Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Compare'

English Word: compare

Key Russian Translations:

• сравнивать [sravˈnʲivətʲ] - [Informal, General Use]
• сравнить [sravˈnʲitʲ] - [Formal, Completed Action]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

сравнивать: [sravˈnʲivətʲ]

Note on сравнивать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'и' sounds like 'ee' in 'see'.

сравнить: [sravˈnʲitʲ]

Note on сравнить: Similar stress pattern to сравнивать, but a shorter, completed action form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To evaluate similarities and differences

Translation(s) & Context:

• сравнивать - Used for ongoing comparison (e.g., in discussions or analysis).
• сравнить - Used for a one-time or completed act of comparison.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю сравнивать разные культуры.

  I love comparing different cultures.

• Давай сравним цены перед покупкой.

  Let’s compare prices before buying.

• Он сравнил два автомобиля и выбрал лучший.

  He compared two cars and chose the best one.

• Сравнивать яблоки с апельсинами бессмысленно.

  Comparing apples to oranges is pointless.

• Она сравнила свои результаты с результатами друга.

  She compared her results with her friend’s.

2. To liken or equate (figurative use)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сравнить - Often used in literary or poetic contexts to draw analogies.

Usage Examples:

• Поэт сравнил её глаза с звёздами.

  The poet compared her eyes to stars.

• Его силу можно сравнить с силой льва.

  His strength can be compared to that of a lion.

• Ничто не сравнится с домашней едой.

  Nothing compares to homemade food.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

сравнивать (Imperfective Verb - ongoing action):

сравнить (Perfective Verb - completed action): Used to denote a one-time comparison. Conjugates similarly but indicates completion. Common forms include "сравнил" (past, masculine), "сравнила" (past, feminine), and "сравню" (future, 1st person singular).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• сопоставлять (to juxtapose or contrast, more formal)
• уподоблять (to liken, often figurative)

Note: "сопоставлять" is often used in academic or analytical contexts, while "уподоблять" is more literary.

Antonyms:

• различать (to distinguish)
• отличать (to differentiate)

Related Phrases:

• сравниться с кем-то/чем-то - To be comparable to someone/something.
• ни с чем не сравнимый - Incomparable, unparalleled.
• сравнение не в пользу - Comparison not in favor of (used to highlight inferiority).

Usage Notes:

• In Russian, the choice between "сравнивать" (imperfective) and "сравнить" (perfective) depends on whether the action is ongoing or completed. Use "сравнивать" for general or habitual comparisons, and "сравнить" for a specific, one-time act.
• Both verbs often take the preposition "с" (with) to indicate the object of comparison, followed by the instrumental case (e.g., "с другом" - with a friend).
• Be mindful of context: figurative comparisons (e.g., in poetry) almost always use "сравнить".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сравнивать" when a completed action is implied. Incorrect: "Я сравниваю два продукта вчера." Correct: "Я сравнил два продукта вчера." (I compared two products yesterday.)
• Error: Forgetting the preposition "с" or using the wrong case after it. Incorrect: "Сравниваю с друг." Correct: "Сравниваю с другом." (with a friend, instrumental case).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, comparisons are often used in literature and proverbs to convey moral lessons or vivid imagery. For example, comparing human traits to nature (e.g., "сравнить с ветром" - compare to the wind) is common in poetry and storytelling, reflecting a deep cultural connection to the natural world.

Related Concepts:

• анализ (analysis)
• оценка (evaluation)
• сходство (similarity)
• различие (difference)