Building Momentum: раз- ... -ся
Describe an action that breaks out, builds in intensity, or gains momentum by wrapping a verb in the prefix раз- and the reflexive postfix -ся (or -сь after vowels). This pattern often describes a sudden outburst of emotion or getting so engrossed in an activity that it becomes hard to stop.
The prefix becomes рас- before voiceless consonants (like п, с, or к).
Emotional Outbursts on Stage
Use this pattern to describe suddenly bursting into tears (расплакаться), bursting out laughing (рассмеяться), or becoming increasingly agitated (разволноваться).
| The actress burst into tears because of this tragedy. | Актриса расплакалась из-за этой трагедии. |
| During the monologue, the actor got very agitated. | Во время монолога актёр разволновался. |
| Suddenly, the audience burst out laughing. | Внезапно зрители рассмеялись. |
Losing Your Temper
When passions escalate, someone might get angry (рассердиться). If that anger builds into an unstoppable fit of yelling, they have started shouting loudly (раскричаться).
| The director got angry and started yelling. | Режиссёр рассердился и раскричался. |
| Why did you start yelling during the monologue? | Почему ты раскричался во время монолога? |
Getting into the Flow
This pattern also describes warming up to an action and getting into the flow. Actors might start slowly but eventually get into full swing (разыграться). People might start with a brief greeting and end up deep in conversation (разговориться).
| By the end of the performance, the actors got into full swing. | К концу спектакля актёры разыгрались. |
| The actress got into a conversation with the director. | Актриса разговорилась с режиссёром. |
| A real tragedy played out on stage. | На сцене разыгралась настоящая трагедия. |