Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'simultaneously'

English Word: simultaneously

Key Russian Translations:

• одновременно /ɐdnɐˈvrʲemʲɪnʲnə/ - [Formal/Informal; commonly used in both written and spoken contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is frequently encountered in everyday Russian, especially in discussions involving timing or coordination.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners at this level should grasp its usage, though mastering pronunciation may require practice with native speakers.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

одновременно: /ɐdnɐˈvrʲemʲɪnʲnə/

Note on одновременно: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("vrʲemʲ"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the rapid consonant clusters. Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: At the same time or concurrently

Translation(s) & Context:

• одновременно - Used in contexts involving simultaneous actions, events, or processes, such as in scientific, technical, or everyday descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Они работали одновременно над проектом. (They worked on the project simultaneously.)

  English Translation: They worked on the project at the same time.

• Дети смеялись одновременно, когда увидели клоуна. (The children laughed simultaneously when they saw the clown.)

  English Translation: The children laughed at the same time when they saw the clown.

• В городе произошло несколько аварий одновременно. (Several accidents occurred simultaneously in the city.)

  English Translation: Several accidents happened at the same time in the city.

• Мы должны запустить оба двигателя одновременно. (We need to start both engines simultaneously.)

  English Translation: We need to start both engines at the same time.

• Фейерверки взорвались одновременно с началом концерта. (The fireworks exploded simultaneously with the start of the concert.)

  English Translation: The fireworks exploded at the same time as the concert began.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

одновременно is an adverb in Russian and does not undergo typical inflections like nouns or adjectives. Adverbs in Russian generally remain unchanged regardless of gender, number, or case. This makes it straightforward for learners, as there are no variations based on context.

For completeness, here's a simple table illustrating its invariable nature:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • в то же время (v to zhe vremya) - Often used interchangeably, but slightly more emphatic in narrative contexts.
  • одновременно с (odnovremenno s) - Used when specifying simultaneity with another action.
• Antonyms:
  • последовательно (posledovatel'no) - Implies a sequential order rather than simultaneous.
  • поочередно (poocheredno) - Suggests one after another.

Related Phrases:

• одновременно с чем-либо - Simultaneously with something; e.g., used to describe coordinated events.
• в одно и то же время - At the same time; a more emphatic phrase for overlapping actions.
• одновременно выполнять задачи - To perform tasks simultaneously; common in professional or multitasking contexts.

Usage Notes:

одновременно directly corresponds to "simultaneously" in English, emphasizing actions happening at the exact same time. It is versatile and can be used in formal writing, scientific discussions, or casual conversations without restrictions. However, in Russian, it's often paired with prepositions like "с" (with) to clarify relationships, e.g., "одновременно с этим" (simultaneously with this). When choosing between synonyms, opt for одновременно for precision in timing. Grammatically, it functions as an adverb and doesn't affect verb conjugation.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "вместе" (together), which implies joint action but not necessarily exact timing. Incorrect: "Мы ели вместе" (meaning "We ate together" but misinterpreted as simultaneous). Correct: "Мы ели одновременно" for eating at the exact same time. Explanation: "Вместе" focuses on companionship, while "одновременно" stresses temporal overlap.

• Overusing it in informal speech where simpler phrases suffice, leading to awkwardness. Incorrect: Using "одновременно" excessively in casual talk. Correct: In everyday contexts, alternatives like "в то же время" might sound more natural. Explanation: Russian speakers prefer variety to avoid repetition.

Cultural Notes:

одновременно doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, but it's frequently used in Russian literature and media to describe historical events, such as the simultaneous revolutions in 1917, reflecting Russia's emphasis on coordinated national efforts. This highlights a cultural value of unity and timing in collective actions.

Related Concepts:

• вместе (together)
• одновременный (simultaneous, as an adjective)
• параллельно (in parallel)