Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Absorb'

English Word: absorb

Key Russian Translations:

• поглощать [pɐɡlɐˈʂatʲ] - [Formal, Often used in physical or abstract contexts]
• впитывать [fpʲɪˈtɨvətʲ] - [Neutral, Often used for liquids or knowledge]
• усваивать [ʊsˈvaɪvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used for information or concepts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "впитывать"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "поглощать" and "усваивать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

поглощать: [pɐɡlɐˈʂatʲ]

Note on поглощать: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, hissing consonant unique to Russian.

впитывать: [fpʲɪˈtɨvətʲ]

Note on впитывать: The stress is on the second syllable, and the initial "в" is often softened before "п".

усваивать: [ʊsˈvaɪvətʲ]

Note on усваивать: Stress on the second syllable, with a clear "ай" diphthong.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To take in or soak up (physical, e.g., liquid, energy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• поглощать - Often used for absorbing energy, heat, or light.
• впитывать - Commonly used for liquids or moisture being absorbed by a material.

Usage Examples:

• Губка впитывает воду очень быстро.

  The sponge absorbs water very quickly.

• Этот материал поглощает тепло.

  This material absorbs heat.

• Растения впитывают влагу через корни.

  Plants absorb moisture through their roots.

2. To take in or understand (abstract, e.g., information, ideas)

Translation(s) & Context:

• усваивать - Used for assimilating knowledge or information.
• поглощать - Can be used metaphorically for being engrossed or consumed by something.

Usage Examples:

• Студенты быстро усваивают новый материал.

  Students quickly absorb new material.

• Он поглощён чтением книги.

  He is absorbed in reading a book.

• Её разум впитывает идеи как губка.

  Her mind absorbs ideas like a sponge.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

поглощать (Verb, Imperfective): Follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ать. Below is the present tense conjugation:

впитывать (Verb, Imperfective): Similar regular conjugation for -ывать verbs.

усваивать (Verb, Imperfective): Follows regular patterns for -ивать verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for поглощать:

• вбирать
• всасывать

Note: "вбирать" is more poetic or abstract, while "всасывать" is often used for physical suction.

Antonyms for поглощать:

• выпускать
• излучать

Related Phrases:

• поглощать внимание - To absorb attention (to captivate or engross).
• впитывать знания - To absorb knowledge (to learn or take in information).
• усваивать уроки - To absorb lessons (to learn from experience).

Usage Notes:

• "поглощать" is often used in scientific or formal contexts for physical absorption (e.g., heat, light) and metaphorically for being consumed by an activity or emotion.
• "впитывать" is the most versatile and commonly used for physical absorption (e.g., liquids) and metaphorically for ideas or emotions, often with a positive connotation.
• "усваивать" is primarily used for intellectual absorption, such as learning or assimilating information, and is more formal.
• Choosing the correct verb depends on the context—physical vs. abstract—and the tone of the conversation.

Common Errors:

1. Using "поглощать" for learning contexts: English speakers may overuse "поглощать" for absorbing knowledge, but "усваивать" or "впитывать" is more appropriate.

Incorrect: Я поглощаю новые слова. (I absorb new words.)

Correct: Я усваиваю новые слова. (I absorb/assimilate new words.)

2. Confusing "впитывать" with "поглощать" in physical contexts: "впитывать" is better for liquids, while "поглощать" suits energy or larger concepts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the metaphorical use of "поглощать" (e.g., being absorbed by a book or task) often carries a stronger emotional or immersive connotation than in English, reflecting a cultural emphasis on deep engagement with activities or ideas.

Related Concepts:

• воспринимать (to perceive)
• понимать (to understand)
• учиться (to learn)