When learning a new language, it’s essential to understand how to express different concepts and connect your thoughts effectively. One such concept is “since,” which holds a key role in establishing relationships between past events and present situations. In Russian, there are several ways to convey this meaning, ranging from formal to informal expressions. Throughout this guide, we will explore these various forms and provide you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations to help you grasp the usage of “since” in Russian.
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Formal Expressions for “Since” in Russian
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking with a professor, addressing an elderly person, or engaging in professional settings, it’s crucial to use more polite and respectful language. Here are a few formal expressions for “since” in Russian:
1. С тех пор, как (s teh por, kak)
Translation: SinceExample: С тех пор, как я переехал в Москву, моя жизнь изменилась. (Since I moved to Moscow, my life has changed.)
2. Со дня (so dnya)
Translation: From the dayExample: Со дня нашей встречи, он стал моим наставником. (Since the day we met, he became my mentor.)
Informal Expressions for “Since” in Russian
In more casual conversations, among friends, or when addressing someone of a similar age, you can use less formal expressions. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “since” in Russian:
1. С того времени (s togo vremeni)
Translation: Since thenExample: С того времени мы стали лучшими друзьями. (Since then, we’ve become best friends.)
2. После того (posle togo)
Translation: After thatExample: После того он переехал в другой город. (Since then, he moved to another city.)
Tips and Additional Examples
To help you master the usage of “since” in Russian, here are some additional tips and examples:
1. Context Matters
When using expressions for “since” in Russian, it’s essential to consider the context of the conversation. This will help you select the most appropriate form. For instance, if you’re talking about a specific event, “с тех пор, как” or “со дня” would be suitable for emphasizing the starting point, whereas “с того времени” or “после того” are better when referring to a period.
2. Time Frames
In Russian, you can specify the time frame by using different cases. When mentioning a specific day or date, you can use the prepositional case:
Example: Я работаю здесь с двадцать третьего марта. (I’ve been working here since March 23rd.)
If you want to express a general period, use the genitive case:
Example: Он занимается спортом с колледжа. (He has been involved in sports since college.)
3. The Word “Так как”
Besides the direct translations of “since” in Russian, you can also use the phrase “так как” to convey the same meaning:
Example: Никто не пришел, так как было плохое погодные условия. (Nobody came since the weather conditions were bad.)
4. Idiomatic Phrases
As you progress in your Russian language journey, you will come across various idiomatic phrases that encompass the meaning of “since.” For instance:
Example: С первого раза, как он сел за руль, он был страшно нервничал. (Since the first time he sat behind the wheel, he was terribly nervous.)
Regional Variations
Russian is a vast language spoken across a large territory, which may bring about some regional variations. However, when it comes to the concept of “since,” these differences are minimal. The aforementioned expressions work well throughout Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok and from Saint Petersburg to Sochi.
Remember, mastering any language takes time, patience, and practice. So, keep exploring various resources, engaging in conversations, and immersing yourself in the Russian culture to enhance your understanding of “since” and other aspects of this fascinating language!
