Bedeutung
To indulge in thinking about the past.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is a staple of 19th-century 'noble' literature. It reflects the 'superfluous man' (лишний человек) trope—characters who have nothing to do but reflect on their past mistakes. In modern Russia, this phrase is often used in the context of 'Soviet nostalgia', where older generations 'предаются воспоминаниям' about the stability and culture of the USSR. Reminiscing is a key activity at the 'Dacha' (summer house). The slow pace of life there is considered the perfect environment to 'предаваться воспоминаниям'. There is a specific term 'рефлексия' which is highly valued. 'Предаваться воспоминаниям' is seen as a tool for self-understanding, not just idle dreaming.
Use with Adverbs
Pair this with adverbs like 'невольно' (involuntarily) or 'сладостно' (sweetly) to sound like a native writer.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a high-level phrase, using it too often in one conversation can make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel.
Bedeutung
To indulge in thinking about the past.
Use with Adverbs
Pair this with adverbs like 'невольно' (involuntarily) or 'сладостно' (sweetly) to sound like a native writer.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a high-level phrase, using it too often in one conversation can make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the word 'воспоминания'.
Старый профессор долго предавался ___________ о своей первой лекции.
The verb 'предаваться' requires the Dative case plural.
Which sentence is stylistically most appropriate for a formal book review?
The author describes how the hero thinks about the past.
'Предаваться воспоминаниям' is the most literary and sophisticated choice.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'предаваться воспоминаниям'?
The phrase is formal and emotional, fitting for a biographical or artistic context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenСтарый профессор долго предавался ___________ о своей первой лекции.
The verb 'предаваться' requires the Dative case plural.
The author describes how the hero thinks about the past.
'Предаваться воспоминаниям' is the most literary and sophisticated choice.
Where would you most likely hear 'предаваться воспоминаниям'?
The phrase is formal and emotional, fitting for a biographical or artistic context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenNot necessarily. You can 'предаваться горьким воспоминаниям' (indulge in bitter memories). However, the act itself usually implies a certain willingness to feel those emotions.
Only if you are writing a very personal note to a long-time colleague who is retiring. Otherwise, it's too emotional for business.
'Ностальгировать' is a verb that describes the feeling. 'Предаваться воспоминаниям' describes the action/process of letting those memories take over.
Yes, but usually to describe the *start* of the process. 'Он сел в кресло и предался воспоминаниям.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
погружаться в прошлое
similarTo dive into the past
ворошить былое
similarTo stir up the past
ностальгировать
synonymTo feel nostalgia
жить воспоминаниями
builds onTo live on memories
