Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Assignment'

English Word: Assignment

Key Russian Translations:

• задание [zɐˈdanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Common]
• поручение [pɐrʊˈt͡ɕenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Task-Oriented]
• назначение [nɐznɐˈt͡ɕenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often Related to Roles or Positions]

Frequency: High (especially "задание")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "задание"); B1-B2 (Intermediate for "поручение" and "назначение")

Pronunciation (Russian):

задание: [zɐˈdanʲɪjə]

Note on задание: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "д" is pronounced softly due to palatalization before "а".

поручение: [pɐrʊˈt͡ɕenʲɪjə]

Note on поручение: Stress on the third syllable. The "ч" sound is soft and distinct.

назначение: [nɐznɐˈt͡ɕenʲɪjə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Task or Work Given (General or Academic)

Translation(s) & Context:

• задание - Commonly used for school homework, work tasks, or general instructions.

Usage Examples:

• Учитель дал нам сложное задание по математике.

  The teacher gave us a difficult math assignment.

• Я должен выполнить это задание к завтрашнему дню.

  I must complete this assignment by tomorrow.

• Это задание требует много времени и усилий.

  This assignment requires a lot of time and effort.

2. Formal Task or Commission

Translation(s) & Context:

• поручение - Used in formal or professional contexts for delegated tasks or errands.

Usage Examples:

• Начальник дал мне важное поручение.

  The boss gave me an important assignment.

• Это поручение нужно выполнить срочно.

  This assignment needs to be done urgently.

3. Appointment or Designation

Translation(s) & Context:

• назначение - Refers to assigning a role, position, or purpose, often in formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его назначение на эту должность было неожиданным.

  His assignment to this position was unexpected.

• Назначение этого здания – культурный центр.

  The assignment of this building is to serve as a cultural center.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

задание (Neuter Noun): Regular declension in singular and plural across all cases.

поручение (Neuter Noun) and назначение (Neuter Noun) follow similar regular declension patterns as "задание".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "задание":

• задача (task, problem)
• работа (work, job - in certain contexts)

Note: "задача" often implies a problem to solve, while "задание" is more about a given task.

Antonyms for "задание":

• отдых (rest)
• свобода (freedom - in context of no tasks)

Related Phrases:

• выполнить задание - To complete an assignment.
• дать поручение - To give an assignment (formal).
• назначение на должность - Assignment to a position.

Usage Notes:

• "задание" is the most versatile and commonly used translation for "assignment", suitable for academic, work, or general tasks.
• Use "поручение" in formal or professional contexts when emphasizing a delegated responsibility.
• "назначение" should be used when referring to assigning roles, purposes, or positions, not for everyday tasks.

Common Errors:

1. Mixing "задание" and "назначение": English learners often use "назначение" for general tasks, which is incorrect. For example, saying "У меня есть назначение по математике" is wrong; it should be "У меня есть задание по математике" (I have a math assignment).

2. Overusing "поручение": Using "поручение" for casual or academic tasks sounds overly formal. Use "задание" instead for homework or simple instructions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "поручение" often carries a sense of trust or responsibility, as it implies a task delegated by someone in authority. This reflects the hierarchical nature of some professional or social interactions in Russian-speaking contexts.

Related Concepts:

• работа (work)
• обязанность (duty)
• проект (project)