скоро vs быстро

skoro vs bystro — soon vs quickly

What it really means

Скоро answers when: soon, in the near future. Быстро answers how: quickly, at high speed or in little time. A train can arrive скоро; a person can walk быстро.

Russian also uses скоро with events that are expected shortly, while быстро describes the manner or rate of an action.

Examples in natural speech

Скоро начнётся фильм.
The film will start soon.
Я скоро вернусь.
I will be back soon.
Она быстро читает.
She reads quickly.
Пожалуйста, говорите не так быстро.
Please do not speak so quickly.
Зима скоро закончится.
Winter will end soon.

Common mistakes

Не путайте: Я приду быстро means I will come quickly, perhaps by moving fast; Я приду скоро means I will come soon. The two can both be true but answer different questions.

Memory tip

Скоро is a point near on the calendar; быстро is speed on the way there.

Frequently asked questions

Which word answers when?

Скоро: Когда? Скоро.

Which word answers how?

Быстро: Как? Быстро.

Can I say очень скоро?

Yes, it means very soon.

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