Significado
To spend time with certain people
Contexto cultural
The 'dvor' (courtyard) culture in Russian cities historically created 'yard companies' (дворовые компании). These were groups of kids who grew up together in the same block. 'Водить компанию' often refers to these lifelong bonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Russian intelligentsia used this phrase to define their circles (kruzhki). Who you 'led company with' determined your intellectual and political alignment. During Soviet times, 'bad company' (дурная компания) was a common trope in propaganda and education, warning youth against Western influences or 'hooliganism.' While 'тусоваться' is the go-to word for partying, 'водить компанию' is used when talking to elders or in more serious discussions about one's social environment.
The 'Bad Crowd' Nuance
If you hear a Russian person say this with a sigh, they probably mean someone is hanging out with the wrong people.
Case Alert
Never forget the 'с' + Instrumental. 'Водить компанию друзей' sounds like you are a tour guide for them.
Significado
To spend time with certain people
The 'Bad Crowd' Nuance
If you hear a Russian person say this with a sigh, they probably mean someone is hanging out with the wrong people.
Case Alert
Never forget the 'с' + Instrumental. 'Водить компанию друзей' sounds like you are a tour guide for them.
Reflexive for Kids
Use 'водиться' when talking about children or being playful. It sounds more natural in those contexts.
Social Status
Using this phrase about 'high society' (высшее общество) can sound slightly sarcastic or critical in Russian.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the phrase and the noun in the Instrumental case.
Моя сестра всегда (водить компанию) с (умные студенты).
The verb 'водить' must be conjugated for 'сестра' (3rd person singular), and 'умные студенты' must be in the Instrumental plural.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct usage:
The phrase requires the preposition 'с' and the Instrumental case.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
— Почему ты перестал общаться с Игорем? — Я не хочу ________ с людьми, которые постоянно врут.
'Водить компанию' is used for long-term association, which fits the context of 'not wanting to hang out with liars.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. Составить компанию, 2. Водить компанию, 3. Руководить компанией
1 is for a single event, 2 is for a habit, 3 is for business management.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Habitual vs. One-time
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosМоя сестра всегда (водить компанию) с (умные студенты).
The verb 'водить' must be conjugated for 'сестра' (3rd person singular), and 'умные студенты' must be in the Instrumental plural.
Choose the correct usage:
The phrase requires the preposition 'с' and the Instrumental case.
— Почему ты перестал общаться с Игорем? — Я не хочу ________ с людьми, которые постоянно врут.
'Водить компанию' is used for long-term association, which fits the context of 'not wanting to hang out with liars.'
Match: 1. Составить компанию, 2. Водить компанию, 3. Руководить компанией
1 is for a single event, 2 is for a habit, 3 is for business management.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasOnly if you are talking about your social relationship outside of work. For business, use 'сотрудничать'.
Yes, but 'hanging out' is usually 'тусоваться' (slang) or 'проводить время' (neutral). 'Водить компанию' is more about the *group* you belong to.
A little bit, but it's still very common in literature, news, and among older generations. It's not 'dead' at all.
Technically yes, but it's almost never used. Stick to the imperfective 'водить'.
'Водиться' is more colloquial and often implies a negative association (e.g., 'Don't hang out with him').
You would say 'Я сам по себе' or 'Мне хорошо одному'. 'Водить компанию с самим собой' sounds very strange.
Yes, many Russian rock and pop songs use it to describe social circles or rebellion.
No, you wouldn't say a dog 'водит компанию' with other dogs. Use 'бегать с' or 'играть с'.
Usually, yes. 'Компания' implies at least 3-4 people, though you can use it for a single person if you mean their general association.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for a literary or sociological essay.
It's a very common set phrase meaning 'a bad crowd' or 'bad influence'.
This is a poetic/metaphorical usage, meaning you spend all your time reading. It's quite charming!
Frases relacionadas
водить дружбу
similarTo be friends with someone over a long period.
составлять компанию
builds onTo keep someone company for a specific event.
водиться с кем-то
synonymTo hang out with someone (often negative).
вращаться в кругах
specialized formTo move in certain (usually high) social circles.
быть в одной упряжке
similarTo be in the same boat / working together.
