Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cherish'

English Word: Cherish

Key Russian Translations:

• ценить [ˈt͡sɛnʲɪtʲ] - [Formal/Informal, General Use]
• дорожить [dɐˈroʐɨtʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Often Emotional]
• лелеять [lʲɪˈlʲejɨtʲ] - [Formal, Often Poetic or Figurative]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in emotional or personal contexts)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

ценить: [ˈt͡sɛnʲɪtʲ]

Note on ценить: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "ц" sound is a voiceless affricate, unique to Slavic languages.

дорожить: [dɐˈroʐɨtʲ]

Note on дорожить: Stress on the second syllable; the "ж" is a voiced retroflex fricative, similar to the "s" in "measure."

лелеять: [lʲɪˈlʲejɨtʲ]

Note on лелеять: Stress on the second syllable; soft "л" requires palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Value or Hold Dear (Emotionally or Materially)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ценить - Used for valuing something or someone, often in a general or practical sense.
• дорожить - Emphasizes emotional attachment or deep personal value.

Usage Examples:

• Я очень ценю твою помощь.

  I really cherish your help.

• Он дорожит своими семейными традициями.

  He cherishes his family traditions.

• Мы должны ценить каждый момент жизни.

  We should cherish every moment of life.

2. To Nurture or Treasure (Figurative or Poetic)

Translation(s) & Context:

• лелеять - Often used for dreams, hopes, or memories in a poetic or tender context.

Usage Examples:

• Она лелеет надежду на лучшее будущее.

  She cherishes the hope for a better future.

• Он лелеет воспоминания о детстве.

  He cherishes memories of childhood.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ценить (Verb, Imperfective):

Person	Present Tense	Past Tense (Masc./Fem./Neut./Plur.)
1st Sing.	ценю	ценил / ценила / ценило / ценили
2nd Sing.	ценишь	ценил / ценила / ценило / ценили
3rd Sing.	ценит	ценил / ценила / ценило / ценили

Note: Perfective form is "оценить" (to evaluate or appreciate fully, often once).

дорожить (Verb, Imperfective): Similar conjugation pattern to "ценить," no perfective form in common use.

лелеять (Verb, Imperfective): Follows standard first-conjugation rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• уважать (to respect)
• беречь (to protect or treasure)

Note: "уважать" focuses more on respect, while "беречь" implies protection or care.

Antonyms:

• пренебрегать (to neglect)
• игнорировать (to ignore)

Related Phrases:

• ценить по достоинству - to cherish/appreciate fully (lit. "value by merit")
• дорожить дружбой - to cherish friendship
• лелеять мечту - to cherish a dream

Usage Notes:

• "ценить" is the most neutral and versatile translation, suitable for both tangible and intangible things.
• "дорожить" often implies a stronger emotional connection and is rarely used for material objects unless they hold personal significance.
• "лелеять" is more literary or poetic and is typically used for abstract concepts like hopes or memories.

Common Errors:

1. Overusing "лелеять": English speakers may overuse "лелеять" due to its romantic tone, but it is inappropriate for everyday contexts. Use "ценить" or "дорожить" instead.

Incorrect: Я лелею этот подарок. (I cherish this gift.)

Correct: Я дорожу этим подарком.

2. Confusing Aspects: Learners often forget to use the perfective "оценить" when referring to a completed act of appreciation. Use "оценить" for one-time evaluations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing how much one cherishes relationships or family traditions (using "дорожить") is common, especially in heartfelt conversations or toasts. This reflects the cultural emphasis on personal bonds and shared history.

Related Concepts:

• любовь (love)
• уважение (respect)
• память (memory)