Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Quickly'

English Word: Quickly

Key Russian Translations:

• быстро [ˈbɨstrə] - [Neutral, Common]
• скоро [ˈskorə] - [Often implies 'soon' as well as 'quickly', Neutral]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

быстро: [ˈbɨstrə]

Note on быстро: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ы' sound is unique to Russian and may be challenging for English speakers; it’s a vowel sound between 'i' and 'u'.

скоро: [ˈskorə]

Note on скоро: Stress on the first syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly, a common feature in Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. In a fast manner (speed)

Translation(s) & Context:

• быстро - Used when referring to speed of action or movement (e.g., running, working).

Usage Examples:

• Она быстро бежала к автобусу.

  She quickly ran to the bus.

• Сделай это быстро, у нас мало времени.

  Do it quickly, we have little time.

• Он быстро ответил на вопрос.

  He quickly answered the question.

2. In a short time (soon)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скоро - Used when implying something will happen in a short time or soon.

Usage Examples:

• Я скоро вернусь домой.

  I will return home quickly (soon).

• Скоро начнётся дождь.

  It will rain quickly (soon).

Russian Forms/Inflections:

быстро: This is an adverb derived from the adjective "быстрый" (fast). As an adverb, it does not change form based on gender, number, or case. It remains invariable.

скоро: Similarly, this is an invariable adverb derived from the adjective "скорый" (quick, soon). It does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for быстро (speed):

• резво (energetically fast)
• стремительно (rapidly, often more intense)

Synonyms for скоро (soon):

• вскоре (shortly, more formal)
• незамедлительно (immediately, formal)

Antonyms for быстро/скоро:

• медленно (slowly)
• постепенно (gradually)

Related Phrases:

• быстро и качественно - quickly and efficiently (used in contexts of work or service)
• скоро увидимся - see you soon (common farewell phrase)
• как можно быстрее - as quickly as possible (used for urgency)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between быстро and скоро: Use "быстро" when emphasizing speed of an action. Use "скоро" when referring to something happening in a short time or soon. English speakers often confuse these due to overlap with "quickly."
• Formality: Both terms are neutral and can be used in formal and informal contexts, though "скоро" might sound slightly more literary in some cases.
• Position in Sentence: Both adverbs usually appear before the verb they modify, though they can be placed at the end for emphasis (e.g., "Сделай это быстро!").

Common Errors:

• Mixing быстро and скоро: English speakers often use "скоро" when they mean speed, e.g., saying "Я скоро бегу" (I run soon) instead of "Я быстро бегу" (I run quickly). Remember "скоро" implies time proximity, not speed of action.
• Pronunciation of ы in быстро: Many learners mispronounce "ы" as "i." Practice this unique Russian vowel to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of time and speed can carry different connotations. For instance, saying "скоро" (soon) might not always imply immediacy as it does in English; Russians may use it more flexibly depending on context. Additionally, urging someone to act "быстро" (quickly) can sometimes be perceived as impatient or rude if not softened with polite phrases like "пожалуйста" (please).

Related Concepts:

• скорость (speed)
• время (time)
• спешить (to hurry)