Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'conjure'

English Word: conjure

Key Russian Translations:

• вызывать [ˈvɨzɨvətʲ] - [Formal/Informal, used for summoning or evoking]
• заклинать [zəklʲɪˈnatʲ] - [Formal, often used in magical or solemn contexts]
• представлять [prʲɪdstəˈvlʲatʲ] - [Informal, used for imagining or picturing something]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like literature or storytelling)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "вызывать" and "представлять"; C1 (Advanced) for "заклинать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

вызывать: [ˈvɨzɨvətʲ]

Note on вызывать: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "ы" sound is unique to Russian and may be challenging for English speakers.

заклинать: [zəklʲɪˈnatʲ]

Note on заклинать: Stress on the second syllable. The soft "л" requires a palatalized pronunciation.

представлять: [prʲɪdstəˈvlʲatʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To summon or call forth (e.g., spirits, images)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вызывать - Often used for summoning spirits or evoking memories.
• заклинать - Used in a magical or ritualistic sense, often in literature or folklore.

Usage Examples:

• Он пытался вызвать дух своего предка.

  He tried to conjure the spirit of his ancestor.

• Воспоминания вызвали у неё слёзы.

  Memories conjured tears in her eyes.

• Колдун заклинал силы тьмы.

  The sorcerer conjured the forces of darkness.

2. To imagine or bring to mind

Translation(s) & Context:

• представлять - Used for mentally picturing or imagining something.

Usage Examples:

• Я могу представить эту сцену в своей голове.

  I can conjure up this scene in my mind.

• Её слова представили мне далёкое прошлое.

  Her words conjured up a distant past for me.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

вызывать (verb, imperfective): Regular conjugation in the first conjugation group. Below is the present tense conjugation:

заклинать (verb, imperfective): Follows similar first conjugation patterns but is less commonly used in everyday speech.

представлять (verb, imperfective): Regular first conjugation verb with similar patterns to "вызывать."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "вызывать":

• призывать (more formal, often used for calling or appealing)
• воскрешать (used for reviving or recalling, often metaphorically)

Antonyms for "вызывать":

• изгонять (to banish or expel)
• забывать (to forget)

Related Phrases:

• вызывать духи - "to conjure spirits" (used in mystical or supernatural contexts)
• вызывать воспоминания - "to conjure up memories" (used for evoking past experiences)
• заклинать судьбу - "to conjure fate" (a poetic or dramatic expression)

Usage Notes:

• "вызывать" is the most versatile translation and can be used in both literal (summoning) and figurative (evoking memories) contexts.
• "заклинать" is more specific to magical or solemn contexts and is rarely used in casual conversation.
• "представлять" is limited to the sense of imagining or picturing something and does not imply summoning.
• Be mindful of the aspectual pair for "вызывать" (imperfective) and its perfective counterpart "вызвать" when expressing completed actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "заклинать" in everyday contexts for "imagining."
  Incorrect: Я заклинаю эту картину.
  Correct: Я представляю эту картину.
  Explanation: "заклинать" implies a magical or ritualistic act, not simple imagination.
• Error: Ignoring verb aspect when using "вызывать."
  Incorrect: Я вызываю его вчера.
  Correct: Я вызвал его вчера.
  Explanation: Use the perfective "вызвал" for past completed actions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian folklore and literature, the act of "conjuring" (especially with "заклинать") is often tied to traditional Slavic magic and rituals. It frequently appears in fairy tales and stories involving witches or sorcerers, reflecting a deep cultural connection to mysticism.

Related Concepts:

• магия (magic)
• колдовство (witchcraft)
• призрак (ghost)