Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Commence'

English Word: commence

Key Russian Translations:

• начать [nɐˈtʃatʲ] - [Formal, Informal, General Use]
• начаться [nɐˈtʃatʲsʲə] - [Formal, Informal, Often Used for Events Starting Automatically]
• приступить [prʲɪstuˈpʲitʲ] - [Formal, Often Used in Professional or Official Contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both spoken and written Russian)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context and form)

Pronunciation (Russian):

начать: [nɐˈtʃatʲ]

Note on начать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ч" sound is similar to 'ch' in "church."

начаться: [nɐˈtʃatʲsʲə]

Note on начаться: Similar to "начать," with an added reflexive particle "-ся" indicating a passive or automatic action.

приступить: [prʲɪstuˈpʲitʲ]

Note on приступить: Stress on the third syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Start or Begin Something (Active Initiation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• начать - Used when someone actively starts an action or process (e.g., a project, conversation).
• приступить - Used in formal contexts to indicate beginning a task or duty (e.g., work, investigation).

Usage Examples:

• Давайте начнём собрание.

  Let's commence the meeting.

• Он начал писать книгу в прошлом году.

  He commenced writing a book last year.

• Мы приступили к выполнению задания.

  We commenced the task.

2. To Start or Begin (Events or Processes Starting Automatically)

Translation(s) & Context:

• начаться - Used for events or processes that begin on their own (e.g., a meeting, rain).

Usage Examples:

• Концерт начнётся в семь часов.

  The concert will commence at seven o'clock.

• Дождь начался внезапно.

  The rain commenced suddenly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

начать (Perfective Verb): This verb is perfective, indicating a completed action. It conjugates irregularly in past and future tenses.

начаться (Reflexive Perfective Verb): Similar to "начать" but used reflexively for events starting on their own.

приступить (Perfective Verb): Also perfective, often followed by preposition "к" + dative case (e.g., приступить к работе).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "начать":

• затеять (to initiate, often with planning)
• взяться (to take up, often informally)

Note: "затеять" often implies a more deliberate or creative start, while "взяться" is more casual.

Antonyms for "начать":

• закончить (to finish)
• завершить (to complete)

Related Phrases:

• начать с нуля - to start from scratch (lit. to start from zero).
• начать всё сначала - to start all over again.
• приступить к делу - to get down to business (lit. to commence the matter).

Usage Notes:

• "начать" is the most versatile translation for "commence" and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It requires an object or infinitive verb (e.g., начать работать - to commence working).
• "начаться" is reflexive and used for events starting without an explicit initiator. It does not take a direct object.
• "приступить" is more formal and often implies starting a specific task or responsibility, frequently used with the preposition "к" (to) + dative case.

Common Errors:

• Mixing "начать" and "начаться": English speakers often confuse these. Use "начать" when someone starts something (active), and "начаться" for events starting on their own (passive). Incorrect: *Концерт начал в семь часов.* Correct: Концерт начался в семь часов.
• Forgetting prepositions with "приступить": "приступить" often requires "к" + dative case. Incorrect: *Приступить работу.* Correct: Приступить к работе.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "starting" something often carries a sense of commitment, especially in formal or professional settings. Using "приступить" in official contexts (e.g., starting a job or project) signals seriousness and responsibility, which is highly valued.

Related Concepts:

• продолжить (to continue)
• закончить (to finish)
• стартовать (to start, often in sports or informal contexts)