Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Attend'

English Word: Attend

Key Russian Translations:

• посещать [pɐˈɕːeʂːatʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Commonly used for events or places]
• присутствовать [prʲɪˈsutstvɐvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used in official contexts]
• ходить [xɐˈdʲitʲ] - [Informal, Used for regular attendance like school or classes]

Frequency: High (All translations are commonly used in different contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, varies by context and verb conjugation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

посещать: [pɐˈɕːeʂːatʲ]

Note on посещать: Stress is on the second syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, hissing sound unique to Russian.

присутствовать: [prʲɪˈsutstvɐvətʲ]

Note on присутствовать: Stress on the second syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly.

ходить: [xɐˈdʲitʲ]

Note on ходить: Stress on the first syllable. The "х" is a guttural sound, like a soft "h".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To be present at an event or place (e.g., meeting, concert)

Translation(s) & Context:

• посещать - Used for attending events, places, or institutions (e.g., lectures, museums).
• присутствовать - More formal, used for official or significant events (e.g., ceremonies, meetings).

Usage Examples:

• Я регулярно посещаю лекции по истории.

  I regularly attend history lectures.

• Она посещает театр почти каждый месяц.

  She attends the theater almost every month.

• Все сотрудники должны присутствовать на собрании.

  All employees must attend the meeting.

2. To go regularly to a place (e.g., school, church)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ходить - Informal, used for habitual attendance at places like school or classes.

Usage Examples:

• Он ходит в школу каждый день.

  He attends school every day.

• Мы ходим на курсы английского языка.

  We attend English language courses.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

посещать (Imperfective Verb): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses. Often paired with perfective "посетить" for completed actions.

присутствовать (Imperfective Verb): Similar regular conjugation, often used in formal contexts.

ходить (Imperfective Verb): Irregular verb of motion, often used with prepositions like "в" (to) or "на" (to).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "посещать":

• навещать (to visit, often people)
• бывать (to be present, less formal)

Note: "навещать" implies visiting someone, while "бывать" is more general.

Antonyms for "посещать":

• игнорировать (to ignore)
• пропускать (to skip, miss)

Related Phrases:

• посещать занятия - to attend classes (common in educational contexts)
• присутствовать на церемонии - to attend a ceremony (formal usage)
• ходить в церковь - to attend church (regular or habitual action)

Usage Notes:

• "Посещать" is the most versatile translation for "attend" and works in both formal and informal contexts, especially for events or places.
• "Присутствовать" is strictly formal and often implies a passive or obligatory presence at an event.
• "Ходить" is used for habitual or repeated attendance, often paired with a preposition like "в" or "на".
• Pay attention to verb aspects: "посещать" (imperfective) is for ongoing or habitual actions, while "посетить" (perfective) is for one-time completed actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "присутствовать" in casual contexts. Incorrect: Я присутствую на вечеринке. Correct: Я посещаю вечеринку. (Explanation: "Присутствовать" sounds overly formal for a party.)
• Error: Forgetting prepositions with "ходить". Incorrect: Я хожу школа. Correct: Я хожу в школу. (Explanation: "Ходить" requires "в" for destinations like school.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, attending formal events (e.g., using "присутствовать") often implies a sense of duty or respect, especially in professional or ceremonial contexts. Habitual attendance (e.g., "ходить в школу") reflects routine and is a common way to describe daily life activities.

Related Concepts:

• участвовать (to participate)
• приезжать (to arrive, come)
• отсутствовать (to be absent)