Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'since'

English Word: since

Key Russian Translations:

• Поскольку [ˈpɐʂlʲɪʂnʲɪ] - [Formal, used as a conjunction for reasons]
• С [s] - [Informal/Neutral, used as a preposition for time starting points]
• Начиная с [nəˈtʂɐjʊʂʲə s] - [Formal, used in time contexts, often with dates or events]

Frequency: Medium - The word 'since' is commonly encountered in both spoken and written Russian, particularly in formal contexts like literature, news, and academic writing.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should grasp the basic usage, but distinguishing between translations and their contextual applications may require practice. For 'Поскольку', it's B1; for 'С', it's A2.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Поскольку: [ˈpɐʂlʲɪʂnʲɪ]

Note on Поскольку: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'щ' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh' which can be challenging for beginners. Pronounce it with a clear 'lʲ' to avoid confusion with similar words.

С: [s]

Note on С: This is a simple voiceless 's' sound, but it can vary slightly in speed when used in phrases; no major difficulties for most learners.

Начиная с: [nəˈtʂɐjʊʂʲə s]

Note on Начиная с: The 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative; practice the rolling 'r' in 'начиная' for natural flow.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Indicating time (from a past time until now or a specified point)

Translation(s) & Context:

• С - Used in temporal expressions, such as starting from a specific date or event; common in everyday conversation and formal writing.
• Начиная с - Often used for ongoing periods from a point in the past; suitable for precise timelines in professional or academic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я живу в Москве с 2010 года.

  I have been living in Moscow since 2010.

• Начиная с лета, погода стала теплее.

  Since summer, the weather has become warmer.

• С тех пор, как я переехал, всё изменилось.

  Since I moved, everything has changed.

• Он не звонил с прошлой недели.

  He hasn't called since last week.

Meaning 2: Indicating reason (because or for the reason that)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Поскольку - Used to explain causes in formal or written language; implies a logical connection.
• Так как (related synonym) - Informal alternative for reasons, often interchangeable but more conversational.

Usage Examples:

• Поскольку идёт дождь, мы отменили пикник.

  Since it's raining, we canceled the picnic.

• Я не пошёл, поскольку был усталым.

  I didn't go since I was tired.

• Поскольку это важно, давайте обсудим это сейчас.

  Since this is important, let's discuss it now.

• Она не пришла, поскольку заболела.

  She didn't come since she was ill.

• Поскольку у нас есть время, мы можем прогуляться.

  Since we have time, we can go for a walk.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most translations for 'since' in Russian are invariable conjunctions or prepositions, meaning they do not change form based on gender, number, or case. However, here's a breakdown:

• Поскольку: This is an invariable conjunction and does not inflect. It remains the same in all contexts.
• С: As a preposition, it is also invariable. It does not change form but governs the genitive case of the following noun (e.g., с 2010 года - where "года" is genitive).
• Начиная с: "Начиная" is a gerund form and is invariable, while "с" follows the same rules as above. No inflection table needed due to invariability.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Так как, Поскольку (for reason), С тех пор как (for time) - 'Так как' is more informal and conversational, while 'Поскольку' is preferred in formal writing for subtle logical emphasis.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as these are connectors; however, for time, 'до' (until) could imply opposition in some contexts.

Related Phrases:

• С тех пор как - Since then; used to indicate a period from a past event (e.g., in narratives).
• Начиная с этого момента - Starting from this moment; emphasizes immediate future from now.
• Поскольку это так - Since this is the case; a formal way to acknowledge a reason in discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, the choice between translations like 'Поскольку' and 'С' depends on context: use 'Поскольку' for causal relationships similar to 'because' in English, and 'С' for temporal ones like 'from that time'. Be mindful of formality—'Поскольку' is more common in written or professional settings, while 'С' works in everyday speech. Always ensure the following noun or clause agrees grammatically, such as using the genitive case after 'С'. For learners, practice with native sentences to avoid direct word-for-word translation from English.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'Поскольку' interchangeably with 'Так как' without considering formality. Incorrect: Поскольку я устал, я пошёл домой (in casual chat). Correct: Так как я устал, я пошёл домой. Explanation: 'Поскольку' sounds overly formal in spoken language; opt for 'Так как' in informal contexts to sound natural.
• Error: Forgetting the genitive case after 'С'. Incorrect: С 2010 год. Correct: С 2010 года. Explanation: 'С' requires the genitive case, so always check the noun form to avoid grammatical errors.
• Error: Overusing 'С' for reasons instead of time. Incorrect: С я устал, я не пошёл. Correct: Поскольку я устал, я не пошёл. Explanation: 'С' is for time, not causes; confusing it can lead to unclear sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions involving 'since' for time (e.g., 'С тех пор как') often appear in storytelling or historical contexts, reflecting Russia's rich literary tradition. For instance, in classic literature like Tolstoy's works, such phrases emphasize the passage of time and fate, helping non-native speakers appreciate the reflective nature of Russian narratives.

Related Concepts:

• До
• После
• Так как
• В течение