I'm learning
русский
пара — meaning in English: couple
para · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
steam
ночь
noch'
Деревня
Derevnya
иглы
igly
пара
para
сохранение
sokhraneniye
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Russian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
informal
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'пара' in casual conversations to refer to couples, whether in romantic relationships or friendships. For example, one might say, 'У них хорошая пара' (They make a good couple) when discussing their friends' relationship. It's also common in social settings, like at parties or gatherings, where people talk about relationships or matchmaking.
Synonyms & nuances
'Пара' is often used interchangeably with 'команда' (team) or 'два' (two), but it specifically conveys a sense of companionship and romantic connection that these synonyms lack. While 'команда' might refer to a group working together, 'пара' emphasizes the personal bond between two individuals, making it the go-to word for romantic contexts.
Culture
'Пара' can be traced back to the Old Slavic word 'пара,' which means 'pair.' In Russian culture, the concept of a couple is significant, particularly in literature and art, where relationships are often a central theme. Interestingly, the word is also used in other contexts, such as pairing food and wine, showing its versatility in the language.
FAQ
