Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'between'

English Word: between

Key Russian Translations:

• между [ˈmʲeʐdʊ] - [Neutral, Most Common]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

между: [ˈmʲeʐdʊ]

Note on между: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ж' sound is a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Spatial or Temporal Position (Between two points)

Translation(s) & Context:

• между - Used to indicate a position or time frame between two entities or points (e.g., between two cities or between two events).

Usage Examples:

• Я живу между Москвой и Санкт-Петербургом.

  I live between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

• Между 8 и 9 часами я буду занят.

  Between 8 and 9 o'clock, I will be busy.

• Стол стоит между окном и дверью.

  The table is between the window and the door.

• Разница между нами только в возрасте.

  The difference between us is only in age.

• Между друзьями не должно быть секретов.

  There should be no secrets between friends.

2. Relationship or Choice (Between two options)

Translation(s) & Context:

• между - Used to indicate a choice or relationship involving two parties or options.

Usage Examples:

• Мне нужно выбрать между двумя работами.

  I need to choose between two jobs.

• Между нами возникло недоразумение.

  A misunderstanding arose between us.

• Разделите это между собой.

  Divide this between yourselves.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

между is a preposition in Russian and does not inflect. It is always used in the same form regardless of the context. It typically governs the instrumental case when referring to spatial or abstract relationships (e.g., "между нами" - between us).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• посреди (used more for 'in the middle of' in a spatial sense, less abstract)

Note: "посреди" is more specific to physical location and cannot always replace "между" in abstract contexts like relationships or choices.

Antonyms:

• вне (outside of, though not a direct antonym, used in contrasting contexts)

Related Phrases:

• между прочим - By the way, incidentally.
• между нами говоря - Between you and me, speaking confidentially.
• между строк - Between the lines (figuratively, implying hidden meaning).

Usage Notes:

• "между" is the primary and most versatile Russian translation for "between," covering both spatial/temporal and abstract uses (e.g., relationships or choices).
• It is a preposition and must be followed by nouns or pronouns in the instrumental case (e.g., "между столом и стулом" - between the table and the chair).
• Unlike English, "между" is not used with verbs directly; ensure the structure involves nouns or pronouns.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "между" with the wrong case. English speakers often mistakenly use the nominative case instead of the instrumental case.

  Incorrect: Между стол и стул. (nominative case)

  Correct: Между столом и стулом. (instrumental case)

  Explanation: "между" requires the instrumental case to indicate the relationship or position.

• Error: Overusing "между" in contexts where other prepositions like "посреди" (in the middle of) might be more appropriate for physical centrality.

  Incorrect: Я стою между толпы. (awkward usage)

  Correct: Я стою посреди толпы. (in the middle of the crowd)

  Explanation: "посреди" is better for emphasizing centrality in a physical group or space.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "между" often carries a sense of connection or mediation, reflecting cultural values of community and relationships. Phrases like "между нами" (between us) are frequently used to emphasize trust or confidentiality in conversations.

Related Concepts:

• рядом (near, nearby)
• около (around, near)
• посреди (in the middle of)