C1 Expression 중립

играть по правилам

играть по правилам

to play by the rules

To act according to established norms.

🌍

문화적 배경

The phrase is often contrasted with 'действовать по понятиям' (acting according to informal/criminal codes). In the 90s, these two worlds collided, and 'playing by the rules' became a sign of the 'new, civilized' Russia. In many post-Soviet countries, 'playing by the rules' is seen as a prerequisite for European integration and attracting Western investment. Russian sports commentators often use this phrase to criticize 'dirty play' (грязная игра) by opposing teams, reflecting a strong cultural value on 'honest victory' (честная победа). Classic Russian literature often explores characters who refuse to 'play the game' of society (e.g., Chatsky in 'Woe from Wit'), making this phrase a gateway to discussing literary themes of non-conformity.

🎯

Use it in Business

In a Russian business meeting, using this phrase shows you value 'прозрачность' (transparency), which is highly respected in modern firms.

⚠️

Avoid 'с'

Never say 'играть с правилами'. It sounds like you are a cheater who is trying to bend the rules.

To act according to established norms.

🎯

Use it in Business

In a Russian business meeting, using this phrase shows you value 'прозрачность' (transparency), which is highly respected in modern firms.

⚠️

Avoid 'с'

Never say 'играть с правилами'. It sounds like you are a cheater who is trying to bend the rules.

💬

The 'Game' Metaphor

Remember that Russians love chess metaphors. 'Играть по правилам' often carries the weight of a strategic chess move.

💡

Negative form

The negative 'не играть по правилам' is a very powerful accusation. Use it carefully!

셀프 테스트

Fill in the missing preposition and noun in the correct case.

В этом бизнесе никто не хочет играть ___ _________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: по правилам

The phrase requires the preposition 'по' and the Dative plural 'правилам'.

Which sentence uses the phrase in a figurative sense?

Выберите предложение с переносным значением:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Политическая партия должна играть по правилам конституции.

Politics is a figurative 'game', unlike hide-and-seek or sports.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.

— Почему ты не хочешь с ним работать? — Потому что он...

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ...не играет по правилам.

Not playing by the rules is a common reason to avoid working with someone.

Match the situation to the correct nuance of the phrase.

Ситуация: Компания платит все налоги вовремя.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Игра по правилам (закон)

Paying taxes is a legal requirement, thus 'legal compliance'.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Rules vs. Cheating

Играть по правилам
Честно Fairly
Открыто Openly
Жульничать
Грязно Dirty
Скрытно Secretly

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Fill in the missing preposition and noun in the correct case. Fill Blank B1

В этом бизнесе никто не хочет играть ___ _________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: по правилам

The phrase requires the preposition 'по' and the Dative plural 'правилам'.

Which sentence uses the phrase in a figurative sense? Choose B2

Выберите предложение с переносным значением:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Политическая партия должна играть по правилам конституции.

Politics is a figurative 'game', unlike hide-and-seek or sports.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response. dialogue_completion B1

— Почему ты не хочешь с ним работать? — Потому что он...

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ...не играет по правилам.

Not playing by the rules is a common reason to avoid working with someone.

Match the situation to the correct nuance of the phrase. situation_matching B2

Ситуация: Компания платит все налоги вовремя.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Игра по правилам (закон)

Paying taxes is a legal requirement, thus 'legal compliance'.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

12 질문

It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.

Yes, it is often used as a synonym for 'following the law' in a broader sense.

The perfective is 'сыграть по правилам', used for a specific event.

Yes, 'играть по правилам' is the most common way to express the concept of fair play in Russian.

Yes, but 'играть по правилам' sounds more idiomatic and covers both ethics and law.

Because a system usually has many rules, so the plural is used.

Very often, especially when talking about international treaties.

Absolutely, that is its literal and very common use.

In some business contexts, yes, but it remains the standard way to express this idea.

The opposite is 'жульничать' (to cheat) or 'играть грязно' (to play dirty).

Yes, to mean being honest and not playing 'mind games'.

Я играю по своим правилам.

관련 표현

🔗

Соблюдать приличия

similar

To maintain appearances/etiquette

🔗

Идти вразрез с законом

contrast

To go against the law

🔄

Чистая игра

synonym

Fair play

🔗

Правила игры

builds on

The rules of the game

🔗

Грязная игра

contrast

Dirty play

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