Breakdown of Мы разные, но мы дополняем друг друга.
мы
we
но
but
разный
different, various
друг друга
each other
Questions & Answers about Мы разные, но мы дополняем друг друга.
Why is the phrase друг друга used here instead of another form like друг другу?
The phrase друг друга (each other) changes its second word depending on its role in the sentence. Here, it is the direct object of the verb дополняем (we complement), so it needs to be in the accusative case. Because друг is an animate noun, its accusative form looks exactly like its genitive form: друга. The first word always stays the same.
What is the infinitive of дополняем, and why is it imperfective?
The infinitive is дополнять (to complement). The imperfective aspect is used here because complementing each other is a continuous, ongoing state in their relationship, rather than a single, one-time completed action.
Why do we use the full adjective разные instead of a short form?
While short-form adjectives are often used for temporary states, the word разный (different) is almost always used in its full form, even when it acts as the main description in the sentence. Using the full form разные also emphasizes that being different is a permanent, inherent characteristic of these people.
Is it mandatory to repeat the pronoun мы in the second half of the sentence?
No, you can easily drop the second мы and say Мы разные, но дополняем друг друга. Repeating the pronoun is optional when the subject remains the same, but keeping it adds a nice rhythmic balance to the two contrasting halves of the sentence.