Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'beware'

English Word: beware

Key Russian Translations:

• остерегаться [ɐstʲɪrʲɪˈɡatʲsə] - [Formal, Verb]
• беречься [bʲɪˈrʲetʲsə] - [Informal, Verb]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

остерегаться: [ɐstʲɪrʲɪˈɡatʲsə]

Note on остерегаться: Stress falls on the fourth syllable, and the 'г' is pronounced as a soft 'g'.

беречься: [bʲɪˈrʲetʲsə]

Note on беречься: Stress on the second syllable; the 'ч' sounds like 'ch' in 'church'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To be cautious or careful (general warning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• остерегаться - Used in formal or written contexts, often with a specific object of caution.
• беречься - More colloquial, often used in spoken language for general warnings.

Usage Examples:

• Остерегайтесь мошенников в интернете.

  Beware of scammers on the internet.

• Берегись, дорога скользкая!

  Beware, the road is slippery!

• Нужно остерегаться незнакомцев в этом районе.

  You should beware of strangers in this area.

• Берегитесь простуды в холодную погоду.

  Beware of catching a cold in cold weather.

• Остерегайтесь подделок при покупке дорогих вещей.

  Beware of fakes when buying expensive items.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

остерегаться (Verb, Imperfective, Reflexive):

беречься (Verb, Imperfective, Reflexive): Similar conjugation pattern to остерегаться.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• опасаться (to be wary of)
• избегать (to avoid)

Note: "опасаться" often implies a stronger sense of fear, while "избегать" focuses on avoidance.

Antonyms:

• доверять (to trust)
• рисковать (to take risks)

Related Phrases:

• Остерегаться опасности - To beware of danger.
• Беречься от неприятностей - To beware of troubles.
• Остерегайся собаки! - Beware of the dog!

Usage Notes:

• "остерегаться" is more formal and often used in written warnings or serious contexts, while "беречься" is more conversational and common in everyday speech.
• Both verbs are reflexive and require the use of the reflexive suffix "-ся".
• When translating "beware" as a standalone warning (e.g., on signs), "берегись!" is often used as a short imperative form.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting the reflexive "-ся" in "остерегаться" or "беречься", e.g., saying "остерегаю" instead of "остерегаюсь".
  Correction: Always include the reflexive particle as it indicates the action is directed toward oneself.
• Error: Using "остерегаться" in casual speech, which sounds overly formal.
  Correction: Use "беречься" in informal contexts, e.g., "Берегись!" instead of "Остерегайся!" when warning a friend.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, warnings like "берегись!" are often used in a direct and urgent tone, reflecting a straightforward communication style. Signs with "Остерегайтесь!" (plural form) are common in public spaces to address a general audience, such as "Beware of pickpockets".

Related Concepts:

• опасность (danger)
• предостережение (warning)
• осторожность (caution)