Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Circumvent'

English Word: Circumvent

Key Russian Translations:

• обойти [ɐbɐjˈtʲi] - [Informal, Common]
• избежать [ɪzbʲɪˈʒatʲ] - [Formal, Used for avoiding rules or consequences]
• уклониться [ʊklɐˈnʲitʲsə] - [Formal, Often used in legal or moral contexts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "обойти"; B2-C1 (Intermediate to Advanced) for "избежать" and "уклониться"

Pronunciation (Russian):

обойти: [ɐbɐjˈtʲi]

Note on обойти: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "о" is pronounced as a reduced "ɐ" due to Russian vowel reduction.

избежать: [ɪzbʲɪˈʒatʲ]

Note on избежать: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft "ж" sound, which is palatalized.

уклониться: [ʊklɐˈnʲitʲsə]

Note on уклониться: Stress on the third syllable. The "и" in "ни" is pronounced as a soft vowel due to the following soft consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Avoid or Bypass (a rule, obstacle, or restriction)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обойти - Commonly used for bypassing rules, laws, or physical obstacles in everyday contexts.
• избежать - Used more formally, often implying avoidance of consequences or penalties.

Usage Examples:

• Он сумел обойти правила и выиграть конкурс.

  He managed to circumvent the rules and win the competition.

• Компания пытается обойти налог на импорт.

  The company is trying to circumvent the import tax.

• Ей удалось избежать наказания за опоздание.

  She managed to circumvent punishment for being late.

2. To Evade or Dodge (responsibility or obligation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уклониться - Often used in formal or moral contexts to imply evasion of duty or responsibility.

Usage Examples:

• Он уклонился от ответа на прямой вопрос.

  He circumvented giving a direct answer to the question.

• Нельзя уклоняться от своих обязанностей.

  You cannot circumvent your responsibilities.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

обойти (verb, perfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for perfective verbs in Russian. It indicates a completed action.

избежать (verb, perfective): Similar to "обойти," it is a perfective verb with regular conjugation.

уклониться (verb, perfective): Reflexive verb, always used with the suffix "-ся." Conjugation is regular for reflexive verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• обойти - миновать (bypass, often physical obstacles)
• избежать - избежать (avoid, almost interchangeable but slightly more formal)
• уклониться - увильнуть (dodge, more colloquial and negative connotation)

Antonyms:

• соблюдать (to observe or follow, as in rules)
• придерживаться (to adhere to)

Related Phrases:

• обойти закон - "to circumvent the law" (to find a loophole or bypass legal restrictions)
• избежать ответственности - "to circumvent responsibility" (to avoid being held accountable)
• уклониться от службы - "to circumvent service" (to evade military or other obligatory service)

Usage Notes:

• "обойти" is the most versatile and commonly used translation for "circumvent," suitable for both literal (bypassing an obstacle) and figurative (bypassing rules) contexts.
• "избежать" is more formal and often used when avoiding negative consequences or penalties, such as punishment or danger.
• "уклониться" carries a slightly negative connotation, often implying evasion of duty or responsibility, and is more formal or literary.
• All three verbs are perfective, meaning they describe a completed action. For ongoing or habitual actions, imperfective forms like "обходить" or "избегать" may be more appropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "обойти" in overly formal contexts where "избежать" would be more appropriate.
  Incorrect: Я обошёл наказание.
  Correct: Я избежал наказания.
  Explanation: "обойти" sounds too casual for serious consequences like punishment; "избежать" is the better choice.
• Error: Forgetting the reflexive "-ся" with "уклониться."
  Incorrect: Он уклонил от ответа.
  Correct: Он уклонился от ответа.
  Explanation: "уклониться" is always reflexive and requires "-ся."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "circumventing" rules or laws (often using "обойти") can sometimes carry a neutral or even positive connotation, reflecting resourcefulness or cleverness, especially in historical or bureaucratic contexts where strict adherence to rules was impractical. However, "уклониться" often implies a moral judgment, suggesting irresponsibility or cowardice, particularly in contexts like evading military service.

Related Concepts:

• хитрость (cunning, cleverness)
• уловка (trick, loophole)
• избежание (avoidance)