Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Attempt'

English Word: attempt

Key Russian Translations:

• попытка [pɐˈpɨtkə] - [Formal/Informal, Singular]
• старание [stɐˈranʲɪjə] - [Formal, Singular, Often implies effort]

Frequency: High (especially "попытка")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "попытка"; B1 (Intermediate) for "старание"

Pronunciation (Russian):

попытка: [pɐˈpɨtkə]

Note on попытка: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'ы' sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, unrounded central vowel.

старание: [stɐˈranʲɪjə]

Note on старание: Stress on the second syllable. The 'н' is palatalized due to the following 'и', creating a softer sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. An effort to achieve something

Translation(s) & Context:

• попытка - Commonly used for a single try or effort, often in neutral or formal contexts.
• старание - Emphasizes the effort or diligence behind the attempt, often with a positive connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Это была моя первая попытка приготовить борщ.

  This was my first attempt to cook borscht.

• Его попытка объясниться не увенчалась успехом.

  His attempt to explain himself was unsuccessful.

• Я ценю твои старания, но нужно больше практики.

  I appreciate your efforts, but you need more practice.

• Старания команды привели к победе.

  The team’s efforts led to victory.

• После нескольких попыток он наконец открыл дверь.

  After several attempts, he finally opened the door.

2. An act of trying something risky or dangerous

Translation(s) & Context:

• попытка - Used for risky endeavors, often in formal or dramatic contexts (e.g., "attempt on someone’s life").

Usage Examples:

• Была совершена попытка ограбления банка.

  An attempt was made to rob the bank.

• Попытка пересечь границу ночью провалилась.

  The attempt to cross the border at night failed.

• Это была попытка покушения на его жизнь.

  It was an attempt on his life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

попытка (noun, feminine): Regular declension following the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

старание (noun, neuter): Regular declension for neuter nouns ending in -е.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for попытка:

• проба
• усилие

Note: "проба" is more informal and often used for testing or sampling, while "усилие" emphasizes physical or mental effort.

Antonyms for попытка:

• отказ
• бездействие

Related Phrases:

• сделать попытку - "to make an attempt"
• последняя попытка - "last attempt"
• с большим старанием - "with great effort"

Usage Notes:

• "попытка" is the most common and versatile translation for "attempt," suitable for most contexts, including formal and informal speech.
• "старание" focuses on the effort or diligence involved and is often used when the process, rather than the result, is emphasized. It is less common in negative or risky contexts.
• Both nouns are often paired with verbs like "сделать" (to make) or "предпринять" (to undertake) to form complete expressions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "старание" in contexts implying a failed or risky attempt (e.g., "attempt on life").
  Incorrect: Старание покушения на жизнь.
  Correct: Попытка покушения на жизнь.
  Explanation: "старание" carries a positive connotation of effort, not suitable for negative or criminal contexts.
• Error: Forgetting to decline nouns based on case.
  Incorrect: Я сделал попытка.
  Correct: Я сделал попытку.
  Explanation: "попытка" must be in the accusative case ("попытку") after the verb "сделать."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "попытка" (attempt) often carries a sense of persistence or resilience, reflecting a cultural value of not giving up easily. Phrases like "попытка не пытка" (literally "an attempt is not torture") are common proverbs, meaning that trying something is worth the risk.

Related Concepts:

• усилие
• проба
• риск