Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Aim'

English Word: aim

Key Russian Translations:

• цель [ˈt͡sɛlʲ] - [Formal, Singular, General use for goal or objective]
• намерение [nɐˈmʲerʲɪnʲɪjə] - [Formal/Neutral, Used for intention or purpose]
• прицеливаться [prʲɪt͡sɨˈlʲivətʲsə] - [Informal, Verb, Used in context of aiming at a target]

Frequency: High (especially "цель")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate for "цель"; B2 for "намерение" and "прицеливаться")

Pronunciation (Russian):

цель: [ˈt͡sɛlʲ]

Note on цель: Stress is on the first syllable. The "ц" sound is like "ts" in "cats."

намерение: [nɐˈmʲerʲɪnʲɪjə]

Note on намерение: Stress on the second syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly.

прицеливаться: [prʲɪt͡sɨˈlʲivətʲsə]

Note on прицеливаться: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Goal or Objective (Noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• цель - Commonly used for a specific goal or target in personal or professional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Моя цель — выучить русский язык за год.

  My aim is to learn Russian in a year.

• Цель этой программы — помочь студентам.

  The aim of this program is to help students.

• У нас общая цель.

  We have a common aim.

2. Intention or Purpose (Noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• намерение - Used to express a planned purpose or intention, often more abstract.

Usage Examples:

• У меня нет намерения тебя обидеть.

  I have no aim to offend you.

• Его намерение было помочь другу.

  His aim was to help a friend.

3. To Direct or Target (Verb)

Translation(s) & Context:

• прицеливаться - Used in literal contexts like aiming a weapon or metaphorically targeting something.

Usage Examples:

• Он прицелился в мишень.

  He aimed at the target.

• Мы прицеливаемся на высокий результат.

  We are aiming for a high result.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

цель (Noun, Feminine):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	цель	цели
Genitive	цели	целей
Dative	цели	целям
Accusative	цель	цели
Instrumental	целью	целями
Prepositional	о цели	о целях

намерение (Noun, Neuter): Follows similar declension patterns for neuter nouns.

прицеливаться (Verb, Imperfective): Conjugates as a reflexive verb with -ся. Example: прицеливаюсь, прицеливаешься, etc.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for цель:

• задача
• мишень

Note: "задача" often implies a task or problem to solve, while "мишень" is more literal (target).

Antonyms for цель:

• бесцельность

Related Phrases:

• достигать цели - To achieve an aim.
• ставить цель - To set an aim.
• с намерением - With the aim/intention of.

Usage Notes:

• "цель" is the most common and versatile translation for "aim" as a noun and can be used in most contexts.
• "намерение" is more formal and often used in written or serious contexts to express purpose or intent.
• "прицеливаться" as a verb is context-specific and often relates to physical aiming or targeting something.

Common Errors:

1. Confusing "цель" with "задача": While both can mean "aim," "задача" often refers to a specific task or problem, not a broader goal. Incorrect: *Моя задача — путешествовать по миру.* Correct: Моя цель — путешествовать по миру. (My aim is to travel the world.)

2. Misusing "прицеливаться" in non-target contexts: It should not be used for abstract goals unless metaphorically. Incorrect: *Я прицеливаюсь выучить русский.* Correct: Я ставлю цель выучить русский. (I aim to learn Russian.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, setting and discussing personal "цели" (aims) is common in professional and educational contexts, often tied to long-term planning and achievement. The concept of "цель" carries a sense of determination and focus, reflecting cultural values of perseverance.

Related Concepts:

• мечта (dream)
• план (plan)
• достижение (achievement)