Russian edit

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): [ˈdabɨ]
  • (file)
  • (dated) IPA(key): [dɐˈbɨ]

Conjunction edit

да́бы or дабы́ (dáby or dabý)

  1. (archaic, non-standard colloquial) in order to, in order that, so that
    Synonym: (common term) что́бы (štóby)
    да́бы я э́то знал
    dáby ja éto znal
    in order that I might know it

Usage notes edit

  • Particularly since the 21st century, this conjunction (stressed as да́бы) has re-entered colloquial usage as a more flavorful or intimate synonym to чтобы (štoby). This is often seen as improper by older speakers. Historically, дабы became increasingly archaic following the end of the 18th century, but it remains amply attested in literature.