Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Adopt'

English Word: Adopt

Key Russian Translations:

• принимать [prʲɪˈnʲimatʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• усыновлять [usɨˈnovlʲatʲ] - [Formal, Specifically for adopting a child]
• перенимать [pʲɪrʲɪˈnʲimatʲ] - [Neutral, Often for adopting ideas or habits]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "усыновлять" less frequent than "принимать")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "принимать" and "перенимать"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "усыновлять"

Pronunciation (Russian):

принимать: [prʲɪˈnʲimatʲ]

Note on принимать: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'я' is pronounced as a soft 'ya' sound.

усыновлять: [usɨˈnovlʲatʲ]

Note on усыновлять: Stress on the third syllable; 'ы' is a distinct Russian vowel sound, not like English 'i'.

перенимать: [pʲɪrʲɪˈnʲimatʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To take up or accept (e.g., a policy, idea, or method)

Translation(s) & Context:

• принимать - Used in formal or neutral contexts for accepting rules, decisions, or ideas.
• перенимать - Often implies adopting habits, traditions, or practices from others.

Usage Examples:

• Мы приняли новое правило в компании.

  We adopted a new rule in the company.

• Он перенял манеру речи своего учителя.

  He adopted his teacher's manner of speaking.

• Страна приняла новую конституцию.

  The country adopted a new constitution.

2. To take a child into one's family legally

Translation(s) & Context:

• усыновлять - Specifically used for the legal act of adoption of a child.

Usage Examples:

• Они решили усыновить ребёнка из детского дома.

  They decided to adopt a child from an orphanage.

• Усыновление требует много времени и документов.

  Adoption requires a lot of time and paperwork.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

принимать (verb, imperfective): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses.

усыновлять (verb, imperfective): Similar regular conjugation, but less common in everyday speech.

перенимать (verb, imperfective): Follows similar conjugation patterns to "принимать".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "принимать":

• одобрять (to approve)
• соглашаться (to agree)

Note: "одобрять" is more about approval, while "соглашаться" implies agreement.

Antonyms for "принимать":

• отвергать (to reject)
• отказываться (to refuse)

Related Phrases:

• принимать решение - to make a decision (lit. to adopt a decision)
• перенимать опыт - to adopt experience (from someone else)
• усыновить ребёнка - to adopt a child

Usage Notes:

• "принимать" is the most versatile translation for "adopt" and can be used in formal contexts for accepting ideas, laws, or decisions.
• "усыновлять" is strictly limited to the context of adopting a child and should not be used metaphorically.
• "перенимать" often carries a nuance of imitation or borrowing, especially with habits or cultural practices.
• Be mindful of aspect: "принять" is the perfective form of "принимать" and implies a completed action.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "усыновлять" for adopting ideas or policies.
  Incorrect: Мы усыновили новый закон. (We adopted a new law.)
  Correct: Мы приняли новый закон.
  Explanation: "усыновлять" is exclusively for adopting children; use "принимать" for laws or ideas.
• Error: Ignoring verb aspect and using "принимать" instead of "принять" for completed actions.
  Incorrect: Вчера мы принимаем решение.
  Correct: Вчера мы приняли решение.
  Explanation: Use the perfective "принять" for past completed actions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "усыновление" (adoption) often carries a significant emotional and legal weight, as family ties are deeply valued. Discussions about adoption may be approached with sensitivity, and the process is often seen as a profound commitment.

Related Concepts:

• удочерение (adoption of a daughter)
• опекунство (guardianship)
• воспитание (upbringing)