Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'characterize'

English Word: characterize

Key Russian Translations:

• характеризовать [IPA: xərəktərɪˈzɔvətʲ] - [Formal, Verb]
• описывать [IPA: ɐˈpʲisɨvətʲ] - [Informal, Alternative in descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, scientific, and literary contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and formal language; for "характеризовать", it's B2, while "описывать" is A2)

Pronunciation (Russian):

характеризовать: [IPA: xərəktərɪˈzɔvətʲ]

описывать: [IPA: ɐˈpʲisɨvətʲ]

Note on характеризовать: The stress falls on the third syllable; be cautious with the initial "x" sound, which is guttural and may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in informal speech might soften the consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To describe the distinctive qualities or features of something

Translation(s) & Context:

• характеризовать - Used in formal or academic settings, such as scientific reports or literary analysis, to provide detailed descriptions.
• описывать - Applied in everyday contexts for general descriptions, but less precise than характеризовать.

Usage Examples:

• Этот ученый всегда старается характеризовать явления природы как можно точнее.

  This scientist always tries to characterize natural phenomena as accurately as possible.

• В романе автор характеризует главного героя через его действия и диалоги.

  In the novel, the author characterizes the main character through his actions and dialogues.

• Чтобы лучше понять климат, мы должны описывать погодные условия в разных регионах.

  To better understand the climate, we should characterize weather conditions in different regions.

• Исследователи характеризуют эту болезнь по ее симптомам и прогрессии.

  Researchers characterize this disease based on its symptoms and progression.

• В повседневной речи люди часто описывают друзей, не углубляясь в детали.

  In everyday speech, people often characterize friends without going into details.

To be a feature or quality of something

Translation(s) & Context:

• характеризовать - Used when implying that something defines or typifies another thing, often in analytical writing.

Usage Examples:

• Такая погода характеризует осень в этом регионе.

  Such weather characterizes autumn in this region.

• Энтузиазм характеризует молодых предпринимателей в нашей стране.

  Enthusiasm characterizes young entrepreneurs in our country.

• Глубокий анализ характеризует работу этого историка.

  In-depth analysis characterizes the work of this historian.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are verbs, so they follow Russian verb conjugation patterns. "Характеризовать" is a first-conjugation verb with regular patterns, while "описывать" is also regular but belongs to the second conjugation. Below is a table for "характеризовать" in the present tense; "описывать" follows similar rules.

For "описывать", the present tense is: Я описываю, Ты описываешь, etc. Both verbs are regular and do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: описывать (more general), определять (to define; differs by focusing on exact boundaries), иллюстрировать (to illustrate; used for examples)
• Antonyms: обобщать (to generalize; implies broadening rather than specifying), упускать (to overlook; in contexts of missing details)

Related Phrases:

• Характеризовать как - Meaning: To characterize as (e.g., used to compare or classify, as in "характеризовать как типичный пример").
• Подробно характеризовать - Meaning: To characterize in detail (emphasizes thorough description in reports or analyses).
• Описывать в контексте - Meaning: To describe in context (helps in narrative or explanatory writing).

Usage Notes:

"Характеризовать" is the most precise translation for "characterize" in formal English contexts, such as academic papers, where detailed feature description is needed. It is typically used with objects in the accusative case, e.g., "характеризовать объект". In contrast, "описывать" is better for informal or narrative uses but may lack the analytical depth. Choose based on context: opt for "характеризовать" in scientific or professional settings to align with English formality. Be mindful of verb aspect in Russian; pair with perfective forms like "охарактеризовать" for completed actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "характеризовать" interchangeably with "описывать" without considering formality, e.g., saying "Я описываю свой день" when a more precise description is needed.

  Correct: "Я характеризую свой день по ключевым событиям" (I characterize my day by key events). Explanation: "Описывать" is too vague for detailed analysis, leading to miscommunication in professional contexts.

• Error: Incorrect conjugation, such as saying "характеризуюет" instead of "характеризует" for third person singular.

  Correct: "Он характеризует проблему." Explanation: Russian verbs require precise endings based on person and number; this mistake often stems from overgeneralizing English verb forms.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "характеризовать" are heavily used in educational and intellectual discussions, reflecting a tradition of detailed analysis in literature and science, such as in the works of Tolstoy or modern Russian academia. It embodies a cultural emphasis on thoroughness and context, which can differ from more concise English styles.

Related Concepts:

• анализировать
• классифицировать
• описательный