Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Align'

English Word: Align

Key Russian Translations:

• выравнивать [vɨrɐvˈnʲivətʲ] - [Formal, Often used in technical or design contexts]
• совмещать [sɐvmʲɪˈʂatʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Used for aligning objects or ideas]
• согласовывать [sɐɡlɐˈsovɨvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used for aligning opinions or plans]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like design, technology, or coordination)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate, varies by translation and context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выравнивать: [vɨrɐvˈnʲivətʲ]

Note on выравнивать: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'в' is pronounced softly before 'ы'.

совмещать: [sɐvmʲɪˈʂatʲ]

Note on совмещать: The 'щ' sound is a soft hissing sound, distinct from 'ш'.

согласовывать: [sɐɡlɐˈsovɨvətʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To arrange in a straight line or correct position (Physical alignment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выравнивать - Used for aligning text, objects, or structures (e.g., in design or construction).
• совмещать - Often used for aligning physical objects or combining elements spatially.

Usage Examples:

• Я выравниваю текст по центру страницы.

  I align the text to the center of the page.

• Нужно выравнивать полки перед установкой.

  You need to align the shelves before installation.

• Он совмещает две детали, чтобы они идеально подходили.

  He aligns the two parts so they fit perfectly.

2. To bring into agreement or cooperation (Abstract alignment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• согласовывать - Used for aligning opinions, plans, or strategies.
• совмещать - Occasionally used for aligning roles or responsibilities.

Usage Examples:

• Мы должны согласовывать наши действия с руководством.

  We must align our actions with the management.

• Она совмещает работу и учёбу без проблем.

  She aligns work and study without issues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

выравнивать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular verb conjugation in Russian. Below is the present tense conjugation:

совмещать (Verb, Imperfective): Follows similar regular conjugation patterns.

согласовывать (Verb, Imperfective): Also regular, often used with instrumental case for objects of alignment.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for выравнивать:

• уравнивать
• подравнивать

Note: 'уравнивать' may imply leveling or equalizing, while 'подравнивать' often means minor adjustments.

Antonyms for выравнивать:

• искривлять
• смещать

Related Phrases:

• выравнивать по краю - Align to the edge (used in design or formatting).
• согласовывать позицию - Align a position (used in discussions or negotiations).
• совмещать интересы - Align interests (used in personal or professional contexts).

Usage Notes:

• The choice between 'выравнивать', 'совмещать', and 'согласовывать' depends heavily on context. Use 'выравнивать' for physical alignment, 'совмещать' for combining or aligning objects/roles, and 'согласовывать' for abstract alignment like opinions or plans.
• These verbs are often used with specific prepositions or cases (e.g., 'согласовывать с кем-то' - align with someone, using instrumental case).
• In technical contexts (e.g., software or design), 'выравнивать' is the most common translation for 'align'.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'выравнивать' for aligning opinions or plans. Incorrect: "Я выравниваю своё мнение с твоим." Correct: "Я согласовываю своё мнение с твоим." Explanation: 'выравнивать' is for physical alignment, not abstract concepts.
• Error: Misusing prepositions with 'согласовывать'. Incorrect: "Согласовывать на руководство." Correct: "Согласовывать с руководством." Explanation: Use instrumental case with 'с' for the entity you're aligning with.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of 'aligning' in a metaphorical sense (e.g., aligning goals or opinions) often carries a connotation of compromise or negotiation, especially with 'согласовывать'. This reflects a cultural emphasis on consensus in professional or social settings.

Related Concepts:

• уравнивание (equalization)
• координация (coordination)
• гармония (harmony)