Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Consult'

English Word: consult

Key Russian Translations:

• консультироваться [kənˌsulʲˈtʲirəvətʲsə] - [Formal, Often used in professional or medical contexts]
• советоваться [səvʲɪˈtʲovətʲsə] - [Informal, Used for seeking advice or opinions]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both formal and informal contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

консультироваться: [kənˌsulʲˈtʲirəvətʲsə]

Note on консультироваться: Stress falls on the third syllable, and the 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

советоваться: [səvʲɪˈtʲovətʲsə]

Note on советоваться: Stress is on the second syllable; the 'в' is pronounced softly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To seek advice or information from someone (formal/professional)

Translation(s) & Context:

• консультироваться - Used in professional settings, such as consulting a doctor, lawyer, or expert.

Usage Examples:

• Я решил консультироваться с врачом перед началом лечения.

  I decided to consult a doctor before starting the treatment.

• Она часто консультируется с юристом по этим вопросам.

  She often consults a lawyer on these matters.

• Мы должны консультироваться с экспертом по этому проекту.

  We need to consult an expert on this project.

2. To discuss or seek opinions (informal/personal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• советоваться - Used when seeking advice or opinions from friends, family, or peers.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда советуюсь с мамой перед важными решениями.

  I always consult with my mom before making important decisions.

• Давай посоветуемся с друзьями, куда пойти вечером.

  Let’s consult with friends about where to go tonight.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

консультироваться (Verb, Reflexive, Imperfective Aspect)

This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for reflexive verbs in Russian. It is used in the imperfective aspect, indicating an ongoing or repeated action.

Person	Present Tense
Я (I)	консультируюсь
Ты (You, informal)	консультируешься
Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It)	консультируется
Мы (We)	консультируемся
Вы (You, formal/plural)	консультируетесь
Они (They)	консультируются

советоваться (Verb, Reflexive, Imperfective Aspect)

Similarly, this verb is reflexive and imperfective, used for ongoing or habitual actions of seeking advice.

Person	Present Tense
Я (I)	советуюсь
Ты (You, informal)	советуешься
Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It)	советуется
Мы (We)	советуемся
Вы (You, formal/plural)	советуетесь
Они (They)	советуются

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for консультироваться:

• обращаться за советом (to seek advice)
• спрашивать мнение (to ask for an opinion)

Note: "обращаться за советом" is more formal, often implying a request for professional guidance.

Synonyms for советоваться:

• обсуждать (to discuss)
• договариваться (to come to an agreement)

Antonyms:

• игнорировать (to ignore)
• решать самостоятельно (to decide independently)

Related Phrases:

• консультироваться с врачом - to consult a doctor (used in medical contexts)
• советоваться по делу - to consult on a matter (often used in personal or business discussions)
• брать консультацию - to take a consultation (formal, often professional)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "консультироваться" for formal or professional consultations (e.g., with doctors, lawyers). Use "советоваться" for informal discussions or seeking personal advice.
• Reflexive nature: Both verbs are reflexive in Russian (note the "-ся" ending), which is a grammatical feature indicating the action reflects back on the subject.
• Aspect: Both verbs are imperfective, used for ongoing or habitual actions. For a completed consultation, you might encounter perfective forms like "проконсультироваться" or "посоветоваться."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "консультироваться" in informal settings. Incorrect: "Я консультируюсь с другом." Correct: "Я советуюсь с другом." (I consult with a friend.)
• Error: Forgetting the reflexive ending "-ся." Incorrect: "Я советую." Correct: "Я советуюсь." (The verb must be reflexive when used in this sense.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, seeking advice or consulting others (especially elders or experts) is often seen as a sign of respect and wisdom. Using "советоваться" with family or close friends reflects a communal approach to decision-making, which is valued in many Russian-speaking communities.

Related Concepts:

• совет (advice)
• консультация (consultation)
• обсуждение (discussion)