отличать vs отличаться
otlichat' vs otlichat'sya — distinguish vs differ
Register: neutral
What it really means
Отличать means distinguish one thing from another and takes objects: отличать цвета. Отличаться means differ, stand out, or be different; it often takes от + genitive or instrumental for a feature. One person distinguishes; things themselves differ.
Examples in natural speech
Я отличаю красный от зелёного.
I distinguish red from green.
Она не отличает близнецов.
She cannot tell the twins apart.
Эти модели отличаются ценой.
These models differ in price.
Он отличается от брата.
He differs from his brother.
Этот чай отличается вкусом.
This tea stands out for its taste.
Common mistakes
Do not say я отличаюсь цвета for “I distinguish colours.” Use отличать; отличаться describes the subject’s difference.
Memory tip
Отличать sorts two things apart; отличаться is itself being apart.
Frequently asked questions
How do I say differ from?
Отличаться от + genitive.
How do I say tell apart?
Отличать.
Can отличаться mean stand out?
Yes, by a quality.
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