Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Begin'

English Word: begin

Key Russian Translations:

• начать [nɐˈt͡ɕatʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Perfective]
• начинать [nɐˈt͡ɕinətʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Imperfective]
• приступить [prʲɪsʲˈtupʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Perfective]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "начать" and "начинать"; B1 (Intermediate) for "приступить"

Pronunciation (Russian):

начать: [nɐˈt͡ɕatʲ]

Note on начать: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "ч" sounds like "ch" in "church."

начинать: [nɐˈt͡ɕinətʲ]

Note on начинать: Stress on the second syllable; softer "н" sound at the start.

приступить: [prʲɪsʲˈtupʲɪtʲ]

Note on приступить: Stress on the third syllable; "р" is rolled slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To start an action or process

Translation(s) & Context:

• начать - Used for a specific, one-time start of an action (Perfective).
• начинать - Used for repeated or ongoing starting actions (Imperfective).

Usage Examples:

• Я хочу начать изучать русский язык.

  I want to begin studying Russian.

• Мы начинаем работу каждый день в 9 утра.

  We begin work every day at 9 a.m.

• Давай начнем с простого упражнения.

  Let's begin with an easy exercise.

2. To proceed or take on a task (formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• приступить - Often used in formal or professional contexts to indicate starting a task or duty.

Usage Examples:

• Мы приступили к выполнению проекта.

  We began working on the project.

• Он приступил к своим обязанностям вчера.

  He began his duties yesterday.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

начать (Perfective Verb): Conjugates irregularly in past tense; does not have present tense forms.

начинать (Imperfective Verb): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses.

приступить (Perfective Verb): Similar to "начать," used in past and future; no present forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• затеять (to initiate, often with planning)
• взяться (to take up or start something)

Antonyms:

• закончить (to finish)
• завершить (to complete)

Related Phrases:

• начать с нуля - "to start from scratch"
• начать сначала - "to start over"
• приступить к делу - "to get down to business"

Usage Notes:

• "начать" (perfective) is used when referring to a specific instance of starting something, while "начинать" (imperfective) implies a habitual or ongoing action.
• "приступить" is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts, such as starting a job or project.
• Be mindful of aspect (perfective vs. imperfective) when choosing the correct verb, as this is a key feature of Russian grammar.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "начать" in a present tense context. Incorrect: Я начать сейчас. Correct: Use "начинать" for present tense: Я начинаю сейчас. (I am beginning now.)
• Error: Confusing "начать" and "приступить" in casual speech. "приступить" sounds overly formal in everyday conversation. Incorrect: Я приступил к еде. Correct: Я начал есть. (I began to eat.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, starting something new (e.g., a project or relationship) is often accompanied by rituals or expressions of good luck, such as saying "С Богом!" (With God!) before beginning a significant task. This reflects a cultural emphasis on auspicious beginnings.

Related Concepts:

• старт (start, often in sports or technical contexts)
• дебют (debut, first appearance)
• открытие (opening, as in an event)