собирать vs собрать

sobirat vs sobrat — collect/assemble as a process vs collect/assemble once

What it really means

Собира́ть is imperfective and describes collecting, gathering, or assembling as a process, repeated task, or general activity. Собра́ть is perfective and presents one collection or assembly as completed. The с-/со- element contributes the idea of bringing separate things together.

Use собирать for packing while it is happening, collecting things regularly, or assembling a project. Use собрать when everything has been gathered or the object has been put together.

Examples in natural speech

Я собираю чемодан.
I am packing a suitcase.
Дети собирают ягоды.
The children are picking berries.
Собери вещи до вечера.
Pack your things by evening.
Он собрал шкаф сам.
He assembled the wardrobe himself.
Мы собрали все документы.
We collected all the documents.

Common mistakes

Do not assume собирать means only collect. It can mean pack, gather, assemble, or raise money. Собрать presents the relevant group or object as brought together, while the exact English translation depends on context.

Memory tip

С-/со- gathers things together; собирать is gathering them, собрать is having them together.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between собирать and собрать?

Собирать is imperfective for collecting, packing, or assembling as a process or habit. Собрать is perfective for completing one gathering or assembly.

How do you say pack your bag in Russian?

Use "Собери сумку" for one completed packing task. "Собирай сумку" can mean start packing, pack it regularly, or follow an ongoing instruction.

Can собрать mean raise money?

Yes. Собрать деньги means collect or raise money, with the perfective form emphasizing reaching the collection goal.

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