Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Conceive'

English Word: Conceive

Key Russian Translations:

• задумать [zɐˈdumətʲ] - [Formal, Often used for planning or intending]
• представить [prʲɪdstɐˈvʲitʲ] - [Neutral, Used for imagining or conceptualizing]
• зачать [zɐˈtɕatʲ] - [Formal, Specific to biological conception]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context and translation)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; "зачать" may reach C1 due to specific usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

задумать: [zɐˈdumətʲ]

Note on задумать: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'у' sounds like 'oo' in 'food'.

представить: [prʲɪdstɐˈvʲitʲ]

Note on представить: Stress on the third syllable; soften the 'р' sound with a slight roll.

зачать: [zɐˈtɕatʲ]

Note on зачать: Stress on the second syllable; 'ч' sounds like 'ch' in 'church'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To form a plan or idea (mental conception)

Translation(s) & Context:

• задумать - Used when referring to devising a plan or intention (e.g., a project or scheme).
• представить - Used for imagining or conceptualizing an idea or possibility.

Usage Examples:

• Он задумал новый проект для компании.

  He conceived a new project for the company.

• Можешь ли ты представить такую ситуацию?

  Can you conceive of such a situation?

• Она задумала путешествие по Европе.

  She conceived a trip across Europe.

2. To become pregnant (biological conception)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зачать - Strictly used in the context of biological conception or procreation.

Usage Examples:

• Они зачали ребёнка прошлой осенью.

  They conceived a child last autumn.

• Зачать ребёнка было их самой большой мечтой.

  Conceiving a child was their greatest dream.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

задумать (Verb, Perfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for perfective verbs. It denotes a completed action.

Person	Singular	Plural
1st	задумаю	задумаем
2nd	задумаешь	задумаете
3rd	задумает	задумают

представить (Verb, Perfective): Regular conjugation for perfective verbs. Often paired with imperfective "представлять" for ongoing actions.

зачать (Verb, Perfective): Regular conjugation but less commonly used in everyday speech. Often replaced by colloquial expressions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for задумать (plan/idea):

• придумать
• выдумать

Note: "придумать" is more common in casual contexts, while "выдумать" may imply invention or fabrication.

Synonyms for зачать (biological):

• забеременеть (colloquial, for the result)

Antonyms: None directly applicable across all meanings.

Related Phrases:

• задумать план - To conceive a plan (used for strategic thinking or intentions).
• представить себе - To conceive/imagine something for oneself (often used reflexively).
• зачать дитя - To conceive a child (formal, archaic tone).

Usage Notes:

• "задумать" is most appropriate for planning or intending something tangible, such as a project or event, and is often formal or literary.
• "представить" aligns with imagining or mentally picturing something and is more versatile in tone.
• "зачать" is highly specific to biological conception and may sound outdated or overly formal in casual conversation; modern speakers often use phrases like "забеременеть" (to become pregnant) instead.
• Be mindful of aspect: all listed verbs are perfective, indicating completed actions. For ongoing or habitual contexts, imperfective forms like "задумывать" or "представлять" may be needed.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "зачать" in non-biological contexts.
  Incorrect: Я зачал новый план. (I conceived a new plan.)
  Correct: Я задумал новый план.
  Explanation: "зачать" is exclusively for biological conception; use "задумать" for ideas or plans.
• Error: Ignoring aspectual differences.
  Incorrect: Я задумываю это каждый день. (Incorrect aspect for a single completed action.)
  Correct: Я задумал это вчера.
  Explanation: Use perfective "задумать" for one-time actions; imperfective "задумывать" for repeated or ongoing processes.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "conceiving" an idea (задумать) often carries a tone of deliberate thought or creativity, reflecting a cultural appreciation for well-planned actions. Meanwhile, "зачать" in biological contexts may appear in religious or historical texts, reflecting older linguistic norms.

Related Concepts:

• придумать (to invent/think up)
• вообразить (to imagine)
• создать (to create)