Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'again'

English Word: again

Key Russian Translations:

• снова [ˈsnovə] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• ещё раз [jɪˈʃo ˈraz] - [Informal, Often Used for Repetition]
• опять [ɐˈpʲatʲ] - [Neutral, Can Imply Annoyance in Context]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for all translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

снова: [ˈsnovə]

Note on снова: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'o' sounds like the 'o' in 'core'.

ещё раз: [jɪˈʃo ˈraz]

Note on ещё раз: Two separate words; stress on the second syllable of 'ещё' and first of 'раз'.

опять: [ɐˈpʲatʲ]

Note on опять: Stress on the second syllable; the 'я' is palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Repeating an Action (Repetition)

Translation(s) & Context:

• снова - Used for general repetition, neutral tone (e.g., doing something again).
• ещё раз - Often used to request or suggest repeating something, more conversational.
• опять - Can imply repetition with slight irritation or frustration depending on tone.

Usage Examples:

• Я снова опоздал на автобус.

  I missed the bus again.

• Скажи это ещё раз, пожалуйста.

  Say it again, please.

• Ты опять забыл ключи!

  You forgot your keys again!

• Мы снова встретимся завтра.

  We will meet again tomorrow.

• Опять дождь? Я устал от этой погоды.

  Rain again? I'm tired of this weather.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

снова: An adverb, does not inflect or change form regardless of context, gender, or number.

ещё раз: A fixed phrase composed of 'ещё' (adverb, invariable) and 'раз' (noun, nominative singular). 'Раз' can change to other forms like 'раза' (genitive) in different numerical contexts, but in this phrase, it remains fixed as 'раз'.

опять: An adverb, does not inflect or change form regardless of context, gender, or number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• вновь (more formal, often literary)
• заново (implies starting over completely)

Note on Synonyms: 'вновь' is more formal and often used in written or official contexts, while 'заново' suggests redoing something from scratch.

Antonyms:

• впервые (for the first time)

Related Phrases:

• снова и снова - again and again (repetitive action, often with emphasis)
• ещё раз спасибо - thanks again (used to express repeated gratitude)
• опять-таки - yet again (often used in argumentation or to reinforce a point)

Usage Notes:

• 'снова' is the most neutral and widely applicable term for 'again,' suitable for most contexts.
• 'ещё раз' is conversational and often used when requesting repetition, especially in spoken language.
• 'опять' can carry a negative connotation (e.g., frustration or annoyance) depending on tone and context, so use with caution.
• These terms are adverbs or fixed phrases and do not change form, making them grammatically straightforward for learners.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'опять' in a positive or neutral context where no frustration is implied. For example, saying "Я опять рад тебя видеть" (I’m again glad to see you) sounds unnatural or negative.
  Correct Usage: Use 'снова' instead: "Я снова рад тебя видеть" (I’m glad to see you again).
• Error: Overusing 'ещё раз' in formal writing. It’s more suited for spoken or informal contexts.
  Correct Usage: In formal texts, prefer 'снова' or 'вновь'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, tone and context heavily influence the choice between 'снова', 'ещё раз', and 'опять'. Russians may use 'опять' with a sigh or specific intonation to express mild irritation about repetition, which might not be immediately obvious to non-native speakers. Being mindful of intonation when using these words can help convey the intended emotion.

Related Concepts:

• повторение (repetition)
• возобновление (resumption)
• возврат (return)