Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'adapt'

English Word: adapt

Key Russian Translations:

• адаптировать [ɐdəptʲɪˈrovətʲ] - [Formal, Often used in technical or scientific contexts]
• приспосабливаться [prʲɪspəsɐˈblʲivətʲsə] - [Informal, Reflexive, Used for personal or situational adjustment]
• приспособиться [prʲɪspəsɐˈbʲitʲsə] - [Informal, Perfective, Indicates completed adaptation]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both formal and informal contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation and grammatical aspect)

Pronunciation (Russian):

адаптировать: [ɐdəptʲɪˈrovətʲ]

Note on адаптировать: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

приспосабливаться: [prʲɪspəsɐˈblʲivətʲsə]

Note on приспосабливаться: Stress on the fourth syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'л' sound.

приспособиться: [prʲɪspəsɐˈbʲitʲsə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To adjust to new conditions (personal or situational)

Translation(s) & Context:

• приспосабливаться - Used when referring to personal adaptation, such as adjusting to a new environment or situation.
• приспособиться - Used to indicate a completed process of adjustment, often with a sense of finality.

Usage Examples:

• Он быстро приспосабливается к новым условиям.

  He quickly adapts to new conditions.

• Мы приспособились к жизни в деревне.

  We adapted to life in the countryside.

• Нужно приспосабливаться к изменениям климата.

  One needs to adapt to climate changes.

2. To modify something for a new purpose (technical or formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• адаптировать - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as adapting a text, software, or system.

Usage Examples:

• Мы адаптировали программу для русскоязычных пользователей.

  We adapted the program for Russian-speaking users.

• Этот текст нужно адаптировать для детей.

  This text needs to be adapted for children.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

адаптировать (Verb, Transitive, Imperfective): Regular verb of the first conjugation. Below is a partial conjugation table for present tense.

Person	Singular	Plural
1st	адаптирую	адаптируем
2nd	адаптируешь	адаптируете
3rd	адаптирует	адаптируют

приспосабливаться (Verb, Reflexive, Imperfective): Reflexive verb, often used with prepositions like "к" (to). Conjugates regularly in the present tense but requires attention to aspectual pairs.

приспособиться (Verb, Reflexive, Perfective): Perfective form of приспосабливаться, used to indicate a completed action. Does not conjugate in the present tense (only past and future).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for адаптировать:

• приспособить
• подстроить

Note: "приспособить" is often used for physical modifications, while "подстроить" may imply slight adjustments.

Synonyms for приспосабливаться/приспособиться:

• освоиться
• привыкнуть

Antonyms:

• отчуждаться (to become alienated)
• игнорировать (to ignore, in some contexts)

Related Phrases:

• адаптировать под нужды - Adapt to specific needs.
• приспосабливаться к обстоятельствам - Adapt to circumstances.
• приспособиться к новому ритму - Adapt to a new rhythm or pace.

Usage Notes:

• Aspectual Difference: Russian verbs related to "adapt" often come in imperfective (process-oriented) and perfective (result-oriented) pairs. Use "приспосабливаться" for ongoing adaptation and "приспособиться" for completed adaptation.
• Formality: "адаптировать" is more formal and often used in written or technical contexts, while "приспосабливаться" is more conversational.
• Reflexive Nature: Both "приспосабливаться" and "приспособиться" are reflexive verbs, requiring the "-ся" ending, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "адаптировать" when referring to personal adaptation.
  Incorrect: Я адаптирую к новой школе.
  Correct: Я приспосабливаюсь к новой школе.
  Explanation: "адаптировать" is transitive and used for objects or systems, not personal experiences.
• Error: Forgetting the reflexive "-ся" in "приспосабливаться."
  Incorrect: Я приспосабливаю к изменениям.
  Correct: Я приспосабливаюсь к изменениям.
  Explanation: The reflexive form is mandatory for this verb.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of adaptation (especially "приспосабливаться") often carries a pragmatic connotation, reflecting a historical need to adjust to challenging or changing circumstances. It is frequently used in contexts of resilience and resourcefulness.

Related Concepts:

• освоение (mastery, assimilation)
• привыкание (getting used to)
• изменение (change, modification)