assure
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Assure'
English Word: assure
Key Russian Translations:
- уверять [uˈvʲerʲatʲ] - [Formal, Informal, Verb]
- заверить [zəˈvʲerʲitʲ] - [Formal, Often Official Context]
- гарантировать [ɡərənˈtʲirəvətʲ] - [Formal, Strong Assurance]
Frequency: Medium
Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate) for "уверять" and "заверить"; B2-C1 (Intermediate-Advanced) for "гарантировать"
Pronunciation (Russian):
уверять: [uˈvʲerʲatʲ]
Note on уверять: Stress on the second syllable; the "в" is pronounced softly due to palatalization.
заверить: [zəˈvʲerʲitʲ]
Note on заверить: Stress on the second syllable; often used in written or official contexts.
гарантировать: [ɡərənˈtʲirəvətʲ]
Note on гарантировать: Stress on the third syllable; a longer word with a formal tone.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
1. To give confidence or promise (emotional or verbal assurance)
Translation(s) & Context:
- уверять - Commonly used for personal or informal assurances (e.g., reassuring a friend).
Usage Examples:
-
Я уверяю тебя, всё будет хорошо.
I assure you, everything will be fine.
-
Он уверял нас, что придёт вовремя.
He assured us that he would arrive on time.
-
Не беспокойся, я тебя уверяю!
Don't worry, I assure you!
2. To certify or confirm officially (formal assurance)
Translation(s) & Context:
- заверить - Used in formal or legal contexts (e.g., certifying a document or statement).
Usage Examples:
-
Нотариус заверил подпись на документе.
The notary assured (certified) the signature on the document.
-
Я могу заверить вас, что это подлинный сертификат.
I can assure you that this is a genuine certificate.
3. To guarantee or ensure (strong commitment)
Translation(s) & Context:
- гарантировать - Used to imply a strong promise or warranty, often in business or formal settings.
Usage Examples:
-
Компания гарантирует возврат денег в течение 30 дней.
The company assures (guarantees) a refund within 30 days.
-
Мы гарантируем качество нашей продукции.
We assure (guarantee) the quality of our products.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
уверять (imperfective verb): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses.
Person | Present | Past (Masc./Fem./Neut.) |
---|---|---|
1st Sing. | уверяю | уверял / уверяла / уверяло |
2nd Sing. | уверяешь | уверял / уверяла / уверяло |
3rd Sing. | уверяет | уверял / уверяла / уверяло |
заверить (perfective verb): Used for completed actions; often paired with "уверять" for ongoing assurance.
гарантировать (imperfective verb): Regular conjugation, similar structure to "уверять."
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
Synonyms for "уверять":
- утверждать (to assert)
- подтверждать (to confirm)
Note: "утверждать" is more about stating a fact, while "подтверждать" implies providing evidence.
Antonyms for "уверять":
- сомневаться (to doubt)
- отрицать (to deny)
Related Phrases:
- уверять в искренности - to assure of sincerity (used to emphasize honesty in intentions).
- заверить документ - to certify a document (formal or legal context).
- гарантировать успех - to guarantee success (used in motivational or business contexts).
Usage Notes:
- "уверять" is the most versatile and commonly used translation for "assure" in everyday speech. Use it when reassuring someone emotionally or casually.
- "заверить" is more formal and often implies an official or legal confirmation. It is frequently used with documents or statements.
- "гарантировать" carries a stronger sense of commitment and is often used in contexts where a promise or warranty is explicitly made.
- Be mindful of the aspect (perfective/imperfective) when using these verbs, as it affects the meaning of completion or ongoing action.
Common Errors:
- Error: Using "гарантировать" in personal, emotional contexts (e.g., "Я гарантирую, что люблю тебя" sounds unnatural and overly formal).
- Correction: Use "уверяю" instead (e.g., "Я уверяю тебя, что люблю тебя" - I assure you that I love you).
- Error: Confusing "заверить" with "уверять" in informal contexts (e.g., "Я заверил друга, что всё хорошо" sounds stiff).
- Correction: Use "уверял" for informal reassurance (e.g., "Я уверял друга, что всё хорошо").
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, verbal assurances (using "уверять") are often seen as a way to build trust in personal relationships. However, overusing strong promises like "гарантировать" without follow-through can be perceived as insincere or overly confident, especially in professional settings.
Related Concepts:
- доверие (trust)
- обещание (promise)
- подтверждение (confirmation)