Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Against'

English Word: against

Key Russian Translations:

• против [ˈprotʲɪf] - [Formal/Informal, Commonly Used]
• на [na] - [Informal, Used in Specific Contexts like Sports or Directions]

Frequency: High (Both translations are frequently used)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for 'против'); B1 (Intermediate for 'на' due to contextual usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

против: [ˈprotʲɪf]

Note on против: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly, and the final 'f' is soft.

на: [na]

Note on на: A short, unstressed vowel sound. Simple but context-dependent pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Opposition or Resistance (e.g., "against an idea")

Translation(s) & Context:

• против - Used to express opposition to ideas, opinions, or actions.

Usage Examples:

• Я против этого решения.

  I am against this decision.

• Он выступил против новой политики.

  He spoke out against the new policy.

• Мы боремся против несправедливости.

  We are fighting against injustice.

2. Physical Contact or Direction (e.g., "leaning against the wall")

Translation(s) & Context:

• на - Used for physical direction or contact in specific contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он опёрся на стену.

  He leaned against the wall.

• Играть на команду соперника.

  To play against the opposing team.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

против: This is a preposition and does not inflect. It is always used in its base form and typically governs the genitive case (e.g., против кого? - against whom?).

на: This is also a preposition with no inflection. It can govern both the accusative case (direction/motion) and prepositional case (location), depending on context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for против:

• вопреки (in spite of, more formal)
• наперекор (defiantly against, literary)

Note: 'вопреки' often implies overcoming opposition, while 'наперекор' has a defiant tone.

Antonyms for против:

• за (for, in favor of)

Related Phrases:

• против воли - against one's will (used to indicate unwillingness)
• против течения - against the current (literal or metaphorical struggle)
• на ветру - against the wind (often used metaphorically or literally)

Usage Notes:

• 'против' is the most common and versatile translation for 'against,' suitable for both abstract (opposition) and concrete (physical) contexts.
• 'на' is context-specific and often used in sports, directions, or physical contact. Choosing 'на' over 'против' depends on the sentence structure and meaning.
• Be mindful of case usage: 'против' always requires the genitive case, while 'на' can take accusative or prepositional depending on the meaning.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'против' with the wrong case, e.g., *против его (wrong)* instead of 'против него' (correct, genitive case).
• Error: Confusing 'на' and 'против' in sports contexts, e.g., saying *против команды* instead of 'на команду' when referring to playing against a team.

Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian case requirements after prepositions. Always double-check the governed case for 'против' (genitive) and 'на' (accusative/prepositional).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, expressing opposition with 'против' can sometimes carry a stronger emotional weight than in English, especially in debates or political contexts. It may imply a personal stance or moral objection, so tone and context are important when using it.

Related Concepts:

• сопротивление (resistance)
• возражение (objection)
• противоречие (contradiction)