Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'condole'

English Word: condole

Key Russian Translations:

• соболезновать [səbɐlʲɪznəvɐtʲ] - [Formal, Used to express sympathy in serious contexts, such as funerals]
• выразить соболезнования [vɨɪrɐzʲɪtʲ səbɐlʲɪznəvɐnʲɪjə] - [Formal, Phrase used when answering condolences in writing or speech]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in formal or ceremonial contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and formal expressions. For 'соболезновать', it is B2; for 'выразить соболезнования', it is also B2 due to phrasal structure.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

соболезновать: [səbɐlʲɪznəvɐtʲ]

выразить соболезнования: [vɨɪrɐzʲɪtʲ səbɐlʲɪznəvɐnʲɪjə]

Note on соболезновать: The stress falls on the second syllable (bo-), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'l' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To express sympathy or sorrow, especially on the occasion of someone's death.

Translation(s) & Context:

• соболезновать - Used in formal written or spoken contexts to directly convey condolences, often in obituaries or personal letters.
• выразить соболезнования - A more structured phrase for expressing sympathy, commonly in official settings like diplomatic communications.

Usage Examples:

• Друзья соболезнуют семье в связи с потерей.

  Friends condole with the family over the loss. (This example shows the verb in a simple present context, emphasizing emotional support.)

• Я соболезную вам и желаю сил пережить это горе.

  I condole with you and wish you strength to endure this sorrow. (Illustrates the verb with an additional wish, common in heartfelt messages.)

• Президент выразил соболезнования пострадавшим от катастрофы.

  The president expressed condolences to those affected by the disaster. (Demonstrates the phrase in a public or official context.)

• В письме она соболезновала коллеге по поводу его утраты.

  In the letter, she condoled with her colleague regarding his loss. (Shows usage in written correspondence, highlighting formal grammar.)

• Мы выражаем соболезнования родным и близким усопшего.

  We express condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. (This variant uses the phrase in a plural, group context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'соболезновать' is a verb of the first conjugation with imperfective aspect. It follows standard patterns but is irregular in some forms due to its root. 'выразить соболезнования' is a phrase where 'выразить' is a perfective verb.

Note: This verb does not change in plural forms as drastically as some, but always pay attention to aspect for correct usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: выразить сочувствие (similar but less formal, often used for general empathy), пожалеть (to regret or pity, with a subtle emotional nuance)
• Antonyms: обрадоваться (to rejoice, directly opposite in emotional tone)

Related Phrases:

• Выразить глубокие соболезнования - To express deep condolences (Used in more profound situations, such as national tragedies.)
• Соболезновать в трудную минуту - To condole in a difficult moment (Implies timely support during hardship.)

Usage Notes:

The English word 'condole' directly corresponds to 'соболезновать' in formal Russian contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian often pairs it with phrases like 'выразить соболезнования' for completeness. Use these in written forms like letters or speeches, and avoid in casual conversations. Grammatically, ensure correct verb aspect: imperfective for ongoing sympathy and perfective for completed actions. When choosing between translations, opt for 'соболезновать' in direct expressions and 'выразить соболезнования' in official settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong verb aspect, e.g., saying "Я выразил соболезновать" instead of "Я выразил соболезнования". Correct: "Я выражаю соболезнования". Explanation: English speakers often mix aspects; remember, 'выразить' is perfective and needs proper tense alignment.

• Error: Omitting formal particles, e.g., "Соболезную вам" without context, which might sound abrupt. Correct: "Я соболезную вам в вашей утрате". Explanation: In Russian, adding details makes the expression more polite and complete.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing condolences like 'соболезновать' is deeply tied to traditions of mourning, such as wearing black or holding memorials. It reflects a collectivist society where communal support is emphasized, often seen in Orthodox Christian rituals, helping to foster emotional bonds during grief.

Related Concepts:

• траур (mourning)
• утрата (loss)
• сочувствие (sympathy)