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по-видимому

B2 adverb 10 Min. Lesezeit

по-видимому

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Erklärung по-видимому in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to express uncertainty. While 'по-видимому' might seem long and scary, you can think of it as a fancy version of 'maybe' (может быть). At this stage, you don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but you should recognize it when you see it in a text. It comes from the word 'видеть' (to see). So, when you see 'по-видимому', imagine someone looking at something and saying 'Hmm, it looks like...'. For example, if you see a person with an ice cream, you can say: 'Он, по-видимому, любит мороженое' (He, apparently, likes ice cream). Just remember two things: it has a hyphen (-) and it usually has commas around it. It is like a little island in the sentence that tells us how the speaker feels about the facts. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you read simple news stories or formal letters where 'наверное' might be too informal. You can practice by looking at pictures and making 'apparent' guesses about what is happening. Is the man tired? 'Он, по-видимому, устал.' Is the girl happy? 'Она, по-видимому, рада.' This helps build the connection between sight and deduction.

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At the A2 level, you are expanding your ability to describe situations. 'По-видимому' becomes a useful tool for making your Russian sound more 'grown-up'. Instead of always using 'может быть' or 'я думаю', you can use 'по-видимому' to show that you are basing your opinion on what you see. This is the level where you should start paying attention to the hyphen. Remember: 'по' + hyphen + 'видимому'. You will often see this word in short stories or simplified news articles. It's a 'parenthetical word', which means it acts like a comment. A good exercise for A2 learners is to transform simple sentences. Take 'Он дома' (He is at home). Now add some doubt: 'Он, по-видимому, дома'. Notice how the commas create a small pause. This pause is important for Russian rhythm. You should also start comparing it to 'видимо'. They are almost the same, but 'по-видимому' is just a bit more formal. If you are writing an email to a teacher or a boss, 'по-видимому' is a great choice to express that something might be true without being too blunt. It shows you are thinking about the evidence before you speak.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex sentence structures. 'По-видимому' is essential for this. You should be comfortable placing it in different parts of a sentence: at the beginning, in the middle after the subject, or at the end. You also need to understand the 'evidential' nature of the word. It's not just a random guess; it's a deduction from signs. For example, 'По-видимому, цены скоро вырастут' (Apparently, prices will soon rise) implies you've seen the news or noticed trends. At B1, you should also distinguish between 'по-видимому' and its synonyms like 'вероятно' (probably). While 'вероятно' is about the chance of something happening, 'по-видимому' is about how things look. You will hear this word often in movies and interviews. Pay attention to how speakers use it to 'hedge' their statements—to make them less aggressive or more polite. It's a key part of Russian social intelligence. In your writing, start using it to link ideas. For instance, if you describe a character's actions, use 'по-видимому' to explain their motivations based on those actions. This adds a layer of analysis to your essays and stories.

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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'по-видимому' as a stylistic marker. You understand that it belongs to the 'neutral-to-formal' register. You should be able to use it fluently in discussions about politics, society, or literature. At this level, punctuation must be perfect—always use those commas! You should also be aware of the subtle difference between 'по-видимому' and 'судя по всему'. While 'по-видимому' focuses on the visual/logical appearance, 'судя по всему' emphasizes the entire context of evidence. You can use 'по-видимому' to express irony or skepticism as well. For example, if someone makes a ridiculous claim, saying 'По-видимому, вы эксперт в этом вопросе' with a certain tone can be quite sarcastic. B2 learners should also be able to identify the word's role in creating 'narrative distance' in literature. When a narrator uses 'по-видимому', they are admitting they don't have all the answers, which makes the story feel more realistic. Practice using it in debates to cautiously propose your viewpoints: 'По-видимому, нам стоит рассмотреть и другие варианты' (Apparently, we should consider other options as well).

At the C1 level, you are exploring the nuances of modal words in depth. 'По-видимому' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it's a tool for precision. You should understand how it interacts with other modal words and particles. For instance, 'Он, по-видимому, всё-таки пришёл' (He, apparently, did come after all). Here, 'по-видимому' provides the deduction, while 'всё-таки' adds the sense of 'despite expectations'. You should also be able to use the word in high-level academic or professional writing to qualify your findings. It helps in constructing a 'modality of caution' that is highly valued in Russian intellectual discourse. At C1, you can also explore the historical and etymological roots more deeply, understanding how the root '-вид-' branches out into hundreds of other words (вид, видение, привидение, очевидец) and how 'по-видимому' fits into this semantic web. You should be able to recognize when a writer uses this word to intentionally create ambiguity or to soften a harsh critique. Your use of the word should feel effortless and correctly placed for maximum rhetorical effect.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for the word 'по-видимому'. You can use it to manipulate the tone and rhythm of your speech or writing with great subtlety. You understand the rhythmic function of parenthetical words in long, complex Russian sentences (the 'Tolstoy style'). You can distinguish between the 'deductive' use of the word and its use as a filler that adds a certain 'intellectual' flavor to a sentence. You are also aware of rare or archaic variations and how they compare to the modern standard. In C2 level analysis, you might discuss how 'по-видимому' functions as an 'evidentiality marker' in the Russian language system, comparing it to similar structures in other languages. You can use it in highly specialized contexts—legal briefs, philosophical treatises, or avant-garde poetry—knowing exactly what nuance it brings to each. Your mastery includes the ability to use it in complex irony, where the 'apparent' nature of a fact is used to highlight its absurdity. At this level, 'по-видимому' is just one instrument in a vast orchestra of modal expressions you use to convey the exact degree of certainty and the exact source of your knowledge.

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по-видимому in 30 Sekunden

A formal way to say 'apparently' or 'seemingly' in Russian.
Always written with a hyphen: по-видимому.
Requires commas on both sides as a parenthetical word.
Indicates a logical deduction based on observable evidence.

The Russian adverbial phrase по-видимому is a sophisticated modal word that translates roughly to "apparently," "seemingly," or "as far as one can judge." In the hierarchy of Russian uncertainty, it occupies a middle-to-high ground. It is more formal and analytical than the common наверное (probably) and suggests that the speaker is drawing a conclusion based on observable evidence rather than just a gut feeling. When you use this word, you are signaling to your listener that you have looked at the situation, processed the available data, and arrived at a logical hypothesis. It is the language of deduction. For example, if you see wet umbrellas in the hallway, you might say, «По-видимому, на улице идёт дождь» (Apparently, it is raining outside). You aren't just guessing; you are interpreting the signs.

Morphological Breakdown: The word is composed of the prefix по-, the root -вид- (sight/view), the suffix -им- (forming a passive participle), and the ending -ому. It literally relates to things that are 'according to the visible.'
Syntactic Role: In a sentence, it functions as a parenthetical word (вводное слово). This means it is not grammatically linked to the subject or verb but provides a 'commentary' on the whole thought. Crucially, this requires it to be set off by commas in writing.

«Он, по-видимому, не успел на поезд, так как его чемодан всё ещё здесь».

Translation: "He apparently missed the train, as his suitcase is still here."

Historically, this word gained prominence in the 19th-century literary language. Russian writers like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky used it to add a layer of psychological depth to their narrators, showing that the narrator is observing and interpreting the characters' actions rather than being omniscient. It creates a sense of intellectual distance. In modern Russian, while it remains common in literature and journalism, it is also used in business meetings and academic discussions where precision and caution are valued. If a manager says, «По-видимому, проект будет завершён в срок», they are expressing optimistic confidence based on current progress reports, but they are also protecting themselves against unforeseen circumstances by using a modal hedge.

Furthermore, the use of по-видимому is a marker of an educated speaker. It avoids the bluntness of a simple statement of fact. In Russian culture, where social nuances and reading between the lines are important, using such qualifiers allows for more polite and nuanced interaction. It allows the speaker to offer an opinion without imposing it as an absolute truth. This is particularly useful in delicate social situations. If you are at a party and someone hasn't arrived, saying «Он, по-видимому, задерживается» (He is apparently delayed) sounds much more gracious than simply saying «Он опаздывает» (He is late).

«Ваше предложение, по-видимому, требует более детального обсуждения».

Translation: "Your proposal, apparently, requires more detailed discussion." (A polite way to say 'we're not ready to agree').

Mastering the use of по-видимому involves understanding two key aspects: punctuation and placement. In Russian grammar, this word is categorized as a вводное слово (parenthetical word). The golden rule is: always surround it with commas. If it starts the sentence, one comma follows it. If it is in the middle, it gets a comma before and after. If it ends the sentence, a comma precedes it. This punctuation serves as a visual and rhythmic signal to the reader that the word is a modal commentary on the sentence, not a part of the core grammatical structure.

Sentence Placement: You can place по-видимому almost anywhere. At the start, it sets the tone for the whole statement: «По-видимому, мы ошиблись». In the middle, it often follows the subject to emphasize the deduction: «Мы, по-видимому, ошиблись». At the end, it acts as an afterthought: «Мы ошиблись, по-видимому».

«Астрономы, по-видимому, обнаружили новую экзопланету в этой системе».

Focus: The commas isolate the word, showing it's the speaker's assessment.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is to treat it like a regular adverb that modifies a verb directly. In English, we say "He apparently forgot." In Russian, you are essentially saying, "He, as it appears, forgot." This distinction is vital for the 'flow' of the sentence. Because it is a parenthetical word, it has a slightly different intonation—a brief pause and a drop in pitch usually accompany it in speech. If you fail to pause or punctuate, the sentence can feel cluttered and the logic less clear.

When using по-видимому with complex tenses or modal verbs, it usually gravitates toward the beginning of the verb phrase. For instance, «Он, по-видимому, должен был прийти раньше» (He, apparently, should have come earlier). It can also be used to qualify adjectives: «Это, по-видимому, самый сложный вопрос в тесте» (This is, apparently, the hardest question on the test). In this case, it emphasizes that based on the student's struggle, the difficulty is evident. The word is incredibly versatile because it bridges the gap between objective observation and subjective conclusion.

«Решение правительства было, по-видимому, продиктовано экономическим кризисом».

Translation: "The government's decision was, apparently, dictated by the economic crisis."

You will encounter по-видимому in a variety of contexts, but it shines most in analytical settings. It is a staple of Russian news broadcasting and journalism. When a reporter is describing a scene where the facts are not yet fully confirmed, they use this word to maintain journalistic integrity. For example, «Причиной аварии, по-видимому, стал гололёд» (The cause of the accident, apparently, was icy roads). It allows the reporter to state the most likely cause without making a definitive, legally binding claim before the investigation is over.

Academic and Scientific Discourse: In research papers and lectures, по-видимому is used to propose hypotheses. Scientists use it to interpret data: «Данные показатели, по-видимому, свидетельствуют о росте популяции» (These indicators, apparently, suggest a population growth). It shows a level of scientific humility and rigor.
Legal and Formal Contexts: Lawyers and officials use it to discuss evidence. It helps in constructing a narrative based on the available 'visible' facts without overstepping the bounds of proven truth.

«Стороны, по-видимому, не смогли прийти к соглашению в ходе переговоров».

Context: A diplomatic or business report.

In literature, it serves as a tool for character development and narrative voice. A narrator might use по-видимому to describe a character's internal state, which the narrator can only guess from their outward appearance. «Он, по-видимому, был глубоко расстроен, хотя и старался улыбаться» (He was, apparently, deeply upset, although he tried to smile). This creates a layer of empathy and observation. In classic detective fiction, like the Russian translations of Sherlock Holmes or the works of Boris Akunin, this word is used constantly as the detective pieces together clues. Every 'apparently' is a step toward the 'obviously'.

Movie scripts and theatrical plays also utilize this word to indicate stage directions or characters' deductions. If you watch a Russian drama, listen for the long, drawn-out pronunciation of this word when a character is contemplating a mystery. It carries a certain rhythmic weight that can emphasize a moment of realization. Even in modern podcasts or YouTube essays, intellectual creators use it to structure their arguments, moving from one 'apparent' fact to the next logical conclusion.

«Автор, по-видимому, вдохновлялся работами классиков при создании этого образа».

Translation: "The author was, apparently, inspired by the works of the classics when creating this image."

The most frequent mistake learners make with по-видимому is orthographic—specifically, how to write it. It is always written with a hyphen: по-видимому. Many students mistakenly write it as two separate words (по видимому) or as one single word (повидимому). This is a common error even for native speakers, but for a learner, mastering the hyphen immediately signals a high level of literacy. The hyphen is a relic of the adverbial formation from the dative case of an adjective, a pattern seen in words like по-русски or по-моему.

Punctuation Errors: As mentioned, this is a parenthetical word. Forgetting the commas is a major 'red flag' in Russian writing. «Он по-видимому забыл» is incorrect. It must be «Он, по-видимому, забыл». Commas in Russian are much more strictly regulated than in English, and parenthetical words are one of the most rigid areas.
Confusing with 'Видимо': While they mean the same thing, using по-видимому in a very slangy or informal context can sound 'over-the-top' or pretentious. If you're telling a friend you might be late for a movie, наверное or видимо is better. Save по-видимому for when you want to sound thoughtful.

«Ошибка: По видимому, он не придет. Исправление: По-видимому, он не придёт».

Note the hyphen and the comma.

Another subtle mistake is using по-видимому when there is no 'visible' or 'logical' evidence. If you are just guessing randomly about the future, может быть (maybe) is more appropriate. По-видимому implies that you have a reason for your guess. If you say «По-видимому, завтра будет дождь», you should probably have seen some clouds or checked a weather app. Using it for a blind guess sounds slightly illogical to a native ear.

Finally, watch out for the stress. It is on the first 'и': по-вИдимому. Misplacing the stress can make the word unrecognizable, as it is a long word with many vowels. Practice saying it as a single rhythmic unit. Some learners try to emphasize the 'по-', but it should flow quickly into the root. Remembering the root видеть (to see) helps keep the stress in the right place, as it stays on the same syllable as the verb.

«Он, по-видимому, болен» vs. «Он явно болен».

Comparison: The first is a deduction (he looks pale); the second is a certainty (he has a high fever).

Russian has a rich vocabulary for expressing shades of doubt and certainty. Understanding where по-видимому fits in this spectrum is key to sounding natural. The most direct synonym is видимо. While they are functionally identical in meaning, видимо is shorter and more common in spoken Russian. По-видимому is its more 'dressed-up' cousin, preferred in writing and formal speech. If you want to vary your language, knowing these alternatives is essential.

Вероятно (Probably/Likely): This word suggests a high probability based on logic or statistics. It is less about 'sight' and more about 'likelihood'. Use it when you are about 70-80% sure of something.
Судя по всему (Judging by everything): This is a multi-word phrase that is a very strong alternative to по-видимому. It literally means 'judging by all [the evidence]'. It sounds very natural and is used frequently in both speech and writing.
Очевидно (Obviously): Use this when the evidence is undeniable. It is stronger than по-видимому. If по-видимому is 'it seems so', очевидно is 'it clearly is so'.

«По-видимому, он забыл» (Deduction) vs. «Наверное, он забыл» (General guess).

Another interesting comparison is with кажется (it seems). Кажется is more subjective and personal. It describes your internal feeling. По-видимому is more objective; it describes the external reality as it presents itself to you. If you feel a bit sick, you say «Мне кажется, я заболел». If you see someone else sneezing and looking pale, you say «Он, по-видимому, заболел». This subtle shift from internal sensation to external observation is a hallmark of advanced Russian usage.

For those looking to sound even more native, consider the phrase надо полагать (one must assume). This is quite formal and carries a slightly old-fashioned, intellectual air. It functions similarly to по-видимому but adds a layer of 'logical necessity'. If по-видимому says 'it looks this way', надо полагать says 'the only logical conclusion to draw is this'. Mastering these distinctions will allow you to navigate Russian social and professional circles with much greater precision.

«По-видимому, это лучший вариант» vs. «Судя по всему, это лучший вариант».

Both are excellent, but the second feels slightly more grounded in evidence.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The hyphenated 'по- + -ому' construction is a very productive way in Russian to turn adjectives into adverbs meaning 'in the manner of' or 'according to'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /pɐ ˈvʲidʲɪməmʊ/

US /pɐ ˈvʲidʲɪməmʊ/

по-вИдимому

Reimt sich auf

невидимому (nevidimomu) зависимому (zavisimomu) мыслимому (myslimomu) движимому (dvizhimomu) мнимому (mnimomu) любимому (lyubimomu) значимому (znachimomu) недопустимому (nedopustimomu)

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the prefix 'по-'.
Pronouncing the hyphen (there is no sound, just a brief connection).
Failing to reduce the unstressed 'o' sounds.
Pronouncing it as two separate words with two stresses.
Missing the 'm' sound in the middle.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'вид' and the hyphen.

Schreiben 6/5

Difficult due to the hyphen and the strict comma rules.

Sprechen 5/5

Requires practice to get the rhythm and pauses correct.

Hören 4/5

Common in formal speech; easy to hear the 'v-i-d' root.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

видеть вид может быть наверное по-русски

Als Nächstes lernen

судя по всему вероятно очевидно следовательно кажется

Fortgeschritten

собственно говоря в сущности надо полагать вполне вероятно

Wichtige Grammatik

Parenthetical words (Вводные слова) punctuation

Он, по-видимому, прав.

Adverbs with prefix по- and suffix -ому/-ему

по-новому, по-старому, по-видимому.

Hyphenation in adverbs

по-видимому (correct) vs по видимому (incorrect).

Epistemic modality in Russian

Using words like вероятно, по-видимому, может быть to show certainty levels.

Word order with parenthetical words

Flexibility of placement: start, middle, end.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Он, по-видимому, занят.

He, apparently, is busy.

Note the commas around the word.

По-видимому, это его кошка.

Apparently, this is his cat.

Starts the sentence, followed by one comma.

Они, по-видимому, друзья.

They, apparently, are friends.

Used to describe a relationship based on observation.

По-видимому, скоро будет обед.

Apparently, lunch will be soon.

Used with a future tense meaning.

Она, по-видимому, не слышит.

She, apparently, doesn't hear.

Used with a negative verb.

По-видимому, это новый магазин.

Apparently, this is a new shop.

Simple identification.

Вы, по-видимому, ищете это?

You, apparently, are looking for this?

Used in a question.

По-видимому, здесь никого нет.

Apparently, there is no one here.

Describing an empty space.

По-видимому, фильм уже начался.

Apparently, the movie has already started.

Past tense 'начался'.

Автобус, по-видимому, опоздает.

The bus, apparently, will be late.

Future tense.

По-видимому, он забыл свой зонт.

Apparently, he forgot his umbrella.

Deduction based on a situation.

Она, по-видимому, очень любит читать.

She, apparently, loves reading very much.

Adverbial usage.

По-видимому, ключ не подходит к замку.

Apparently, the key doesn't fit the lock.

Negative result.

Мы, по-видимому, пошли не в ту сторону.

We, apparently, went the wrong way.

First-person plural.

По-видимому, этот торт очень вкусный.

Apparently, this cake is very tasty.

Deduction from evidence.

Он, по-видимому, не хочет говорить об этом.

He, apparently, doesn't want to talk about it.

Describing a mood.

По-видимому, правительство планирует новые реформы.

Apparently, the government is planning new reforms.

Formal context.

Вы, по-видимому, не совсем понимаете правила игры.

You, apparently, don't quite understand the rules of the game.

Polite correction.

По-видимому, этот вопрос требует дополнительного изучения.

Apparently, this question requires additional study.

Academic style.

Ситуация, по-видимому, выходит из-под контроля.

The situation, apparently, is getting out of control.

Idiomatic expression 'выходить из-под контроля'.

По-видимому, он не ожидал такого поворота событий.

Apparently, he did not expect such a turn of events.

Abstract concept 'turn of events'.

Эта книга, по-видимому, станет бестселлером.

This book, apparently, will become a bestseller.

Future prediction.

По-видимому, нам придётся отменить встречу.

Apparently, we will have to cancel the meeting.

Using 'придётся' (will have to).

Они, по-видимому, знакомы уже много лет.

They, apparently, have known each other for many years.

Describing a long-term state.

По-видимому, автор хотел подчеркнуть одиночество героя.

Apparently, the author wanted to emphasize the hero's loneliness.

Literary analysis.

Экономика страны, по-видимому, вступает в фазу рецессии.

The country's economy, apparently, is entering a phase of recession.

Economic terminology.

По-видимому, это решение было продиктовано политической необходимостью.

Apparently, this decision was dictated by political necessity.

Passive construction 'было продиктовано'.

Ваш компьютер, по-видимому, заражён вирусом.

Your computer, apparently, is infected with a virus.

Technical deduction.

По-видимому, стороны достигли компромисса в последний момент.

Apparently, the parties reached a compromise at the last moment.

Idiom 'последний момент'.

Он, по-видимому, сознательно избегает этой темы.

He, apparently, is consciously avoiding this topic.

Adverb 'сознательно' (consciously).

По-видимому, нам не удастся избежать конфликта.

Apparently, we will not manage to avoid a conflict.

Impersonal construction 'нам не удастся'.

Выводы комиссии, по-видимому, будут опубликованы завтра.

The commission's findings, apparently, will be published tomorrow.

Formal subject 'выводы комиссии'.

По-видимому, в данном случае мы имеем дело с редким лингвистическим феноменом.

Apparently, in this case, we are dealing with a rare linguistic phenomenon.

Highly academic style.

Его молчание, по-видимому, следует интерпретировать как знак согласия.

His silence, apparently, should be interpreted as a sign of consent.

Infinitive construction 'следует интерпретировать'.

По-видимому, подлинная причина его ухода так и останется тайной.

Apparently, the true reason for his departure will remain a mystery.

Particle 'так и' for emphasis.

Инвестиции в этот проект, по-видимому, не оправдают себя в долгосрочной перспективе.

Investments in this project, apparently, will not pay off in the long run.

Business idiom 'оправдать себя'.

По-видимому, художник стремился передать ощущение мимолётности бытия.

Apparently, the artist sought to convey a sense of the fleeting nature of existence.

Art criticism vocabulary.

Это, по-видимому, и есть та самая точка невозврата, о которой предупреждали эксперты.

This, apparently, is that very point of no return that experts warned about.

Idiom 'точка невозврата'.

По-видимому, нам придётся пересмотреть всю стратегию развития компании.

Apparently, we will have to revise the entire development strategy of the company.

Strategic planning context.

Влияние этой теории на современную науку, по-видимому, было недооценено.

The influence of this theory on modern science, apparently, was underestimated.

Passive participle 'недооценено'.

По-видимому, сама ткань повествования здесь служит для деконструкции традиционного романа.

Apparently, the very fabric of the narrative here serves to deconstruct the traditional novel.

Literary theory context.

Такая позиция, по-видимому, проистекает из глубокого онтологического кризиса личности.

Such a position, apparently, stems from a deep ontological crisis of the personality.

Philosophical terminology.

По-видимому, именно в этом диалектическом противоречии и кроется суть проблемы.

Apparently, it is precisely in this dialectical contradiction that the essence of the problem lies.

Logical analysis.

Его действия, по-видимому, были продиктованы не столько корыстью, сколько искренним заблуждением.

His actions, apparently, were dictated not so much by greed as by sincere delusion.

Correlative conjunction 'не столько... сколько'.

По-видимому, мы наблюдаем закат целой эпохи в истории человечества.

Apparently, we are witnessing the sunset of an entire era in human history.

Metaphorical usage.

Архитектура здания, по-видимому, призвана внушать посетителю чувство благоговейного трепета.

The architecture of the building, apparently, is intended to inspire a sense of awe in the visitor.

High-style vocabulary 'благоговейный трепет'.

По-видимому, автор намеренно оставляет финал открытым, предоставляя читателю право выбора.

Apparently, the author intentionally leaves the finale open, granting the reader the right to choose.

Discussing authorial intent.

Эти археологические находки, по-видимому, заставят нас полностью переписать историю региона.

These archaeological finds, apparently, will force us to completely rewrite the history of the region.

Scientific impact.

Häufige Kollokationen

по-видимому, так и есть

по-видимому, это означает

он, по-видимому, не знал

по-видимому, именно поэтому

ситуация, по-видимому, улучшается

по-видимому, всё в порядке

решение, по-видимому, окончательное

по-видимому, вы правы

автор, по-видимому, считает

по-видимому, это так

Häufige Phrasen

По-видимому, нет.

— A polite, cautious way to say 'Apparently not.'

— Он придёт? — По-видимому, нет.

По-видимому, да.

— A cautious way to say 'Apparently so.'

— Мы закончили? — По-видимому, да.

Как ни странно, но по-видимому...

— Used to introduce a deduction that is surprising.

Как ни странно, но по-видимому, он выиграл.

По-видимому, это всё.

— Used to conclude a list or a meeting; 'Apparently, that's all.'

По-видимому, это всё, что я хотел сказать.

Он, по-видимому, шутит.

— Used when someone says something hard to believe.

Вы, по-видимому, шутите, когда говорите это.

По-видимому, пришло время.

— A dramatic way to say 'Apparently, the time has come.'

По-видимому, пришло время прощаться.

По-видимому, это ошибка.

— A gentle way to point out a mistake.

В расчётах, по-видимому, ошибка.

По-видимому, ничего не изменилось.

— Observation about a static situation.

Прошёл год, но по-видимому, ничего не изменилось.

По-видимому, он не в духе.

— Observation about someone's bad mood.

Он сегодня молчит, по-видимому, он не в духе.

По-видимому, это правда.

— Accepting a fact based on evidence.

Слухи подтвердились; по-видимому, это правда.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

по-видимому vs видимо

They mean the same, but 'по-видимому' is more formal.

по-видимому vs явно

Means 'obviously' (certainty), while 'по-видимому' is 'apparently' (deduction).

по-видимому vs видимо-невидимо

An idiom meaning 'a huge amount', nothing to do with 'apparently'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"По-видимому, лёд тронулся"

— Apparently, things have started to move/change (usually for the better).

Они начали переговоры; по-видимому, лёд тронулся.

literary/idiomatic

"По-видимому, игра не стоит свеч"

— Apparently, it's not worth the effort.

Затраты слишком велики; по-видимому, игра не стоит свеч.

idiomatic

"По-видимому, это палка о двух концах"

— Apparently, this has both good and bad consequences.

Новый закон, по-видимому, палка о двух концах.

idiomatic

"По-видимому, он мастер на все руки"

— Apparently, he is a jack-of-all-trades.

Он сам починил всё в доме; по-видимому, он мастер на все руки.

colloquial

"По-видимому, его песенка спета"

— Apparently, his career/time is over.

После скандала, по-видимому, его песенка спета.

informal/slang

"По-видимому, он водит нас за нос"

— Apparently, he is deceiving us.

Он обещает, но ничего не делает; по-видимому, он водит нас за нос.

colloquial

"По-видимому, это капля в море"

— Apparently, it's a drop in the ocean (insufficient).

Этих денег, по-видимому, капля в море для такого проекта.

idiomatic

"По-видимому, он родился в рубашке"

— Apparently, he was born lucky (survived a danger).

Он выжил в этой аварии; по-видимому, он родился в рубашке.

idiomatic

"По-видимому, это филькина грамота"

— Apparently, this document is worthless/fake.

Этот контракт, по-видимому, филькина грамота.

colloquial/informal

"По-видимому, он не лыком шит"

— Apparently, he is smarter/more capable than he looks.

Он быстро решил задачу; по-видимому, он не лыком шит.

idiomatic/old-fashioned

Leicht verwechselbar

по-видимому vs по видимому

Missing hyphen.

This is a preposition with an adjective (e.g., 'according to the visible [path]'), not the adverb 'apparently'.

Мы шли по видимому следу. (We walked along the visible trail.)

по-видимому vs очевидно

Both relate to sight.

Очевидно implies something is 100% clear. По-видимому implies it just looks that way.

Очевидно, что 2+2=4.

по-видимому vs наверное

Both express uncertainty.

Наверное is a general guess. По-видимому is a deduction based on evidence.

Наверное, я пойду в кино (I might go). По-видимому, он в кино (I see his ticket).

по-видимому vs кажется

Both mean 'it seems'.

Кажется is subjective/internal. По-видимому is objective/external.

Мне кажется, я болен. Он, по-видимому, болен.

по-видимому vs может быть

Both express possibility.

Может быть is much less formal and expresses lower certainty.

Может быть, он придёт.

Satzmuster

[Subject], по-видимому, [Adjective].

Он, по-видимому, добрый.

По-видимому, [Subject] [Verb].

По-видимому, он спит.

[Subject], по-видимому, не [Verb].

Они, по-видимому, не придут.

Это, по-видимому, [Noun Phrase].

Это, по-видимому, лучший выход.

По-видимому, именно [Noun] [Verb].

По-видимому, именно это и случилось.

[Abstract Noun], по-видимому, [Passive Participle].

Результат, по-видимому, предрешён.

Как ни странно, но по-видимому...

Как ни странно, но по-видимому, всё получилось.

По-видимому, [Clause 1], так как [Clause 2].

По-видимому, он ушёл, так как свет не горит.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in written Russian, news, and educated speech.

Häufige Fehler

Writing 'по видимому' without a hyphen. → по-видимому
Adverbs with the 'по-' prefix and '-ому' suffix must have a hyphen.
Forgetting commas: 'Он по-видимому забыл.' → Он, по-видимому, забыл.
Parenthetical words always require commas in Russian.
Using it for pure guesses without evidence. → наверное / может быть
По-видимому implies there is observable evidence for the conclusion.
Misplacing the stress: 'по-видимОму'. → по-вИдимому
The stress is on the first 'и' of the root.
Confusing with 'явно' (obviously). → по-видимому (for 'apparently')
Явно is for 100% certainty; по-видимому is for a deduction with some doubt.

Tipps

The Comma Rule

Always treat 'по-видимому' like a VIP—it needs its own space. In writing, that means commas before and after. In speaking, that means a short pause.

Hyphen is Key

Never write it as two words. The hyphen is part of its identity. Think of it as a bridge between 'по' and the 'visible' root.

Sound Educated

Use 'по-видимому' in your Russian exams or essays. It's a high-level word that shows you know more than just 'может быть'.

Visual Evidence

Use it when you have a reason for your guess. If you see crumbs on the table, say: 'По-видимому, кто-то ел печенье' (Apparently, someone ate the cookies).

Formal vs. Informal

Switch between 'видимо' (informal) and 'по-видимому' (formal) depending on who you are talking to. It's like switching between 'looks like' and 'it appears that'.

Stress the First I

Don't say 'по-видимОму'. Say 'по-вИдимому'. The stress is on the same syllable as in the verb 'видеть'.

Word Family

Connect it to 'видеть' (to see). This will help you remember that the word is about how things 'look'.

Placement

For the most natural flow, place it right after the subject: 'Они, по-видимому, опоздают'.

Catch the Rhythm

In news broadcasts, you'll hear this word constantly. It has a very specific four-syllable rhythm that is easy to identify once you know it.

Intellectual Tone

Using this word makes you sound like a thoughtful, observant person. It's a very 'Russian' way of expressing logic.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of the root 'VID' as in 'Video'. 'Po-VID-imomu' is what you conclude after watching the 'video' of a situation.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking at a footprint and saying 'По-видимому...' (Apparently...).

Word Web

видеть вид видимый видимо по-видимому очевидно предвидеть свидание

Herausforderung

Try to use 'по-видимому' in three different sentences today: one about the weather, one about a friend, and one about a news story.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Russian verb 'видеть' (to see), which comes from the Proto-Slavic '*viděti'. It is cognate with the Latin 'videre' and the Sanskrit 'veda'. The specific form 'по-видимому' is an adverbialization of the dative singular of the passive participle 'видимый'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally 'according to the visible' or 'judging by what is seen'.

Indo-European > Balto-Slavic > Slavic > East Slavic > Russian.

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, intellectual term.

It is exactly like the British English use of 'apparently' to sound slightly detached and objective.

Used frequently in the detective stories of Boris Akunin. A common word in the scientific lectures of Tatyana Chernigovskaya. Appears in the philosophical dialogues of Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Observing the weather

По-видимому, будет дождь.
По-видимому, туман рассеивается.
По-видимому, зима будет холодной.
По-видимому, шторм прошёл.

Business meetings

По-видимому, мы достигли согласия.
По-видимому, бюджет нужно пересмотреть.
По-видимому, сроки сдвигаются.
По-видимому, клиент доволен.

Discussing a missing person/object

Он, по-видимому, ушёл.
Ключи, по-видимому, на столе.
Она, по-видимому, забыла позвонить.
По-видимому, письмо потерялось.

Analyzing literature/art

Автор, по-видимому, хотел сказать...
По-видимому, это символ свободы.
Герой, по-видимому, страдает.
По-видимому, это поздняя работа мастера.

Medical/Health issues

Вы, по-видимому, простудились.
По-видимому, это аллергия.
Он, по-видимому, чувствует себя лучше.
По-видимому, операция прошла успешно.

Gesprächseinstiege

"По-видимому, сегодня будет очень жаркий день, вы не находите?"

"Вы, по-видимому, здесь впервые? Могу я вам чем-то помочь?"

"По-видимому, этот ресторан очень популярен, посмотрите на очередь!"

"Ваш друг, по-видимому, очень весёлый человек, расскажете о нём?"

"По-видимому, нам придётся изменить наши планы на вечер, что думаете?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Опишите ситуацию, когда вы ошиблись в своём «по-видимому». Что заставило вас передумать?

По-видимому, мир меняется очень быстро. Какие три изменения кажутся вам самыми важными?

Посмотрите в окно и напишите пять предложений, используя «по-видимому», о том, что вы видите.

По-видимому, изучение языков меняет мышление. Заметили ли вы это за собой?

Опишите своего любимого персонажа книги, используя «по-видимому» для анализа его характера.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, 'по-видимому' is considered more formal and is preferred in writing, academic contexts, and official reports. 'Видимо' is more common in everyday spoken Russian. Both carry the same meaning of 'apparently' based on logical deduction.

In Russian grammar, 'по-видимому' is a 'вводное слово' (parenthetical word). These words provide the speaker's attitude or assessment of the sentence but are not part of the sentence's core structure. Therefore, they must be set off by commas to separate them from the main thought.

Yes, you can. For example: 'Он забыл ключи, по-видимому.' However, it is most commonly found at the beginning or in the middle (after the subject) for better logical flow.

Yes, a subtle one. 'По-видимому' implies a deduction based on what you see or observe (the root 'вид' means sight). 'Вероятно' (probably) is more about logical probability or chance. Often they are interchangeable, but 'по-видимому' feels more 'visual'.

Remember that adverbs starting with 'по-' and ending in '-ому', '-ему', '-ки', '-ьи' almost always have a hyphen. Think of 'по-русски' or 'по-моему'. They follow the same rule.

Not exactly. 'Obviously' is 'очевидно'. 'По-видимому' is slightly weaker—it means 'it seems so based on the evidence,' but there is still a small chance it might be wrong.

Rarely. Slang usually prefers shorter words like 'похоже' or 'сто пудов' (for certainty). Using 'по-видимому' in a slang context would sound ironic or like you are trying to act like a professor.

No. Like all adverbs in Russian, it is indeclinable. It stays the same regardless of the gender, number, or case of the nouns in the sentence.

The opposite would be a word of certainty like 'наверняка' (for sure) or 'точно' (exactly). If you want to express doubt, you could use 'вряд ли' (unlikely).

Extremely. It is one of the favorite words of 19th-century novelists like Tolstoy and Turgenev, as it allows the narrator to speculate about the characters' hidden feelings.

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