"Nado bylo brat' den'gi" - how to say in English?

When faced with a situation where one's hindsight indicates one should have taken a certain action, Russians may say "Nado bylo brat' den'gi", which literally translates to "It was necessary to take the money." However, this expression does not necessarily mean that the situation required taking actual money; rather, it is used to express regret or frustration over not making a certain decision that could have resulted in a better outcome.

In English, one could convey a similar sentiment by saying, "I should have taken the chance" or "I wish I had made a different choice." The translation of "Nado bylo brat' den'gi" depends on the specific context but can generally be expressed as "I should have taken the money" or "I should have gone for it."

When faced with a similar situation in the future, one can use this phrase as a reminder to take action decisively and not hesitate or second-guess oneself. It is a useful expression to have in one's vocabulary when looking back at one's decisions and analyzing missed opportunities.

In conclusion, "Nado bylo brat' den'gi" is a colorful expression that captures the regret one feels about past choices. By understanding its meaning and usage, English speakers can expand their cultural knowledge and communicate more effectively with Russian speakers.