Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'when'

English Word: when

Key Russian Translations:

• когда /ˈkɐɡ.də/ - [Formal/Informal, used in questions and subordinate clauses]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday Russian speech and writing)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; straightforward for English speakers due to its basic interrogative function)

Pronunciation (Russian):

когда: /ˈkɐɡ.də/ (The stress is on the first syllable; pronounced with a soft 'g' sound, similar to the 'g' in 'gem')

Note on когда: Be cautious with the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, which is common in Russian; the 'o' in the second syllable may sound like a schwa [ə] in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As an interrogative adverb (asking about time)

Translation(s) & Context:

• когда - Used in questions to inquire about the time of an event, in both formal and informal settings, such as daily conversations or written texts.

Usage Examples:

• Когда ты приедешь? (When are you arriving?)

  This example shows 'когда' in a simple question about future time, commonly used in casual conversations.

• Я не знаю, когда начнётся фильм. (I don't know when the movie will start.)

  Here, 'когда' introduces a subordinate clause, demonstrating its use in statements about uncertainty.

• Когда вы последний раз были в Москве? (When were you last in Moscow?)

  This illustrates 'когда' in a past-tense question, often in informal or formal inquiries about experiences.

• Скажи, когда можно будет встретиться. (Tell me when we can meet.)

  In this context, 'когда' is used to suggest planning, showing its versatility in imperative sentences.

• Когда идёт дождь, мы остаёмся дома. (When it rains, we stay home.)

  This example highlights 'когда' as a conjunction for conditional or temporal clauses in descriptive sentences.

As a subordinating conjunction (indicating time)

Translation(s) & Context:

• когда - Used to connect clauses indicating simultaneous or sequential events, adaptable to various contexts like narratives or instructions.

Usage Examples:

• Когда солнце заходит, небо становится красным. (When the sun sets, the sky turns red.)

  This demonstrates 'когда' linking two clauses in a descriptive, natural context.

• Я позвоню, когда буду свободен. (I'll call when I'm free.)

  Here, 'когда' expresses future conditions in everyday communication.

• Когда ты был ребёнком, что ты любил делать? (When you were a child, what did you like to do?)

  This shows 'когда' in a reflective, past-oriented question.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"когда" 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 "когда" have no variable forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • когда-нибудь (someday; implies an indefinite future, differing from 'когда' by adding uncertainty)
  • в то время как (while; used for simultaneous actions, more formal)
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as 'когда' is temporal and lacks clear opposites. However, concepts like 'никогда' (never) contrast in meaning.

Related Phrases:

• когда-нибудь - Someday or at some point; used for indefinite future events.
• когда нужно - When necessary; a common phrase in practical contexts.
• в то время, когда - At the time when; indicates specific temporal alignment in narratives.

Usage Notes:

"когда" directly corresponds to the English "when" in both interrogative and conjunctive roles, but Russian sentence structure may require it at the beginning of clauses for clarity. It is versatile across formal and informal settings, though in highly formal writing, alternatives like "в то время как" might be preferred. When used as a conjunction, ensure the verb tense aligns with the context (e.g., present for general truths). For multiple translations, choose "когда" for straightforward time references; avoid overusing it in complex sentences to prevent ambiguity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misplacing "когда" in a sentence, e.g., saying "Ты приедешь когда?" instead of "Когда ты приедешь?"

  Correct: Когда ты приедешь? (The correct form places "когда" at the start for questions.)

  Explanation: In Russian, interrogative words like "когда" typically begin questions, unlike English word order.

• Error: Confusing it with "где" (where), leading to misuse in time-related contexts, e.g., "Где ты приедешь?" meaning "Where are you arriving?"

  Correct: Когда ты приедешь?

  Explanation: English learners often mix up interrogatives; always pair "when" with "когда" for time.

Cultural Notes:

While "когда" itself is a neutral adverb, it often appears in Russian expressions related to the country's emphasis on time and seasons, such as in literature or daily life. For instance, Russian culture values punctuality in professional settings, so phrases with "когда" in scheduling can reflect this, though casual delays are common in social interactions.

Related Concepts:

• где (where)
• почему (why)
• когда-нибудь (someday)
• никогда (never)