бы́стро
býstro
The English word quickly can be translated into Russian as бы́стро (býstro). Wiktionary also lists ско́ро (skóro).
Meaning: rapidly, fast (adv)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| бы́стро | býstro |
| ско́ро | skóro |
бы́стро is the primary and general term for quickly in Russian, specifically referring to the speed of an action or movement, such as running fast. The colloquial phrase по-быстрому is used to describe doing something hastily or in a rush, which often implies the task was done in a makeshift way without much care or detail.
Which one should you use?
While бы́стро refers to the speed of an action or movement, скоро refers to time in the near future, meaning "soon".
How do you pronounce it?
býstro
Did you know?
- While бы́стро refers to speed, Russians use the phrase в два счёта meaning 'in two counts' to describe doing something incredibly quickly.
- In some contexts, ско́ро is used in the phrase скоропостижно, often used to describe a sudden or unexpected death.
- In Russian slang, the root of бы́стро can sometimes be found in terms describing someone who is 'quick-witted' or 'sharp', moving beyond physical speed to mental agility.
Examples in context
- Как по-бы́строму сде́лать мно́го слинко́вок?How can I quickly do a lot of linking?This sentence shows how to use the form бы́стро in a question about completing a task quickly.Tatoeba #8083849 by cykel, translation #8083845 by cykel
- Мы должны закончить работу быстро.We need to finish the work quickly.
- Они схватились за работу и быстренько закончили.They got to work and quickly finished.
- Москвичи ходят шустро по улицам своего города.Moscow residents walk quickly along the streets of their city.
- Заканчивайте побыстрее!Finish quicker!
- Он очень бы́стро бегает.On ochen' bystro begayet.He runs very quickly.
- Пожалуйста, ответьте бы́стро.Pozhaluysta, otvetyte bystro.Please answer quickly.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Sergey are getting ready to leave the house.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСерге́й, одева́йся бы́стро!Sergey, odevaysya bystro!Sergey, get dressed quickly!
- Сергей SergeyЯ уже́ почти́ гото́в.Ya uzhe pochti gotov.I am almost ready already.
- Анастасия AnastasiaМы опа́здыва́ем на по́езд.My opazdyvayem na poyezd.We are late for the train.
- Сергей SergeyХорошо́, я выхожу́.Khorosho, ya vykhodzhu.Okay, I am coming out.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quickly” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
