отправлять vs отправить

otpravlyat vs otpravit — send regularly/in progress vs send once

What it really means

Отправля́ть is imperfective and describes sending as an ongoing process, a repeated task, or a regular schedule. Отпра́вить is perfective and presents one message, parcel, or person as sent. The prefix от- gives the idea of sending away from the starting point.

Use отправлять when a message is still being sent or when a company sends items every day. Use отправить when the send has been completed: "Я отправил письмо" (I sent the letter).

Examples in natural speech

Я отправляю сообщение.
I am sending a message.
Компания отправляет заказы каждый день.
The company sends orders every day.
Отправь мне ссылку.
Send me the link.
Она отправила письмо утром.
She sent the letter in the morning.
Поезд отправился вовремя.
The train departed on time.

Common mistakes

Do not assume отправить refers only to digital messages. It can mean send a parcel, dispatch a person, or depart when used reflexively: поезд отправился. The perfective form focuses on the one completed sending or departure.

Memory tip

От- sends something away; отправлять is the process, отправить is the dispatch completed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between отправлять and отправить?

Отправлять is imperfective for sending as a process, habit, or repeated action. Отправить is perfective for one completed send or dispatch.

How do you say send me the link in Russian?

Use "Отправь мне ссылку" for a one-time request. The perfective imperative asks the person to complete the sending.

What does отправиться mean?

Отправиться is the reflexive form meaning set off or depart: "Мы отправились домой" means we set off for home.

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