Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'running'

English Word: running

Key Russian Translations:

• бег [bʲeɡ] - [Informal, Noun; used for the act of running as a sport or activity]
• бежать [bʲɪˈʐatʲ] - [Formal/Informal Verb; used for running in motion, e.g., fleeing or jogging]
• бегущий [bʲɪˈɡuʂɨj] - [Adjective; used to describe something in motion, like a running stream]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about sports, health, and daily activities, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun and verb forms in Russian, with some irregular aspects in verb conjugations).

Pronunciation (Russian):

бег: [bʲeɡ] - The 'б' is a voiced bilabial stop, and the stress is on the first syllable. Note that the palatalized 'бʲ' can be challenging for English speakers.

Note on бег: Be careful with the soft sign; it's a common point of error for beginners.

бежать: [bʲɪˈʐatʲ] - Stress on the second syllable; the 'ж' sound is like the 's' in "measure."

Note on бежать: This verb has aspectual pairs; it's imperfective, often paired with 'побежать' for perfective actions.

бегущий: [bʲɪˈɡuʂɨj] - The ending '-щий' indicates an ongoing state, similar to English '-ing' forms.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The act of moving swiftly on foot (as a sport or exercise)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бег - Used in contexts related to physical activity, fitness, or racing; common in informal and formal settings.
• бежать - Applied when describing ongoing or repeated running, such as in narratives or instructions.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю бег по утрам, чтобы поддерживать форму.

  I love running in the mornings to stay in shape.

• В парке дети бегают и играют на свежем воздухе.

  In the park, children are running and playing in the fresh air.

• Бегущий марафонец преодолел дистанцию под дождем.

  The running marathoner completed the distance in the rain.

• Ежедневный бег помогает улучшить здоровье сердца.

  Daily running helps improve heart health.

Meaning 2: Operating or functioning continuously (e.g., a running machine)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бегущий - Used metaphorically for machines or processes that are in operation; more formal in technical contexts.
• работающий - An alternative for mechanical contexts, emphasizing ongoing function.

Usage Examples:

• Бегущий двигатель машины нуждается в регулярном обслуживании.

  The running engine of the car needs regular maintenance.

• В офисе бегущий компьютерный сервер обеспечивает бесперебойную работу.

  In the office, the running computer server ensures uninterrupted operation.

• Работающий конвейер на заводе не останавливается круглосуточно.

  The running conveyor belt at the factory doesn't stop around the clock.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For the noun 'бег', it is a masculine noun that follows standard declension patterns with some irregularities:

For the verb 'бежать', it is an imperfective verb with the following present tense conjugations:

The adjective 'бегущий' changes by gender, number, and case, e.g., бегущий (masc.), бегущая (fem.), бегущее (neut.).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • беготня (more casual, implies hurried running)
  • спринт (specific to sprinting)
• Antonyms:
  • стояние (standing still)
  • ходьба (walking, slower pace)

Related Phrases:

• Бег трусцой - Jogging; a light, steady form of running for exercise.
• Марафонский бег - Marathon running; refers to long-distance endurance events.
• Бежать сломя голову - To run headlong; an idiomatic phrase meaning to rush recklessly.

Usage Notes:

Running in Russian often corresponds directly to English but requires attention to aspect: use imperfective forms like 'бежать' for ongoing actions and perfective counterparts for completed ones. In formal contexts, opt for 'бег' as a noun; in spoken language, verbs are more dynamic. Be mindful of prepositions, e.g., 'бег по улице' for running on the street.

• When choosing between translations, use 'бег' for static descriptions and 'бежать' for dynamic narratives.
• Grammar note: Verbs like 'бежать' must agree with subject in person and number.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'бег' with 'бежать', using the noun where a verb is needed. For example:

• Error: "Я бег к магазину." (Incorrect; mixes noun and verb.)
• Correct: "Я бегу к магазину." (Proper verb form for "I am running to the store.")
• Another error: Overusing 'бегущий' as a direct equivalent to "running" without considering context, e.g., saying "бегущий вода" instead of "текущая вода" for "running water."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, running (бег) is deeply tied to health and outdoor activities, especially in urban parks like those in Moscow. It's also prominent in literature, such as in Tolstoy's works, symbolizing freedom or escape, reflecting historical themes of vast landscapes and personal endurance.

Related Concepts:

• спорт
• фитнес
• марафон