по
po[pə]
The Russian preposition по is used to translate the English word "by" when indicating a means.
The preposition по is used to indicate a means. The phrase С помощью is used to express 'by' in terms of assistance or help and is formal.
Meaning: indicates a means (prep)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is po.
Did you know?
- The preposition по can be used to express a feeling or a longing, as in тосковать по кому-то, meaning to pine 'by' or 'for' someone.
- The preposition по is used to describe an action that happens in parts or in a sequence, such as по одному meaning 'one by one'.
- The word по is an ancient Proto-Slavic particle that has maintained its core function for thousands of years, surviving almost unchanged from its earliest recorded forms.
Examples in context
- Я сам по себе.I'm by myself.This sentence shows how to use по to express being by oneself.Tatoeba #4619456 by Wezel, translation #2549710 by CK
- Я понял это сам.I figured it out by myself.This sentence shows how to use по to express figuring something out by oneself.Tatoeba #3640363 by sharptoothed, translation #2326243 by CK
- Я поеду на метро.I'll go by subway.This sentence shows how to use по to indicate a means of travel.Tatoeba #5661022 by nina99nv, translation #6532380 by CK
- Он завершил задание с помощью своего коллеги.He completed the task with the help of his colleague.
- Он учится на дому.He studies at home (by means of home study).
- Охлаждение происходит посредством кондиционера.Cooling occurs by means of an air conditioner.
- Эта проблема решается с помощью специального алгоритма.This problem is solved with the help of a special algorithm.
- Я проехал весь путь на метро.I traveled the whole way by subway.
- 2794 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Alexander are discussing how to get to the museum.
- Ольга OlgaКак мы доберемся до музея?Kak my doberyomsya do muzeya?How will we get to the museum?
- Александр AleksandrПоедем по дороге через парк.Poyedem po doroge cherez park.We will go by the road through the park.
- Ольга OlgaЭто будет быстро?Eto budet bystro?Will it be fast?
- Александр AleksandrДа, по этой дороге быстрее всего.Da, po etoy doroge bystryeye vsego.Yes, by this road is the fastest way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry по, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries по, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
