Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bind'

English Word: Bind

Key Russian Translations:

• связывать [svʲɪˈzɨvətʲ] - [Informal, General Use]
• переплетать [pʲɪrʲɪˈplʲetətʲ] - [Formal, Often for Books or Documents]
• обязывать [ɐbʲɪˈzɨvətʲ] - [Formal, Legal or Moral Obligation]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specific contexts like legal or literary use)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies by translation - "связывать" is B1, "обязывать" is B2)

Pronunciation (Russian):

связывать: [svʲɪˈzɨvətʲ]

Note on связывать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "я" is pronounced as a soft "ya."

переплетать: [pʲɪrʲɪˈplʲetətʲ]

Note on переплетать: Stress on the third syllable. The prefix "пере-" often implies a repetitive or thorough action.

обязывать: [ɐbʲɪˈzɨvətʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Tie or Fasten Physically

Translation(s) & Context:

• связывать - Used for tying ropes, binding objects together, or connecting physically.

Usage Examples:

• Он связал верёвку вокруг дерева.

  He tied the rope around the tree.

• Нужно связать эти коробки вместе.

  We need to bind these boxes together.

• Её руки были связаны за спиной.

  Her hands were bound behind her back.

2. To Bind (Books or Documents)

Translation(s) & Context:

• переплетать - Refers specifically to binding books or papers, often in a professional context.

Usage Examples:

• Мастер переплёл старую книгу в кожу.

  The craftsman bound the old book in leather.

• Мы переплетаем документы для архива.

  We bind documents for the archive.

3. To Oblige or Commit (Legally or Morally)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обязывать - Used in formal contexts to imply a binding obligation or duty.

Usage Examples:

• Этот контракт обязывает нас выполнить работу к сроку.

  This contract binds us to complete the work by the deadline.

• Закон обязывает граждан платить налоги.

  The law binds citizens to pay taxes.

• Чувство долга обязывает меня помочь.

  A sense of duty binds me to help.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

связывать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses. Often paired with perfective "связать."

Person	Present Tense
Я (I)	связываю [svʲɪˈzɨvəju]
Ты (You, sing.)	связываешь [svʲɪˈzɨvəɪʃ]
Он/Она (He/She)	связывает [svʲɪˈzɨvəɪt]

переплетать (Verb, Imperfective): Similar regular conjugation, often paired with perfective "переплести."

обязывать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular conjugation, often paired with perfective "обязать."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for связывать:

• соединять (to connect)
• скреплять (to fasten)

Note: "соединять" often implies a broader connection, not just physical binding.

Antonyms for связывать:

• развязывать (to untie)
• освобождать (to free)

Related Phrases:

• связать по рукам и ногам - Literally "to bind hands and feet," meaning to completely restrict someone.
• обязывать к действию - "To bind to action," meaning to compel someone to act.
• переплести судьбы - "To bind fates," often used metaphorically for intertwined lives.

Usage Notes:

• "Связывать" is the most versatile and commonly used term for physical binding but can also be metaphorical (e.g., binding ideas or relationships).
• "Переплетать" is highly specific to binding books or papers and is rarely used outside this context.
• "Обязывать" is formal and typically used in legal, moral, or official contexts. It does not imply physical binding.
• Pay attention to the aspect (imperfective vs. perfective) when using these verbs, as it affects the meaning (e.g., "связывать" for ongoing action, "связать" for completed action).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "обязывать" for physical binding. Incorrect: "Я обязываю верёвку." (I bind the rope.)

  Correction: Use "связывать" instead: "Я связываю верёвку."

  Explanation: "Обязывать" refers to obligation, not physical tying.

• Error: Ignoring verb aspect and using imperfective "связывать" for a completed action.

  Correction: Use "связать" for a one-time, completed action: "Я связал коробки."

  Explanation: Russian verbs often come in pairs (imperfective/perfective) to indicate ongoing vs. completed actions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of being "bound" by duty or obligation ("обязывать") carries significant weight, especially in legal or family contexts. Promises and contracts are often seen as morally binding, reflecting a cultural emphasis on honor and responsibility.

Related Concepts:

• обязательство (obligation)
• связь (connection)
• узы (bonds, ties)