Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Clarify'

English Word: Clarify

Key Russian Translations:

• уточнить [ʊtɐˈtʃʲitʲ] - [Formal, Often used in written or official contexts]
• разъяснить [rɐzʲɪˈsʲnʲitʲ] - [Formal/Neutral, Used for detailed explanation]
• прояснить [prɐˈjasʲnʲitʲ] - [Neutral, Often used for clearing doubts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal and conversational contexts)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

уточнить: [ʊtɐˈtʃʲitʲ]

Note on уточнить: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "ч" is a soft sound, similar to 'ch' in "church".

разъяснить: [rɐzʲɪˈsʲnʲitʲ]

Note on разъяснить: Stress on the third syllable; ensure a rolled "р" sound.

прояснить: [prɐˈjasʲnʲitʲ]

Note on прояснить: Stress on the second syllable; "я" sounds like 'ya'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Make Something Clear or Understandable

Translation(s) & Context:

• разъяснить - Used when explaining something complex or ambiguous in detail.
• прояснить - Often used for resolving doubts or uncertainties.

Usage Examples:

• Можете ли вы разъяснить этот пункт договора?

  Can you clarify this point in the contract?

• Нужно прояснить ситуацию перед принятием решения.

  We need to clarify the situation before making a decision.

• Учитель разъяснил сложную тему очень понятно.

  The teacher clarified the complex topic very clearly.

2. To Specify or Ask for Details

Translation(s) & Context:

• уточнить - Commonly used to ask for or provide specific details.

Usage Examples:

• Можете уточнить время встречи?

  Can you clarify the time of the meeting?

• Я хотел бы уточнить несколько деталей заказа.

  I would like to clarify a few details about the order.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

уточнить (Verb, Perfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for perfective verbs in Russian. Below is the present tense conjugation (used after modal verbs like "могу") and past tense forms.

Person	Present (after modal)	Past
1st Singular	уточнить	уточнил (m), уточнила (f)
2nd Singular	уточнить	уточнил (m), уточнила (f)
3rd Singular	уточнить	уточнил (m), уточнила (f), уточнило (n)

разъяснить (Verb, Perfective): Similar conjugation pattern to уточнить. Key forms are provided in context.

прояснить (Verb, Perfective): Follows a similar pattern; often used with reflexive forms like "проясниться" (to become clear).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• объяснить (to explain)
• внести ясность (to bring clarity)

Note: "объяснить" is broader and may not always imply resolving ambiguity, while "внести ясность" is more idiomatic.

Antonyms:

• запутать (to confuse)
• затемнить (to obscure)

Related Phrases:

• уточнить детали - Clarify the details (used in formal or business contexts).
• разъяснить положение дел - Clarify the state of affairs (used for explaining situations).
• прояснить вопрос - Clarify the issue (common in discussions or debates).

Usage Notes:

• "уточнить" is best used when asking for specific details or confirming information, often in formal or semi-formal settings.
• "разъяснить" implies a deeper explanation and is suitable for complex topics or misunderstandings.
• "прояснить" is more conversational and often used when clearing up doubts or uncertainties.
• Pay attention to the perfective aspect of these verbs; they indicate a completed action. For ongoing clarification, imperfective forms like "уточнять" or "разъяснять" may be used.

Common Errors:

Error 1: Using imperfective forms incorrectly.

Wrong: Я хочу уточнять время. (Implies an ongoing, repetitive action which sounds unnatural here.)

Correct: Я хочу уточнить время. (Perfective, indicating a one-time clarification.)

Explanation: English speakers often misuse aspects in Russian verbs. Use perfective verbs like "уточнить" for one-time actions.

Error 2: Confusing "разъяснить" with "объяснить".

Wrong: Объясните этот пункт. (Too broad, may not imply resolving ambiguity.)

Correct: Разъясните этот пункт. (Specifically asks for clarification.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian communication, clarifying information (especially with "уточнить") is often seen as a sign of attentiveness and respect, particularly in formal or business settings. However, over-clarifying trivial matters might be perceived as indecisiveness or lack of trust.

Related Concepts:

• объяснение (explanation)
• ясность (clarity)
• понимание (understanding)