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днем — meaning in English: afternoon

dnem · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for afternoon
копия
kopiya
отдел
otdel
жизнь
zhizn'
днем
dnem
карту
kartu
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neutral common
Usage
Native Russian speakers commonly use 'днем' when discussing plans or activities that take place after noon but before evening. For example, one might say, 'Мы встретимся днем' (We will meet in the afternoon) when arranging a casual get-together or business meeting.
Synonyms & nuances
'Днем' is often used interchangeably with 'после полудня' (after noon), but 'днем' has a more casual feel and is used in everyday conversation. You would choose 'днем' to keep things simple and conversational, while 'после полудня' might come off as slightly more formal.
Culture
'Днем' is derived from the root 'день' which means 'day' in Russian, reflecting the time of day when the sun is still up but not at its peak. Interestingly, in Russian culture, the afternoon is often associated with rest and reflection, as it's a traditional time for a light meal or a break, especially after a busy morning.
FAQ
Q.What is the pronunciation of днем?
'Днем' is pronounced as 'dnyom', with a soft 'd' sound followed by a nasal 'nyo' and ending with a 'm'. It’s important to get the pronunciation right to ensure clarity in conversation.
Q.Can I use днем in formal writing?
Yes, 'днем' can be used in formal writing, but it’s best suited for neutral contexts. For more formal or literary settings, consider using 'в период после полудня' (during the period after noon) instead.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word днем?
A common mistake is using 'днем' to mean 'in the daytime' in general. While it refers specifically to the afternoon, the broader term for day is 'день'. It's essential to use 'днем' when you specifically mean the afternoon time frame.
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