Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hitherto'

English Word: hitherto

Key Russian Translations:

• до сих пор [do sikh por] - [Formal, Adverbial Phrase]
• прежде [prezh-de] - [Formal, Slightly Archaic]
• до настоящего времени [do nas-toy-ash-e-vo vrye-mee] - [Formal, Elaborate Expression]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are more common in formal writing, literature, or academic contexts rather than everyday spoken Russian.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2; Learners need to understand adverbial phrases and time expressions, but it's not overly complex for those familiar with basic Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

до сих пор: [do sikh por]

прежде: [prezh-de]

до настоящего времени: [do nas-toy-ash-e-vo vrye-mee]

Note on до сих пор: This phrase has a stress on the first syllable of "сih" [sikh], and the "х" [kh] is a guttural sound similar to the Scottish "loch". Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Up to this time; until now (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• до сих пор - Used in formal contexts to indicate something that has been true or ongoing up to the present moment, often in written or narrative language.
• прежде - Applied in historical or literary contexts, implying "previously" or "heretofore," but less common in modern speech.
• до настоящего времени - Employed in more elaborate or official descriptions, emphasizing a timeline up to now.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: До сих пор я не встречал такого интересного человека.

  English: Hitherto, I had not met such an interesting person.

• Русский: Прежде в этом городе не было таких проблем.

  English: Hitherto, this city had no such problems.

• Русский: До настоящего времени наука не могла объяснить это явление.

  English: Hitherto, science could not explain this phenomenon.

• Русский: До сих пор мы полагались на старые методы, но теперь всё изменится.

  English: Hitherto, we relied on old methods, but now everything will change.

• Русский: Прежде такие события считались редкостью в нашей истории.

  English: Hitherto, such events were considered rare in our history.

Alternative meaning: In the past or previously (less common in modern usage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• прежде - Used to refer to events or states that existed before the current time, often in storytelling or historical narratives.
• до сих пор - Can overlap but is more temporal in formal reports.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Прежде здесь был густой лес, но теперь это город.

  English: Hitherto, there was a dense forest here, but now it's a city.

• Русский: До настоящего времени подобные традиции сохранялись в селе.

  English: Hitherto, such traditions were preserved in the village.

• Русский: До сих пор никто не осмеливался изменить этот закон.

  English: Hitherto, no one dared to change this law.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily adverbial phrases rather than single inflecting words. "До сих пор" and "до настоящего времени" do not inflect as they are fixed expressions. However, "прежде" is an adverb and remains unchanged in most contexts, as Russian adverbs typically do not inflect for gender, number, or case.

For completeness, if used in compound structures (e.g., with verbs), no specific inflections apply. Below is a simple table for illustrative purposes, focusing on "прежде" in potential sentence integrations:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ранее [ra-nee] - More neutral for "earlier."
  • прежний [prezh-niy] - As an adjective, implying "former," with subtle differences in context.
  • до сего момента [do se-go mo-men-ta] - Very similar to "до сих пор," often interchangeable in formal writing.
• Antonyms:
  • впредь [vpred'] - Meaning "henceforth" or "in the future."
  • отныне [ot-nye] - Meaning "from now on."

Related Phrases:

• До сих пор не верится - Meaning: It's hard to believe even now; used for expressing ongoing surprise.
• Прежде всего - Meaning: First of all; a common introductory phrase in lists or priorities.
• До настоящего времени - Meaning: Up to the present; often in academic or historical contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Hitherto" corresponds most closely to "до сих пор" in Russian, which is ideal for formal or written English-to-Russian translations. However, in everyday spoken Russian, native speakers might prefer simpler alternatives like "раньше" for casual conversations. Be mindful of context: use "прежде" for historical narratives to maintain a literary tone. Grammatically, these phrases function as adverbs and do not require agreement with nouns or verbs, making them straightforward. When choosing among translations, opt for "до сих пор" for direct equivalence and "до настоящего времени" for more emphatic or official language.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "до сих пор" in informal speech where it sounds overly formal, leading to awkwardness. Correct: In casual contexts, say "раньше" instead. Example of error: "До сих пор я ел пиццу" (in a chat); Correct: "Раньше я ел пиццу". Explanation: "До сих пор" implies ongoing action, which might not fit informal past references.

• Error: Confusing "прежде" with "прежний" (an adjective). Correct: Use "прежде" as an adverb only for time references. Example of error: "Прежний я не знал" (incorrect); Correct: "Прежде я не знал". Explanation: "Прежний" means "former" as in "previous version," so context is key to avoid mix-ups.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions like "до сих пор" often appear in literature and historical texts, reflecting a deep appreciation for the passage of time, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy. This phrase can carry a sense of nostalgia or reflection, emphasizing Russia's rich historical narrative, where past events frequently influence present discussions.

Related Concepts:

• теперь [te-per']
• в будущем [v boo-doo-shem]
• история [is-to-ri-ya]