всё равно что
Equivalence Judgment Всё Равно Что
The phrase всё равно что (literally 'all the same that') is used to say that one thing is effectively the same as another. It is often used for strong metaphors or rhetorical judgments, equating two actions or states in terms of their value, consequence, or nature.
How It Works
At an advanced level, it is important to become proficient in the syntactic and stylistic nuances of this construction:
- Syntactic Role: It frequently links two infinitives or two nouns. When linking infinitives, a dash (тире) is mandatory to separate the subject from the predicate. When linking two nouns in the nominative case, the dash is optional and used primarily for stylistic emphasis.
- Case Agreement: The noun following что must match the case of the element it is being compared to. If comparing subjects, use the nominative; if comparing objects, match the object's case (e.g., люблю его всё равно что брата — both accusative).
- Punctuation: When всё равно что serves as a single comparative link between a subject and a predicate, no comma is used. However, if всё равно is a standalone predicate ('it is all the same') followed by a subordinate clause, a comma is mandatory.
- Register and Variants: This is a universal construction found in both formal literature and everyday speech. A common colloquial or folk-style variant is всё одно что, which carries the same meaning of equivalence. These constructions are particularly effective for delivering moral judgments or highlighting the absurdity of a situation.
- Hypothetical Equivalence: It can be combined with бы (e.g., всё равно что если бы...) to create a hypothetical comparison ('it's the same as if...').
Examples (5)
- Молчать в такой ситуации — всё равно что согласиться.
Remaining silent in such a situation is the same as agreeing.
Word by Word: To be silent in such situation — all same what to agree.
Here, the phrase links two infinitives to show that silence and agreement lead to the same result.
- Для него этот старый пёс всё равно что член семьи.
For him, this old dog is just like a member of the family.
Word by Word: For him this old dog all same what member of family.
This demonstrates qualitative equivalence between a pet and a family member. Note the lack of a comma before 'что'.
- Игнорировать эти симптомы — всё равно что играть с огнём.
Ignoring these symptoms is tantamount to playing with fire.
Word by Word: To ignore these symptoms — all same what to play with fire.
A common rhetorical use where an action is equated to a dangerous metaphor.
- Предать свои идеалы — всё равно что потерять себя.
Betraying one's ideals is the same as losing oneself.
Word by Word: To betray own ideals — all same what to lose oneself.
Shows the use of the construction to express a deep, philosophical equivalence with the standard dash between infinitives.
- Он относится к ней всё равно что к сестре.
He treats her just like a sister.
Word by Word: He relates to her all same what to sister.
This demonstrates case agreement: 'к сестре' (dative) matches 'к ней' (dative) because they are the elements being compared.
Common Mistakes
Adding an unnecessary comma before 'что' in the comparative construction.
Жизнь здесь, всё равно, что сон.Жизнь здесь всё равно что сон.Learners often assume 'что' always requires a comma. However, when 'всё равно что' acts as a single comparative link, no comma is used.
Confusing the comparative link with a subordinate clause.
Мне всё равно что он сказал.Мне всё равно, что он сказал.If 'всё равно' is a predicate meaning 'it doesn't matter' and 'что' introduces a new clause, a comma is required. Use the comma only when 'что' starts a full subordinate sentence.
Not matching the case of the compared noun.
Different MeaningОн доверяет ему всё равно что лучший друг.Он доверяет ему всё равно что лучшему другу.The noun after 'что' takes the case of the word it is compared to. 'Лучшему другу' (dative) matches 'ему': he trusts him like a best friend. 'Лучший друг' (nominative) would compare with the subject 'он'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'всё равно что', learners need to be comfortable with the basic interrogative/relative word 'что' and the structure of Russian nominal predicates where two items are equated without the verb 'to be'. Additionally, since this pattern often compares actions, familiarity with the infinitive form of verbs is necessary.
Related Patterns
- какHow Question
Both are used for comparison, but 'как' suggests resemblance, while 'всё равно что' suggests functional equivalence.
Level 1 - чемComparison with Чем
This is the general category of comparisons; 'всё равно что' is a specific, high-level emphatic variant.
Level 2 - Nominal predicate without present copula
The phrase 'всё равно что' often functions as the link in a nominal predicate where 'есть' is absent.
Level 1 - бы + Past TenseConditional with Бы
Often used together with 'всё равно что' to create hypothetical or counterfactual comparisons.
Level 3 - не кто иной, как / не что иное, какEmphatic Identification Formula
Another advanced emphatic identification formula that establishes identity between two things.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
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