Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Achieve'

English Word: Achieve

Key Russian Translations:

• достигать [dɐˈsʲtʲiɡatʲ] - [Formal, Imperfective]
• достичь [dɐˈsʲtʲitʲ] - [Formal, Perfective]
• добиваться [dɐbʲɪˈvatʲsʲə] - [Informal/Formal, Imperfective, Often implies effort]
• добиться [dɐˈbʲitʲsʲə] - [Informal/Formal, Perfective, Often implies success after struggle]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "достигать/достичь"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "добиваться/добиться" due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

достигать: [dɐˈsʲtʲiɡatʲ]

Note on достигать: Stress on the second syllable; the 'г' is pronounced softly due to palatalization.

достичь: [dɐˈsʲtʲitʲ]

добиваться: [dɐbʲɪˈvatʲsʲə]

Note on добиваться: Stress on the third syllable; the reflexive suffix '-ся' is common in conversational tone.

добиться: [dɐˈbʲitʲsʲə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To attain a goal or result through effort (General sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• достигать/достичь - Used for achieving goals, results, or milestones, often in formal or neutral contexts.
• добиваться/добиться - Implies persistent effort or overcoming obstacles to achieve something, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он достиг своей цели после многих лет работы.

  He achieved his goal after many years of work.

• Мы стремимся достигать высоких результатов.

  We strive to achieve high results.

• Она добилась успеха в своей карьере.

  She achieved success in her career.

• Нам пришлось добиваться справедливости долгое время.

  We had to fight for justice for a long time.

• Он наконец добился признания своих талантов.

  He finally achieved recognition for his talents.

2. To reach a certain level or state (Abstract or Physical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• достичь - Often used for reaching a level, age, or physical point (e.g., a destination).

Usage Examples:

• Компания достигла нового уровня продаж.

  The company achieved a new level of sales.

• Он достиг возраста 50 лет.

  He reached the age of 50.

• Мы достигли вершины горы к полудню.

  We reached the top of the mountain by noon.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

достигать/достичь (Imperfective/Perfective pair, Verb):

добиваться/добиться (Imperfective/Perfective pair, Reflexive Verb): Similar conjugation pattern to above, with the reflexive suffix '-ся' attached in all forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• получать (to receive/obtain)
• завоевывать (to conquer/win)
• осуществлять (to realize/implement)

Note: "получать" is more general and less effort-focused; "завоевывать" often implies competition or struggle.

Antonyms:

• терять (to lose)
• упускать (to miss/let slip)

Related Phrases:

• достичь успеха - To achieve success
• добиться цели - To achieve a goal (through persistence)
• достичь вершины - To reach the top (literal or figurative)

Usage Notes:

• "достигать/достичь" is more neutral and often used in formal or written contexts, suitable for abstract achievements or physical reaching.
• "добиваться/добиться" carries a connotation of effort, struggle, or persistence, often used when the achievement required overcoming obstacles.
• Pay attention to aspect (imperfective vs. perfective): Use imperfective forms for ongoing or repeated actions, and perfective for completed, one-time results.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "достигать" instead of "добиваться" when effort is implied.
  Incorrect: *Я достиг признания через упорный труд.*
  Correct: Я добился признания через упорный труд. (I achieved recognition through hard work.)
  Explanation: "добиваться" better reflects the struggle or effort involved.
• Error: Ignoring verb aspect.
  Incorrect: *Я достигаю цели вчера.*
  Correct: Я достиг цели вчера. (I achieved the goal yesterday.)
  Explanation: Past completed actions require the perfective form "достичь".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, achieving something (especially with "добиваться") often carries a sense of pride in overcoming difficulties, reflecting the historical and social value placed on perseverance. This nuance might not always align directly with the English "achieve", which can be more neutral.

Related Concepts:

• успех (success)
• цель (goal)
• победа (victory)