договариваться vs договориться
dogovarivát'sya vs dogovorít'sya — negotiate/arrange vs reach an agreement
Register: neutral
What it really means
Договариваться describes the process or repeated practice of arranging terms. Договориться means that the parties have reached an agreement.
Examples in natural speech
Мы договариваемся о цене.
We are negotiating the price.
Мы договорились встретиться в шесть.
We agreed to meet at six.
С детьми надо договариваться.
You have to negotiate with children.
Надеюсь, вы договоритесь.
I hope you reach an agreement.
Они часто договариваются по телефону.
They often make arrangements by phone.
Common mistakes
Do not use договориться while the terms are still being discussed: Мы договариваемся о цене leaves the outcome open. Мы договорились о цене says the negotiation produced an agreement.
Memory tip
The ending -иться points to a deal reached: after the conversation, both sides can say «договорились».
Frequently asked questions
Which preposition is used for the subject of an agreement?
Use о plus prepositional: договориться о времени, о цене, о встрече. For the person, use с: договориться с менеджером.
Can договориться be followed by an infinitive?
Yes: Мы договорились встретиться в шесть. It means the parties agreed that they would perform that action.
Does «договорились!» always refer to a formal contract?
No. In conversation it often means “Deal!” or “Agreed!” and can confirm a very informal arrangement.
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