вот так
vot tak[vot tak]word by word
The English phrase "like this" is translated into Russian as вот так (vot tak).
вот так is used to describe the manner in which something is done or the way something appears. It is particularly effective when you are physically demonstrating or pointing to a specific method.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the demonstrative particle вот (here/look) and the adverb так (so/in this way), literally meaning "here so/thus".
Which one should you use?
While так means "so" or "in this way", adding вот to create вот так makes the phrase more demonstrative. Use вот так when you are pointing to or demonstrating a specific method, whereas так is a more general adverb for "in that manner".
How do you pronounce it?
vot tak
Did you know?
- In Russian, вот так can be used as a sarcastic exclamation to express resignation or a sense of 'that is just how it is'.
- Russian uses the word так to create the phrase так себе, which means 'so-so' or 'mediocre'.
- The word так is a linguistic cousin to the Latin word 'talis', which means 'such' or 'of such a kind'.
Examples in context
- Ненавижу вот так ждать.I hate waiting like this.This sentence shows how to express dislike for a specific way of waiting using вот так.Tatoeba #3714824 by marafon, translation #2334156 by CK
- Том держал нож вот так.Tom held the knife like this.This sentence demonstrates the use of вот так to describe how someone is holding an object.Tatoeba #6455547 by Wezel, translation #5412630 by CK
- Не ешь так. Ешь вот так.Don't eat like that. Eat like this.This sentence uses вот так to provide a correct alternative to an incorrect way of eating.Tatoeba #5811394 by odexed, translation #10511818 by ddnktr
- Таким образом, можно лучше понять эту сложную концепцию.By this manner, one can better understand this complex concept.
- Так понятней, типа вот так.It's easier to understand, like, this way.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga is showing Alexander how to tie a knot.
- Ольга OlgaСначала затяни узел вот так.Snachala zatyani uzel vot tak.First, tighten the knot like this.
- Александр AleksandrА теперь нужно потянуть сильнее?A teper' nuzhno potyanut' sil'neye?And now I need to pull harder?
- Ольга OlgaДа, Александр, делай именно вот так.Da, Aleksandr, delay imenno vot tak.Yes, Alexander, do it exactly like this.
- Александр AleksandrПонял, у меня получилось!Ponyal, u menya poluchilos'!Got it, I did it!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (вот, так) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries вот, так, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
