Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'without'

English Word: without

Key Russian Translations:

• без [bɛz] - [Preposition, used in general contexts for indicating absence or lack]

Frequency: High (Very common in everyday Russian speech and writing)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic preposition introduced early in language learning)

Pronunciation (Russian):

без: [bɛz]

Note on без: The pronunciation is straightforward, with the 'e' sound like in "bed" in English. The 'z' is voiced, similar to the 'z' in "zebra". Be careful with the vowel length in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Indicating the absence or lack of something

Translation(s) & Context:

• без - Used in contexts where something is missing or excluded, often followed by a noun in the genitive case. For example, in everyday conversations or formal writing to express deprivation.

Usage Examples:

• Я пошел в магазин без зонта.

  I went to the store without an umbrella. (This example shows "без" with a common noun in a simple declarative sentence.)

• Она приехала на вечеринку без подарка.

  She arrived at the party without a gift. (Illustrates "без" in a social context, emphasizing absence in interpersonal situations.)

• Без денег невозможно жить в большом городе.

  Without money, it's impossible to live in a big city. (Demonstrates "без" in a more abstract or proverbial sense, highlighting dependency.)

• Он работает без перерыва весь день.

  He works without a break all day. (Shows "без" with a noun phrase in a professional or routine context.)

• Без твоей помощи я бы не справился.

  Without your help, I wouldn't have managed. (Exemplifies "без" in a dependent clause, indicating hypothetical scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Без" is a preposition in Russian and does not undergo any inflections or changes based on gender, number, or case. It remains invariant in all contexts, which makes it simpler for learners compared to nouns or adjectives that decline.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мимо (mimo) - Used in contexts of missing or bypassing, but with a spatial connotation; differs from "без" as it implies direction rather than absence.
  • не с (ne s) - Informal and less common, implying "not with," but not a direct synonym.
• Antonyms:
  • с (s) - Meaning "with," directly opposite to indicate presence or inclusion.
  • при (pri) - Meaning "with" or "at," depending on context.

Related Phrases:

• без проблем - Without problems (A common phrase used to mean "no problem" or "you're welcome" in casual conversations.)
• без конца - Without end (Means endlessly or perpetually, often in literary or expressive contexts.)
• без сомнения - Without doubt (Indicates certainty, similar to "undoubtedly" in English.)

Usage Notes:

"Без" is always followed by a noun or pronoun in the genitive case, which is a key grammatical feature in Russian. For English speakers, this means paying attention to case endings, as English doesn't have cases. When translating "without," choose "без" for general absence, but be aware that in formal or poetic contexts, alternatives might arise. It's versatile across registers but most common in everyday speech. If multiple options exist, "без" is the safest and most direct choice for standard usage.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "без" with a noun in the nominative case instead of genitive (e.g., "без дом" instead of "без дома").

  Correct Usage: без дома (without a house) - Explanation: In Russian, prepositions like "без" require the genitive case, so the noun must end in the appropriate genitive form (e.g., "дом" becomes "дома"). This mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing "без" with "не" (not), leading to phrases like "не с чем" when "без" is needed.

  Correct Usage: Use "без" for physical or abstract absence (e.g., "без еды" for "without food"), not "не" which negates verbs. Explanation: "Не" is for negation, while "без" specifies lack, so they serve different functions.

Cultural Notes:

While "без" itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, phrases like "без проблем" reflect a laid-back aspect of Russian interpersonal communication, often used to diffuse tension or show hospitality. In Russian culture, expressing things "without" certain formalities can highlight resilience or simplicity in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• с (with)
• от (from)
• при (at/with)