Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Assimilate'

English Word: Assimilate

Key Russian Translations:

• усваивать [ʊsˈvaɪvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used for learning or absorbing information]
• ассимилировать [ɐsʲɪmʲɪˈlʲirəvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used in cultural or biological contexts]
• приспосабливаться [prʲɪspɐˈsablʲɪvətʲsə] - [Neutral, Often used for adapting to environments]

Frequency: Medium (especially in academic or cultural discussions)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "усваивать" and "приспосабливаться"; C1 (Advanced) for "ассимилировать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

усваивать: [ʊsˈvaɪvətʲ]

Note on усваивать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "у" is pronounced as a short "oo" sound.

ассимилировать: [ɐsʲɪmʲɪˈlʲirəvətʲ]

Note on ассимилировать: Stress on the fourth syllable. Soften the "л" sound before "и".

приспосабливаться: [prʲɪspɐˈsablʲɪvətʲsə]

Note on приспосабливаться: Stress on the third syllable. The reflexive ending "-ся" is common in Russian verbs indicating personal adaptation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To absorb or learn (information, ideas, etc.)

Translation(s) & Context:

• усваивать - Used when referring to absorbing knowledge, skills, or information.

Usage Examples:

• Студенты быстро усваивают новый материал.

  Students quickly assimilate the new material.

• Он не может усвоить правила грамматики.

  He cannot assimilate grammar rules.

• Дети легко усваивают иностранные языки.

  Children easily assimilate foreign languages.

2. To integrate or adapt (culturally or socially)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ассимилировать - Used in formal contexts for cultural or social integration.
• приспосабливаться - Used for adapting to new environments or conditions, often with a personal nuance.

Usage Examples:

• Иммигранты постепенно ассимилируются в новой культуре.

  Immigrants gradually assimilate into the new culture.

• Он быстро приспособился к жизни в другой стране.

  He quickly assimilated to life in another country.

• Некоторые группы отказываются ассимилироваться.

  Some groups refuse to assimilate.

• Ей пришлось приспосабливаться к новым правилам.

  She had to assimilate to the new rules.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

усваивать (Imperfective Verb): Regular verb of the first conjugation. Below is the present tense conjugation:

Person	Form
Я (I)	усваиваю
Ты (You, singular)	усваиваешь
Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It)	усваивает
Мы (We)	усваиваем
Вы (You, plural)	усваиваете
Они (They)	усваивают

ассимилировать (Imperfective Verb): Follows similar first conjugation patterns.

приспосабливаться (Imperfective Reflexive Verb): Reflexive verb with "-ся", conjugated similarly but always includes the reflexive particle.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "усваивать":

• осваивать
• постигать

Note: "осваивать" often implies mastering something new, while "постигать" has a deeper, more intellectual connotation.

Synonyms for "ассимилировать":

• интегрировать

Antonyms:

• отвергать (to reject, opposite of "усваивать")
• изолировать (to isolate, opposite of "ассимилировать")

Related Phrases:

• усваивать знания - "to assimilate knowledge" (common in educational contexts)
• ассимилироваться в обществе - "to assimilate into society" (used for cultural integration)
• приспосабливаться к условиям - "to assimilate to conditions" (used for adaptation to circumstances)

Usage Notes:

• "усваивать" is the most common translation when referring to learning or absorbing information, and it is generally used in academic or intellectual contexts.
• "ассимилировать" is more formal and often used in sociological, cultural, or biological contexts. It is less common in everyday speech.
• "приспосабливаться" emphasizes personal adaptation and is often used when talking about adjusting to new environments or situations.
• Be mindful of the aspect (imperfective vs. perfective). For instance, "усвоить" is the perfective form of "усваивать" and implies completion of the action.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ассимилировать" when talking about learning information.
  Incorrect: Я ассимилирую уроки.
  Correct: Я усваиваю уроки.
  Explanation: "ассимилировать" is not used for personal learning; it applies to broader cultural or biological processes.
• Error: Omitting the reflexive "-ся" in "приспосабливаться".
  Incorrect: Я приспосабливаю к новой школе.
  Correct: Я приспосабливаюсь к новой школе.
  Explanation: This verb is reflexive and always requires "-ся".

Cultural Notes:

The concept of "ассимилировать" carries significant weight in Russian discussions of immigration and cultural identity, often tied to historical contexts of Soviet policies on nationalities. Using this term may evoke nuanced reactions depending on the audience or context.

Related Concepts:

• интеграция (integration)
• адаптация (adaptation)
• обучение (learning)