как раз

Exact-fit Focus Как Раз

Level 6Sounds Like častica kak raz

The particle как раз (pronounced [kɐk‿ˈras]) is used to highlight an exact correspondence. It translates to 'exactly,' 'precisely,' or 'just,' but specifically in the sense of a 'perfect fit' or 'timely coincidence.'

How It Works

At an advanced level, it is important to distinguish как раз from other focusing particles. Its primary functions include:

Temporal Coincidence: Highlighting that an action occurred at the very moment something else happened. It often pairs with the imperfective aspect to set a scene, but it is also compatible with the perfective aspect to indicate a recently completed action that coincides with another event.
Imminent Action: Indicating that an action was just about to happen (e.g., 'Я как раз собирался вам звонить').
Logical/Situational Fit: Identifying a choice or fact as the ideal solution to a problem.
Contrast and Contradiction: Emphasizing that the reality is actually the opposite of what was suggested (e.g., 'А я как раз не согласен').
Physical Fit: Used as a predicate to indicate that clothing or shoes are the correct size.

Regarding numbers, как раз is used when an amount 'fits' a context or requirement (e.g., 'exactly the amount we needed'). For neutral, objective measurement without this sense of 'fitting', use ровно or точно. In modern speech, you will frequently hear the emphatic variant как раз таки. While common, it should be written as three separate words without hyphens.

Examples (6)

Это как раз то, что мне нужно.
This is exactly what I need.
Word by Word: This exactly that, what to me necessary.
Here, the particle emphasizes a logical fit—the object is the perfect solution for the speaker's needs.
Мы как раз обсуждали этот вопрос, когда вы вошли.
We were just discussing this issue when you entered.
Word by Word: We exactly were-discussing this question, when you entered.
This demonstrates temporal coincidence, highlighting that the discussion was happening at that precise moment.
Эти джинсы мне как раз.
These jeans fit me perfectly.
Word by Word: These jeans to me exactly.
In this predicative use, it refers to physical size and fit.
Я как раз собирался вам звонить.
I was just about to call you.
Word by Word: I exactly was-intending to you to call.
Used to show that an intention coincided perfectly with the current moment.
А я как раз считаю, что это плохая идея.
But I actually think that it's a bad idea.
Word by Word: But I exactly think, that this bad idea.
This shows the contrastive function, where the speaker uses the particle to emphasize a contradictory opinion or fact.
Нам не хватало пяти человек, и пришло как раз пять.
We were five people short, and exactly five arrived.
Word by Word: To us not sufficed five people, and arrived exactly five.
When used with numbers, it indicates that the amount perfectly fits a specific requirement or expectation.

Common Mistakes

'У меня как раз пять рублей' is correct, but it does not mean 'only'.
Different MeaningУ меня как раз пять рублей.
У меня только пять рублей.
This sentence means 'I have exactly five rubles', the amount that is needed. If you mean 'I have only five rubles', use 'только'.
Incorrect hyphenation of the emphatic form.
как раз-таки
как раз таки
Standard Russian orthography requires 'как раз таки' to be written as three separate words without a hyphen.
Placing the particle after the emphasized word.
Тот случай как раз.
Как раз тот случай.
The particle normally comes right before the word or phrase it highlights.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

как разLevel 6Exact-fit Focus Как Раз

Learn This First

To use 'как раз' effectively, learners need to understand how Russian identifies objects (using 'это') and how word order shifts to provide focus. Since 'как раз' often highlights a precise fit or timing, familiarity with basic identification and focus markers is necessary.

Words in This Pattern