Learn Hardcore Russian: Порой мне кажется, что мы спорим впустую, хотя решение совсем близко. - Sometimes it seems to me that we are arguing for nothing, even though the solution is very close.

Word

Порой мне кажется, что мы спорим впустую, хотя решение совсем близко.

Meaning

Sometimes it seems to me that we are arguing for nothing, even though the solution is very close.

Part of speech

sentence

Pronunciation

Course

Lesson

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Questions & Answers about Порой мне кажется, что мы спорим впустую, хотя решение совсем близко.

What does порой mean, and is it the same as иногда?

Порой means at times, sometimes, or now and then. It is very close to иногда.

The difference is mostly one of tone:

иногда = neutral sometimes
порой = a bit more literary or reflective, often used when talking about thoughts, feelings, or recurring situations

So in this sentence, порой gives the line a slightly thoughtful tone.

Why is it мне кажется, not я кажусь or я думаю?

Мне кажется is a very common Russian expression meaning it seems to me.

Grammar:

So the structure is not I seem, but literally something like:

This is a standard Russian pattern:

It is softer and less direct than я думаю:

In many contexts, мне кажется sounds more tentative and natural.

Why is кажется in the singular, even though the next clause has мы?