Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Conform'

English Word: Conform

Key Russian Translations:

• соответствовать [sətvʲɪtˈstvəvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used in written or official contexts]
• подчиняться [pətɕɪˈnʲatʲsə] - [Neutral, Used in contexts of obedience or compliance]
• приспосабливаться [prʲɪspəsəˈblʲivatʲsə] - [Informal, Often implies adaptation to circumstances]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and informal contexts depending on the translation)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate - соответствовать and подчиняться are B1; приспосабливаться is closer to B2 due to nuance and pronunciation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

соответствовать: [sətvʲɪtˈstvəvətʲ]

Note on соответствовать: Stress falls on the third syllable. The cluster "тств" can be tricky for non-native speakers; practice slow enunciation.

подчиняться: [pətɕɪˈnʲatʲsə]

Note on подчиняться: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft "ч" sound.

приспосабливаться: [prʲɪspəsəˈblʲivatʲsə]

Note on приспосабливаться: Stress on the fourth syllable. The long structure may challenge beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To comply with rules, standards, or expectations

Translation(s) & Context:

• соответствовать - Used when referring to meeting standards or expectations (e.g., in formal or technical contexts).
• подчиняться - Used when emphasizing obedience to authority or rules.

Usage Examples:

• Этот продукт должен соответствовать стандартам качества.

  This product must conform to quality standards.

• Все сотрудники обязаны подчиняться правилам компании.

  All employees must conform to the company's rules.

• Его поведение не соответствует нормам общества.

  His behavior does not conform to societal norms.

2. To adapt or adjust to a situation

Translation(s) & Context:

• приспосабливаться - Used when implying adaptation or adjustment to new conditions or environments.

Usage Examples:

• Он быстро приспосабливается к новым обстоятельствам.

  He quickly conforms to new circumstances.

• Нам пришлось приспосабливаться к строгому расписанию.

  We had to conform to a strict schedule.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

соответствовать (Verb, Imperfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -овать. It is used with the Dative case for the object being conformed to.

подчиняться (Verb, Imperfective): Reflexive verb with regular conjugation for -яться verbs. Often used with the Dative case for the authority being obeyed.

приспосабливаться (Verb, Imperfective): Reflexive verb with regular conjugation for -ваться verbs. Indicates a process of adaptation.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for соответствовать:

• отвечать
• согласовываться

Note: "отвечать" is more general and can mean "to correspond," while "согласовываться" often implies alignment or agreement.

Antonyms for соответствовать/подчиняться:

• противоречить
• не подчиняться

Related Phrases:

• соответствовать требованиям - To meet the requirements.
• подчиняться приказу - To obey an order.
• приспосабливаться к условиям - To adapt to conditions.

Usage Notes:

• "соответствовать" is the most formal and widely applicable translation for "conform," often used in written language or technical contexts.
• "подчиняться" emphasizes submission or obedience and is more specific to authority or rules.
• "приспосабливаться" carries a connotation of personal adaptation and is less formal; it often implies a gradual process.
• Pay attention to the grammatical case required by each verb (usually Dative for the object of conformity or obedience).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "приспосабливаться" in formal contexts where "соответствовать" is more appropriate. For example, saying "Этот документ приспосабливается к стандартам" is incorrect.
• Correct Usage: "Этот документ соответствует стандартам" (This document conforms to standards).
• Error: Forgetting the reflexive particle "-ся" in verbs like "подчиняться" or "приспосабливаться," e.g., saying "подчинять" instead, which means "to subordinate" (transitive).
• Correct Usage: Always include "-ся" for reflexive meanings related to "conform."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "conforming" (especially in the sense of "подчиняться") can carry a stronger implication of hierarchy and authority than in English. Obedience to rules or societal norms is often emphasized in formal and traditional contexts, and using the appropriate verb based on the situation is crucial to avoid sounding overly submissive or casual.

Related Concepts:

• послушание (obedience)
• адаптация (adaptation)
• стандарт (standard)