Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Commit'

English Word: Commit

Key Russian Translations:

• совершить [səvʲɪrˈʂɨtʲ] - [Formal, Often used for actions or crimes]
• посвятить [pəsvʲɪˈtʲitʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Used for dedicating time or effort]
• обязаться [əbjɪˈzatʲsə] - [Formal, Used for promises or obligations]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specific contexts like legal or personal dedication)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

совершить: [səvʲɪrˈʂɨtʲ]

Note on совершить: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

посвятить: [pəsvʲɪˈtʲitʲ]

Note on посвятить: Stress on the third syllable. Soft "т" sound requires palatalization.

обязаться: [əbjɪˈzatʲsə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To perform or carry out (an action, often negative like a crime)

Translation(s) & Context:

• совершить - Used in formal or legal contexts, often for crimes or significant actions (e.g., "commit a crime").

Usage Examples:

• Он совершил преступление в прошлом году.

  He committed a crime last year.

• Она совершила ошибку в расчётах.

  She committed a mistake in her calculations.

• Мы совершили подвиг ради команды.

  We committed a feat for the sake of the team.

2. To dedicate or devote (time, effort)

Translation(s) & Context:

• посвятить - Used for dedicating time, life, or effort to something or someone.

Usage Examples:

• Она посвятила свою жизнь науке.

  She committed her life to science.

• Я хочу посвятить этот вечер тебе.

  I want to commit this evening to you.

3. To pledge or obligate oneself

Translation(s) & Context:

• обязаться - Used in formal contexts for promises or contractual obligations.

Usage Examples:

• Компания обязалась выполнить заказ к сроку.

  The company committed to completing the order on time.

• Он обязался помочь в трудную минуту.

  He committed to helping in a difficult moment.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

совершить (Perfective Verb): This is a perfective verb, indicating a completed action. It does not have present tense forms. Below are key past and future forms:

Form	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Past	совершил	совершила	совершило	совершили
Future (will)	совершу	совершишь	совершит	совершим

посвятить (Perfective Verb): Similar to "совершить," it is perfective with no present tense. Conjugations follow regular patterns for this verb class.

обязаться (Perfective Verb, Reflexive): Reflexive verb with the suffix "-ся." Conjugates regularly for perfective verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "совершить":

• сделать (to do/make, more neutral)
• выполнить (to fulfill, often for tasks)

Synonyms for "посвятить":

• отдать (to give/devote, less formal)

Antonyms:

• отказаться (to refuse, opposite of committing to something)
• игнорировать (to ignore, opposite of dedicating attention)

Related Phrases:

• совершить преступление - "to commit a crime" (legal context)
• посвятить время - "to commit time" (to dedicate time to something)
• обязаться выполнить - "to commit to fulfilling" (formal obligation)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "совершить," "посвятить," and "обязаться" depends on context. "Совершить" is often used for one-time actions, especially negative ones like crimes, while "посвятить" implies dedication over time, and "обязаться" focuses on formal commitments.
• Be mindful of the perfective aspect of these verbs; they imply completed actions and cannot be used for ongoing activities.
• Russian does not have a direct equivalent for "commit" in all contexts, so the translation must match the intended meaning (action, dedication, or obligation).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "совершить" for ongoing dedication. Incorrect: "Я совершаю свою жизнь науке." Correct: "Я посвятил свою жизнь науке." (I committed my life to science.) Explanation: "Совершить" is for one-time actions, not sustained dedication.
• Error: Forgetting the reflexive "-ся" in "обязаться." Incorrect: "Он обязан помочь." Correct: "Он обязался помочь." Explanation: "Обязаться" is reflexive and requires "-ся" to indicate a personal commitment.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "commitment" (especially in personal or emotional contexts) often carries a heavier, more formal tone than in English. For instance, "обязаться" might imply a serious or binding promise, often used in legal or professional settings. Additionally, "совершить" is frequently associated with significant or impactful actions, reflecting a cultural emphasis on the weight of certain deeds.

Related Concepts:

• обязательство (obligation)
• действие (action)
• преданность (devotion)