Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'can'

English Word: can

Key Russian Translations:

• мочь [ˈmoɕʲ] - [Verb, Informal, Used for expressing ability or possibility]
• суметь [sʊˈmʲetʲ] - [Verb, Formal, Used for a specific, completed ability in the past]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday conversation and formal writing)

Difficulty: A2 for 'мочь' (Elementary, basic modal verb); B1 for 'суметь' (Intermediate, involves aspectual nuances)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мочь: [ˈmoɕʲ] (The 'щ' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh'; stress on the first syllable)

суметь: [sʊˈmʲetʲ] (Soft 'м' and 'т'; stress on the second syllable)

Note on мочь: Pronunciation can vary slightly by dialect; the soft 'щ' is a common challenge for English speakers, similar to the 'sh' in 'she' but more palatalized.

Audio: Listen to мочь | Listen to суметь

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Expressing ability or capability (e.g., "I can do it")

Translation(s) & Context:

• мочь - Used in present or future contexts for general ability; common in informal speech and writing.
• суметь - Used for past actions where ability was successfully demonstrated; more formal or narrative contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я могу бегать быстро. (I can run fast.)

  This example shows 'мочь' in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing present ability in everyday conversation.

• Она может играть на пианино. (She can play the piano.)

  Here, 'мочь' is used with an infinitive verb, illustrating capability in a neutral context.

• Мы сможем закончить работу завтра. (We can finish the work tomorrow.)

  This demonstrates 'мочь' in a future tense construction, common in planning discussions.

• Он сумел перелезть через забор. (He managed to climb over the fence.)

  'Суметь' is used for a past success, highlighting a specific event in storytelling.

• Дети могут не понять это объяснение. (Children might not be able to understand this explanation.)

  This shows 'мочь' in a negative context, expressing potential inability in educational or advisory scenarios.

Meaning 2: Expressing permission (e.g., "You can go now")

Translation(s) & Context:

• мочь - Informal way to imply permission, though 'можно' is often preferred for direct permission.

Usage Examples:

• Ты можешь уйти сейчас. (You can leave now.)

  This uses 'мочь' to convey informal permission in casual interactions.

• Можно мне взять книгу? (Can I take the book?)

  Note: While 'мочь' is an option, 'можно' is more idiomatic for seeking permission.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Мочь' is an irregular verb in Russian, following the first conjugation with some unique aspects. It is imperfective and changes based on tense, person, and number. 'Суметь' is perfective and also irregular.

Note: 'Мочь' does not change for aspect in the same way as other verbs and is invariable in infinitive form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • возможно (possibly) - Often used interchangeably in contexts of possibility.
  • способный (capable) - For adjectives related to ability.
• Antonyms:
  • не мочь (not to be able) - Direct opposite for inability.
  • невозможно (impossible) - For contexts emphasizing impossibility.

Related Phrases:

• Мочь помочь - (To be able to help; used in offers of assistance.)
• Суметь убедить - (To manage to convince; common in persuasive contexts.)
• Не мочь дождаться - (To not be able to wait; an idiomatic expression for excitement.)

Usage Notes:

Russian 'мочь' directly corresponds to English 'can' for ability but is less flexible for permission—use 'можно' instead for polite requests. 'Суметь' is aspectually perfective, making it ideal for completed actions, unlike the ongoing sense of 'мочь'. In formal writing, pair these with infinitives (e.g., мочь + verb). Be cautious with gender agreements in past tense forms, as Russian verbs change based on the subject's gender.

• Choose 'мочь' for general statements and 'суметь' for specific achievements.
• In spoken Russian, 'мочь' can sound abrupt; soften with particles like 'ли' for questions.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'мочь' with 'суметь', using 'мочь' for past events (e.g., incorrectly saying "Я мочь сделать" instead of "Я сумел сделать"). Correct usage: "Я сумел сделать это" (I managed to do it). Another error is neglecting aspect; for example, saying "Я могу пойти вчера" (wrong tense mix), when it should be "Я смог пойти вчера". Always match the verb aspect to the context to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of ability like 'мочь' often reflect modesty or humility. For instance, Russians might downplay their capabilities in conversation, saying "Я не могу" (I can't) even if they can, to avoid boasting—a trait rooted in historical collectivist values.

Related Concepts:

• уметь (to know how to)
• возможно (possible)
• невозможно (impossible)