Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Communicate'

English Word: Communicate

Key Russian Translations:

• общаться [ɐbˈʂat͡sə] - [Informal, General Use]
• сообщать [sɐɐpˈʂatʲ] - [Formal, Conveying Information]
• передавать [pʲɪrʲɪˈdavatʲ] - [Formal, Transmitting Information]

Frequency: High (commonly used in various contexts)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

общаться: [ɐbˈʂat͡sə]

Note on общаться: Stress falls on the second syllable. The reflexive suffix "-ся" indicates a mutual or self-directed action.

сообщать: [sɐɐpˈʂatʲ]

Note on сообщать: Stress on the second syllable. Soft "щ" sound is a common challenge for non-native speakers.

передавать: [pʲɪrʲɪˈdavatʲ]

Note on передавать: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft "р" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To exchange information or ideas (general communication)

Translation(s) & Context:

• общаться - Used for informal or social interactions (e.g., chatting with friends).

Usage Examples:

• Мы часто общаемся по телефону.

  We often communicate by phone.

• Она любит общаться с новыми людьми.

  She loves to communicate with new people.

• Давай общаться чаще!

  Let’s communicate more often!

2. To convey or report information

Translation(s) & Context:

• сообщать - Used in formal or official contexts to report or inform.
• передавать - Used when passing on information or messages.

Usage Examples:

• Он сообщил нам важные новости.

  He communicated important news to us.

• Пожалуйста, передайте ему это сообщение.

  Please communicate this message to him.

• Директор сообщил о новых правилах.

  The director communicated the new rules.

• Я передам твои слова начальнику.

  I will communicate your words to the boss.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

общаться (Imperfective Verb, Reflexive): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for reflexive verbs in Russian. It is used to describe ongoing or habitual communication.

сообщать (Imperfective Verb): Regular conjugation, used for ongoing or repeated reporting of information.

передавать (Imperfective Verb): Regular conjugation, often paired with objects (e.g., information, messages).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "общаться":

• разговаривать (to talk, more conversational)
• взаимодействовать (to interact, more formal)

Synonyms for "сообщать":

• извещать (to notify, formal)
• докладывать (to report, official context)

Antonyms:

• молчать (to be silent)
• скрывать (to conceal)

Related Phrases:

• общаться с друзьями - To communicate with friends (social interaction).
• сообщать новости - To communicate news (formal reporting).
• передавать привет - To communicate greetings (passing on a message).

Usage Notes:

• "общаться" is the most versatile and commonly used term for general communication, especially in informal or social settings. It implies a two-way interaction.
• "сообщать" is more formal and one-directional, often used in contexts of reporting or announcing something.
• "передавать" emphasizes the act of passing information or messages from one party to another, often literally or figuratively.
• Be mindful of verb aspect: all three verbs are imperfective (describing ongoing or habitual actions). Perfective forms like "сообщить" or "передать" are used for completed actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "общаться" in formal reporting contexts.
  Incorrect: Я общаюсь вам новости.
  Correct: Я сообщаю вам новости. (I am communicating the news to you.)
  Explanation: "общаться" implies casual interaction, not formal reporting.
• Error: Forgetting reflexive endings with "общаться".
  Incorrect: Я общаю.
  Correct: Я общаюсь.
  Explanation: The reflexive suffix "-ся" is mandatory for this verb.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, communication styles can vary significantly based on context and relationship. "общаться" often implies a level of familiarity or warmth, while "сообщать" is more neutral and detached, suitable for professional or official settings. Russians may also use non-verbal cues extensively during communication, so understanding cultural context is as important as mastering the language.

Related Concepts:

• разговор (conversation)
• диалог (dialogue)
• информация (information)