Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'twice'

English Word: twice

Key Russian Translations:

• дважды [ˈdvazʲdʲɨ] - [Adverb, Used in general contexts to indicate repetition twice]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday language, especially in descriptions of repetition, but not as frequent as basic numbers)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level; straightforward for English speakers learning basic Russian adverbs)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дважды: [ˈdvazʲdʲɨ]

Note on дважды: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'zh' sound (as in 'measure') can be challenging for beginners; it remains consistent across contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Indicating an action or event occurring two times

Translation(s) & Context:

• дважды - Used as an adverb in sentences to specify repetition, often in formal or informal contexts, such as daily routines or narratives.

Usage Examples:

• Я читал эту книгу дважды.

  I read this book twice. (This example shows the adverb in a simple past tense context, emphasizing repetition in personal experiences.)

• Она звонила ему дважды, но никто не ответил.

  She called him twice, but no one answered. (Illustrates use in a narrative with actions and outcomes, common in storytelling or casual conversation.)

• Дважды в день я выхожу на прогулку.

  Twice a day, I go for a walk. (Demonstrates the adverb with frequency in habitual actions, often in daily routine descriptions.)

• Он дважды проверил документы перед поездкой.

  He checked the documents twice before the trip. (Shows emphasis on caution or repetition in practical scenarios, like travel preparations.)

• В фильме главный герой умирает дважды, что символизирует его внутренний конфликт.

  In the film, the main character dies twice, which symbolizes his inner conflict. (Highlights use in more complex, metaphorical contexts, such as literature or media analysis.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дважды is an adverb in Russian and does not undergo inflection for gender, number, case, or tense. It remains unchanged in all contexts, making it straightforward for learners. Unlike nouns or verbs, adverbs like this are invariable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: два раза (dva raza) - Often used interchangeably in informal speech, but "дважды" is more formal and precise for exact repetition.
• Антонимы: один раз (odin raz) - Used to indicate something happening once, contrasting with repetition.

Related Phrases:

• дважды в неделю (dvazhdy v nedelyu) - Twice a week; a common phrase for scheduling or habits.
• дважды подумать (dvazhdy podumat') - To think twice; implies caution before acting, often in decision-making contexts.
• дважды выиграть (dvazhdy vyigrat') - To win twice; used in competitive scenarios like sports or games.

Usage Notes:

дважды directly corresponds to the English "twice" as an adverb of frequency, but it's more commonly used in formal writing or precise speech in Russian. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs it with verbs in the perfective aspect for completed actions. For example, choose "дважды" over "два раза" in formal contexts like academic or professional settings. Be aware of word order; in Russian, adverbs like this typically follow the verb for emphasis.

• In informal speech, "два раза" might be preferred for simplicity, but "дважды" adds a layer of formality.
• When translating from English, ensure the context involves exact repetition; otherwise, consider related expressions.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is confusing "дважды" with "два" (two), leading to incorrect usage like saying "Я два книгу" instead of "Я читал книгу дважды." The error occurs when learners treat it as a noun rather than an adverb. Correct usage: "Я читал книгу дважды" (I read the book twice). Another error is overusing it in contexts where "два раза" would be more natural, making speech sound overly formal. To avoid this, practice with native examples and focus on context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases involving "дважды" can sometimes carry a subtle emphasis on repetition or second chances, as seen in proverbs like "Дважды не входишь в одну реку" (You cannot step into the same river twice), which reflects a philosophical view on change and impermanence, borrowed from Heraclitus but adapted in Russian literature.

Related Concepts:

• трижды (thrice)
• много раз (many times)
• один раз (once)