тогда vs тогда как

togda vs togda kak — then/at that time vs whereas/while

What it really means

Тогда is an adverb meaning "then," "at that time," or "in that case": "Я тогда жил в Москве" (I lived in Moscow then). Тогда как is a conjunction meaning "whereas," "while," or "in contrast," and it joins two clauses to compare them: "Он любит чай, тогда как я предпочитаю кофе" (He likes tea, whereas I prefer coffee).

The word как changes the function completely. Тогда points to a time or consequence; тогда как sets up a contrast between two facts. In formal writing, тогда как can also mean "whereas" in a precise comparison.

Examples in natural speech

Я тогда ещё учился.
I was still studying then.
Если ты готов, тогда начнём.
If you are ready, then let's begin.
Он любит зиму, тогда как я люблю лето.
He likes winter, whereas I like summer.
Сестра говорит по-английски, тогда как брат говорит по-немецки.
The sister speaks English, whereas the brother speaks German.
Тогда я этого не понимал.
I did not understand that at the time.
Она работает дома, тогда как он ездит в офис.
She works from home, while he travels to the office.

Common mistakes

Do not translate тогда как as "then how." It is one conjunction meaning whereas/while. Conversely, then in a sequence is simply тогда: "Сначала поедим, тогда поговорим" (First we’ll eat, then we’ll talk).

Memory tip

Тогда points to a time or consequence; тогда как contrasts two clauses.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between тогда and тогда как in Russian?

Тогда means then, at that time, or in that case. Тогда как is a conjunction meaning whereas or while and introduces a contrast between two clauses.

How do you say whereas in Russian?

Use "тогда как": "Он живёт в городе, тогда как я живу в деревне" means "He lives in the city, whereas I live in the countryside."

Can тогда mean then in a conditional sentence?

Yes. In "Если ты готов, тогда начнём," тогда means then or in that case. It points to the consequence, not a contrast.

Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.