Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Abreast'

English Word: abreast

Key Russian Translations:

• рядом [ˈrʲadəm] - [Informal, Used for physical proximity]
• вровень [vrɐˈvʲenʲ] - [Formal, Often used metaphorically or for keeping pace]
• наравне [nɐˈravnʲɪ] - [Formal, Used for equality or comparison]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts, less common in daily speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "рядом"; C1 (Advanced) for "вровень" and "наравне" due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

рядом: [ˈrʲadəm]

Note on рядом: Stress is on the first syllable; the "я" sounds like "ya" in "yard."

вровень: [vrɐˈvʲenʲ]

Note on вровень: Stress on the second syllable; the soft "нь" at the end requires a palatalized pronunciation.

наравне: [nɐˈravnʲɪ]

Note on наравне: Stress on the second syllable; "не" is pronounced softly due to the following "е."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Side by Side (Physical Proximity)

Translation(s) & Context:

• рядом - Used to describe things or people physically next to each other.

Usage Examples:

• Они шли рядом по улице.

  They walked abreast down the street.

• Машины стояли рядом на парковке.

  The cars were parked abreast in the parking lot.

• Мы сидели рядом за столом.

  We sat abreast at the table.

2. Keeping Pace or Up-to-Date (Metaphorical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вровень - Often used for keeping pace or being level with something/someone.
• наравне - Used to indicate equality or being on the same level, often in competition or comparison.

Usage Examples:

• Он держится вровень с лучшими спортсменами.

  He keeps abreast of the best athletes.

• Компания идет вровень с конкурентами.

  The company stays abreast of its competitors.

• Она работает наравне с мужчинами в этой отрасли.

  She works abreast with men in this field.

• Мы должны быть наравне с последними технологиями.

  We must keep abreast of the latest technologies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

рядом: An adverb, does not inflect. Used consistently in all contexts without changes for case, number, or gender.

вровень: An adverb, does not inflect. Fixed form used primarily with prepositions like "с" (with) to indicate comparison.

наравне: An adverb, does not inflect. Often used with preposition "с" to denote equality or comparison.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• бок о бок (side by side, for physical proximity)
• на одном уровне (on the same level, for metaphorical equality)

Note: "бок о бок" is more colloquial and vivid than "рядом," while "на одном уровне" is more formal than "наравне."

Antonyms:

• позади (behind)
• впереди (ahead)

Related Phrases:

• идти вровень с кем-то - To keep pace with someone.
• наравне с другими - On par with others.
• стоять рядом - To stand side by side.

Usage Notes:

• "рядом" is the most common and versatile translation for physical proximity but does not carry the metaphorical sense of staying updated or equal.
• "вровень" and "наравне" are more formal and often used in written or professional contexts to imply keeping pace or equality. Choose "вровень" for progress or competition and "наравне" for equal status or rights.
• These adverbs are often paired with the preposition "с" (with) to specify the entity being compared or aligned with.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "рядом" in metaphorical contexts. Incorrect: "Я хочу быть рядом с новыми технологиями" (I want to be abreast of new technologies). Correct: "Я хочу быть наравне с новыми технологиями."
• Error: Forgetting the preposition "с" when using "вровень" or "наравне." Incorrect: "Он работает наравне другие." Correct: "Он работает наравне с другими."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "keeping abreast" in a metaphorical sense (staying updated or equal) is often tied to ideas of progress and competition, especially in professional or academic contexts. Expressions like "наравне с другими" may carry connotations of fairness and equality, reflecting societal values.

Related Concepts:

• равенство (equality)
• соперничество (rivalry)
• прогресс (progress)