Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bequeath'

English Word: bequeath

Key Russian Translations:

• завещать [zɐˈvʲeʂːatʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Perfective]
• оставить в наследство [ɐˈstavʲɪtʲ v nɐˈslʲedstvə] - [Formal/Informal, Phrase]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in legal or formal contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "завещать"; B1 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "оставить в наследство"

Pronunciation (Russian):

завещать: [zɐˈvʲeʂːatʲ]

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

оставить в наследство: [ɐˈstavʲɪtʲ v nɐˈslʲedstvə]

Note on оставить в наследство: Stress is on the first syllable of "оставить" and the second syllable of "наследство".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To leave something to someone in a will (Legal Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• завещать - Used in formal or legal contexts, often related to wills and testaments.

Usage Examples:

• Она завещала свой дом дочери.

  She bequeathed her house to her daughter.

• Он завещал все свои сбережения на благотворительность.

  He bequeathed all his savings to charity.

• В завещании указано, кому он завещал свои книги.

  The will specifies to whom he bequeathed his books.

2. To pass something on (General or Figurative Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• оставить в наследство - More general, can be used for both tangible and intangible inheritance, less formal than "завещать".

Usage Examples:

• Он оставил в наследство своим детям семейные ценности.

  He bequeathed family values to his children.

• Его дед оставил ему в наследство старую ферму.

  His grandfather bequeathed an old farm to him.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

завещать (Perfective Verb): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for perfective verbs in Russian. It implies a completed action. Below is the conjugation in the past, present, and future tenses:

оставить в наследство: This is a phrase, not a single verb, so it does not conjugate as a unit. "Оставить" is a perfective verb and conjugates accordingly (e.g., оставил, оставила), while "в наследство" remains unchanged.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for завещать:

• передать по завещанию - More explicit about transmission via a will.
• отписать - Less common, often used in older texts.

Antonyms for завещать:

• лишить наследства - To disinherit.

Related Phrases:

• завещать имущество - To bequeath property (used in legal contexts).
• оставить в наследство традиции - To bequeath traditions (figurative usage).
• составить завещание - To draw up a will (related legal phrase).

Usage Notes:

• "Завещать" is the more precise and formal translation of "bequeath", almost always tied to legal contexts like wills. It is a perfective verb, indicating a one-time, completed action.
• "Оставить в наследство" is broader and can refer to both literal inheritance (e.g., property) and figurative bequests (e.g., values or traditions). It is slightly less formal and more versatile.
• English speakers should note that Russian often requires specifying the object being bequeathed, unlike English where it can sometimes be implied.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дарить" (to gift) instead of "завещать" when referring to a will. "Дарить" implies giving something during one's lifetime, not after death.

  Incorrect: Я дарю мой дом сыну после смерти.

  Correct: Я завещаю мой дом сыну.

  Explanation: "Дарить" cannot be used for posthumous transfers; use "завещать" for bequests via a will.

• Error: Omitting "в наследство" when using "оставить" in a context of inheritance, leading to ambiguity.

  Incorrect: Он оставил дом сыну.

  Correct: Он оставил дом сыну в наследство.

  Explanation: Without "в наследство", "оставить" could simply mean "left behind" without implying inheritance.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of bequeathing property or items through a will ("завещание") is often tied to formal legal processes, and disputes over inheritance can be sensitive family matters. Historically, inheritance laws in Russia have varied significantly, especially during Soviet times when private property was limited. Today, the term "завещать" carries a strong legal connotation.

Related Concepts:

• наследство - Inheritance
• завещание - Will/Testament
• наследник - Heir