Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Calculate'

English Word: calculate

Key Russian Translations:

• вычислять [vɨˈtɕislʲatʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• рассчитывать [rɐsˈɕitɨvɐtʲ] - [Formal, Often for Planning or Estimation]
• подсчитывать [pɐtˈɕitɨvɐtʲ] - [Informal, Often for Counting or Tallying]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by specific translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вычислять: [vɨˈtɕislʲatʲ]

Note on вычислять: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "ч" sound is like "ch" in "church."

рассчитывать: [rɐsˈɕitɨvɐtʲ]

Note on рассчитывать: Stress on the second syllable; "щ" is a soft "shch" sound, unique to Russian.

подсчитывать: [pɐtˈɕitɨvɐtʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Compute or Determine Mathematically

Translation(s) & Context:

• вычислять - Used for mathematical or logical computations, often in scientific or technical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Мы должны вычислить площадь круга.

  We need to calculate the area of the circle.

• Он вычисляет вероятность успеха.

  He calculates the probability of success.

• Компьютер может вычислить это за секунду.

  The computer can calculate this in a second.

2. To Estimate or Plan

Translation(s) & Context:

• рассчитывать - Used for estimations, planning, or expectations, often involving future outcomes.

Usage Examples:

• Мы рассчитываем бюджет на следующий год.

  We are calculating the budget for next year.

• Он рассчитывает прибыть к вечеру.

  He calculates (expects) to arrive by evening.

• Она рассчитывает на твою помощь.

  She calculates on (relies on) your help.

3. To Count or Tally

Translation(s) & Context:

• подсчитывать - Used for counting or summing up, often in informal or practical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Мы подсчитываем голоса после выборов.

  We are calculating (counting) the votes after the election.

• Она подсчитывает свои расходы каждый месяц.

  She calculates (tallies) her expenses every month.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

вычислять (Verb, Imperfective Aspect):

Note: Perfective form is "вычислить" (used for completed actions).

рассчитывать and подсчитывать follow similar conjugation patterns as imperfective verbs. Perfective forms are "рассчитать" and "подсчитать," respectively.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for вычислять:

• исчислять
• определять (in some contexts)

Note: "исчислять" is more formal and less common; "определять" implies determination rather than strict calculation.

Antonyms for вычислять:

• предполагать (to assume, as opposed to calculating precisely)

Related Phrases:

• вычислить ошибку - To calculate (find) an error.
• рассчитывать на успех - To calculate on (hope for) success.
• подсчитать убытки - To calculate (tally) losses.

Usage Notes:

• "вычислять" is the most neutral and widely applicable translation for "calculate," especially in mathematical or logical contexts.
• "рассчитывать" often carries a connotation of planning or expectation, and can also mean "to rely on" when used with "на" (on).
• "подсчитывать" is more colloquial and typically used for counting tangible items or summing up figures.
• Pay attention to the aspect (imperfective vs. perfective) when using these verbs, as it affects the meaning (ongoing vs. completed action).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "рассчитывать" when a strict mathematical calculation is implied. Incorrect: "Я рассчитываю сумму" (I calculate the sum). Correct: "Я вычисляю сумму."
• Error: Ignoring aspectual differences. Incorrect: Using "вычислить" (perfective) for an ongoing process. Correct: Use "вычислять" for ongoing actions (e.g., "Я вычисляю результат" - I am calculating the result).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, precision in calculation is highly valued in academic and professional contexts, often reflected in the use of "вычислять" in formal settings. Additionally, "рассчитывать" can imply a cultural nuance of cautious planning or reliance, often seen in everyday conversations about future expectations.

Related Concepts:

• математика (mathematics)
• анализ (analysis)
• оценка (estimation)