сравнивать vs сравнить

sravnivát' vs sravnít' — compare vs compare once

What it really means

Сравнивать is imperfective: it describes a comparison in progress, a habit, or a general instruction. Сравнить is perfective and presents one comparison as completed, often so that a conclusion can be drawn.

Examples in natural speech

Не сравнивай себя с другими.
Do not compare yourself with others.
Сравните цены перед покупкой.
Compare the prices before buying.
Мы сравниваем результаты каждый месяц.
We compare the results every month.
Я сравнил два отчёта и нашёл ошибку.
I compared two reports and found an error.
Учитель сравнивает ответы студентов.
The teacher is comparing the students’ answers.

Common mistakes

Do not choose сравнить merely because English says “compare.” Сравнивали данные час describes the ongoing work; сравнили данные says the comparison has been completed. With a regular practice such as each month, use сравнивать.

Memory tip

Сравнивать is the magnifying glass still moving back and forth; сравнить is the moment it has checked both sides.

Frequently asked questions

Which preposition is used for comparing one thing with another?

Use с + instrumental: сравнить цену с ценой конкурента; сравнивать себя с другими. The two items may also both be direct objects: сравнить два отчёта.

Why is «Сравните цены» perfective?

It asks for one bounded check before a purchase. The listener is expected to complete that comparison, rather than engage in comparing as an ongoing activity.

Can «сравнивать» mean “liken” rather than analyse?

Yes. Сравнивать героя с Дон Кихотом means draw a comparison or likeness. The aspect distinction remains: сравнил его с героем is one completed comparison.

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