.
Informal Ways to Say Bump Into in Russian
If you are in a more casual setting and want to use a less formal expression for “bump into,” you can try these phrases:
- Наткнуться (Natknut’sya) – This is a common and widely used way to say “bump into” in Russian. It can be used both formally and informally, depending on the context.
- Стукнуться (Stuknut’sya) – While this word primarily means “to hit” or “to strike,” it can also be used informally to describe bumping into someone by accident.
Regional Variations
Russian is a diverse language, and regional variations can influence the way “bump into” is expressed in different parts of the country. Here are a couple of regional variations:
Moscow Variation
In Moscow, it is common to use the phrase Схлопотать встречку (Skhlopatat’ vstrechku) to mean “to bump into someone.” This expression has a slightly informal and playful tone.
Saint Petersburg Variation
In Saint Petersburg, you might hear the phrase Подлететь друг другу на глаза (Podletet’ drug drugu na glaza), which translates to “to fly up to each other’s eyes.” This vivid expression is commonly used to describe a sudden encounter with someone.
Tips and Examples for Using “Bump Into” in Russian
Now that we have explored the different ways to say “bump into” in Russian, let’s take a look at some tips and examples to help you use these phrases correctly:
TIP: In Russian, verbs change depending on the subjects and objects involved. Pay attention to the gender and number of the subjects and objects when using these phrases.
Example 1:
Formal: Внезапно я столкнулась с директором на встрече.
Informal: Наткнулась на директора в неожиданном месте.
Translation:
Formal: Suddenly, I bumped into the director at the meeting.
Informal: I ran into the director in an unexpected place.
Example 2:
Formal: Случайно столкнулся с моим соседом на улице.
Informal: Я наткнулся на своего соседа на улице.
Translation:
Formal: I accidentally bumped into my neighbor on the street.
Informal: I ran into my neighbor on the street.
