Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contemplate'

English Word: Contemplate

Key Russian Translations:

• размышлять [rɐzˈmɨʂlʲætʲ] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• обдумывать [ɐbˈdumɨvætʲ] - [Neutral, Practical Context]
• созерцать [səzʲɪrˈtsatʲ] - [Formal, Philosophical or Visual Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate) for "размышлять" and "обдумывать"; B2-C1 (Intermediate to Advanced) for "созерцать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

размышлять: [rɐzˈmɨʂlʲætʲ]

Note on размышлять: Stress on the second syllable; the "ш" sound is a soft hissing sound, distinct from English "sh".

обдумывать: [ɐbˈdumɨvætʲ]

Note on обдумывать: Stress on the second syllable; the initial "о" is reduced to a schwa-like sound in unstressed position.

созерцать: [səzʲɪrˈtsatʲ]

Note on созерцать: Stress on the third syllable; the "ц" sound is a sharp "ts".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To Think Deeply About Something

Translation(s) & Context:

• размышлять - Used for deep or reflective thinking, often abstract or philosophical.
• обдумывать - Used for considering or pondering over a specific idea or decision, often practical.

Usage Examples:

• Она сидела у окна и размышляла о будущем.

  She sat by the window and contemplated the future.

• Я должен обдумать это предложение перед тем, как согласиться.

  I need to contemplate this offer before agreeing.

• Он часто размышляет о смысле жизни.

  He often contemplates the meaning of life.

2. To Look Thoughtfully at Something

Translation(s) & Context:

• созерцать - Used for gazing or observing thoughtfully, often with a sense of admiration or introspection.

Usage Examples:

• Мы созерцали закат на берегу моря.

  We contemplated the sunset on the seashore.

• Он стоял и созерцал звёзды в ночном небе.

  He stood and contemplated the stars in the night sky.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

размышлять (Verb, Imperfective):

Note: Imperfective verbs like "размышлять" denote ongoing or habitual actions. Perfective form: "поразмышлять".

обдумывать and созерцать follow similar conjugation patterns as imperfective verbs. Perfective forms are "обдумать" and "посозерцать", respectively.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for размышлять:

• думать
• рассуждать
• мечтать (in a daydreaming sense)

Note: "думать" is more general, while "рассуждать" implies reasoning or discussion.

Antonyms for размышлять:

• игнорировать
• забывать

Related Phrases:

• размышлять вслух - To think aloud.
• обдумывать план - To contemplate a plan.
• созерцать природу - To contemplate nature.

Usage Notes:

• "размышлять" is the most versatile translation for "contemplate" and can be used in both abstract and casual contexts.
• "обдумывать" is more specific to thinking over something concrete, like a decision or plan.
• "созерцать" carries a visual or philosophical connotation and is less common in everyday speech; it’s often used in literary or formal contexts.
• Pay attention to aspect (imperfective vs. perfective) when using these verbs, as it affects the meaning (ongoing vs. completed action).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "созерцать" for everyday thinking contexts. Incorrect: "Я созерцаю, что купить." Correct: "Я размышляю, что купить." (I’m contemplating what to buy.) Explanation: "созерцать" implies visual or deep observation, not practical thinking.
• Error: Ignoring verb aspect. Incorrect: "Я размышлял решение." Correct: "Я обдумал решение." (I contemplated the decision [and reached a conclusion].) Explanation: Use perfective forms like "обдумать" for completed actions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, deep contemplation or reflection ("размышление") is often associated with philosophical or existential discussions, reflecting the stereotype of the "Russian soul" as introspective and profound. The verb "созерцать" may evoke imagery of nature or spiritual meditation, often tied to Russian literature and art.

Related Concepts:

• мысль (thought)
• раздумье (deep thought, hesitation)
• медитация (meditation)