Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Close'

English Word: close

Key Russian Translations:

• закрыть [zɐˈkrɨtʲ] - [Verb, Perfective, Used for closing doors, windows, etc.]
• закрывать [zɐˈkrɨvətʲ] - [Verb, Imperfective, General or ongoing action of closing]
• близкий [ˈblʲizkʲɪj] - [Adjective, Used for proximity or relationships]

Frequency: High (commonly used in various contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate, varies by word form and usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

закрыть: [zɐˈkrɨtʲ]

Note on закрыть: Stress on the second syllable; the 'ы' sound is unique to Russian and may be challenging for English speakers.

закрывать: [zɐˈkrɨvətʲ]

Note on закрывать: Stress on the second syllable; note the softer 'в' sound in the middle.

близкий: [ˈblʲizkʲɪj]

Note on близкий: Stress on the first syllable; the palatalized 'л' ('lj') requires attention.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To shut or seal (physical action)

Translation(s) & Context:

• закрыть - Used for a completed action of closing (e.g., a door, window, or book).
• закрывать - Used for an ongoing or habitual action of closing.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, закрой дверь.

  Please close the door.

• Я всегда закрываю окно перед сном.

  I always close the window before going to bed.

• Магазин закрыли на ремонт.

  The store was closed for repairs.

2. Near or proximate (spatial or emotional)

Translation(s) & Context:

• близкий - Used for physical closeness or close relationships (e.g., family, friends).

Usage Examples:

• Мой дом близкий к станции.

  My house is close to the station.

• У меня есть близкий друг.

  I have a close friend.

• Мы стали очень близкими после этого разговора.

  We became very close after that conversation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

закрыть (Perfective Verb): Conjugates irregularly in past tense; used for completed actions.

близкий (Adjective): Declines based on gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for закрыть/закрывать:

• захлопнуть (to slam shut)
• прикрыть (to cover or partially close)

Note: 'захлопнуть' implies a sudden or forceful closing, while 'прикрыть' often means to close partially.

Synonyms for близкий:

• ближний (near, proximate)
• родной (close, dear, often for family)

Antonyms for закрыть/закрывать:

• открыть (to open)

Antonyms for близкий:

• дальний (far, distant)

Related Phrases:

• закрыть на ключ - to lock (literally 'close with a key')
• близкий человек - a close person (someone dear or emotionally close)
• закрыть глаза на что-то - to turn a blind eye to something

Usage Notes:

• The choice between 'закрыть' (perfective) and 'закрывать' (imperfective) depends on whether the action is completed or ongoing. English speakers often struggle with this aspectual distinction in Russian.
• 'близкий' can refer to both physical and emotional closeness, unlike 'close' in English, which often needs context to clarify.
• Use 'близкий' carefully in formal contexts, as it may imply intimacy when describing relationships.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'закрыть' for ongoing actions. Incorrect: "Я закрыть окно каждый вечер." Correct: "Я закрываю окно каждый вечер." (Explanation: 'закрыть' is perfective and used for one-time completed actions, not habitual ones.)
• Error: Misusing 'близкий' for distant relationships. Incorrect: "Он мой близкий коллега." Correct: "Он мой хороший коллега." (Explanation: 'близкий' implies emotional closeness, not just a working relationship.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of 'близкий' often carries a deeper emotional weight than 'close' in English, especially when referring to personal relationships. Calling someone 'близкий человек' implies a significant bond, often reserved for family or very dear friends.

Related Concepts:

• дружба (friendship)
• расстояние (distance)
• отношения (relationships)