давай
davai is the Russian phrase for "let's go", "come on" or "let's do it".
давай is a common informal expression used to mean "let's go", "come on" or "let's do it".
What does it mean word for word?
The word давай is the imperative form of the verb давать, which means "to give", though it is frequently used idiomatically as an exhortation.
Which one should you use?
Use давай when suggesting an action to a friend or peer, but use давайте when addressing a stranger, a superior or a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
While давай is the informal singular imperative, давайте is the plural or polite form used when suggesting an action to a group or a person you address formally.
Did you know?
- If you are hanging up the phone with a friend, you might end the conversation simply by saying давай. In this context, it acts as a shorthand for 'let's get going' or 'bye for now'.
- The phrase can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or annoyance. Saying ну давай with a specific tone can mean 'go ahead, try it' in a way that suggests the person will fail.
- When someone is telling a story and pauses, a listener might say давай, давай to urge them to continue. It acts as a prompt for the speaker to 'keep it coming'.
Examples in context
- Давайте обсудим этот вопрос на совещании.Let's discuss this matter in the meeting.
- Давай в кино!Let's go to the cinema!
- Давай, поедем к морю!Come on, let's go to the sea!
- Давай пойдём в кино сегодня.Davay poydyom v kino segodnya.Let's go to the cinema today.
- Давай быстрее, мы опаздываем.Davay bystryeye, my opazdyvayem.Come on, hurry up, we're late.
- Ну, давай, удачи тебе!Nu, davay, udachi tebe!Anyway, go on, good luck to you!
Example conversation
Alexander and Olga are finishing a phone call.
- Александр AleksandrМне пора идти.Mne pora idti.I have to go now.
- Ольга OlgaХорошо, давай, созвонимся завтра.Khorosho, davay, sozvonimsya zavtra.Okay, bye, let's talk tomorrow.
- Александр AleksandrДоговорились, пока!Dogovorilis', poka!Agreed, bye!
- Ольга OlgaПока!Poka!Bye!
