Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'conversation'

English Word: conversation

Key Russian Translations:

• разговор [rəzɡɐˈvor] - [Informal, ascendancy, [Neutral]
• беседа [bʲɪˈsʲedə] - [Formal]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "разговор"; B1 (Intermediate) for "беседа"

Pronunciation (Russian):

разговор: [rəzɡɐˈvor]

Note on разговор: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "r" is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

беседа: [bʲɪˈsʲedə]

Note on беседа: The "б" is softened due to the following "е", a common feature in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Casual talk or chat

Translation(s) & Context:

• разговор - Used in everyday, informal settings to refer to a chat or discussion.

Usage Examples:

• У нас был интересный разговор о книгах.

  We had an interesting conversation about books.

• Давай продолжим этот разговор позже.

  Let's continue this conversation later.

• Я случайно услышал их разговор.

  I accidentally overheard their conversation.

2. Formal or intellectual discussion

Translation(s) & Context:

• беседа - Used in formal or literary contexts, often implying a deeper or more thoughtful exchange.

Usage Examples:

• На лекции была проведена беседа о культуре.

  A discussion on culture was held during the lecture.

• Учитель провел беседу с учениками о будущем.

  The teacher had a conversation with the students about the future.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

разговор (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

беседа (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for разговор:

• диалог (more specific to a two-person exchange)
• чат (informal, often used for online chats)

Synonyms for беседа:

• дискуссия (more debate-oriented)
• обсуждение (focus on discussion of a topic)

Antonyms:

• молчание (silence)

Related Phrases:

• завести разговор - To start a conversation.
• поддерживать беседу - To keep a conversation going.
• прервать разговор - To interrupt a conversation.

Usage Notes:

• "разговор" is the default choice for most everyday contexts when referring to a conversation. It is neutral and widely understood.
• "беседа" is more formal and often used in written language or professional settings. It may sound overly sophisticated in casual speech.
• Pay attention to case endings when using these nouns in sentences, as Russian grammar requires agreement with prepositions and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "беседа" in informal settings. Example: *Давай устроим беседу за кофе.* (Incorrect, sounds unnatural)
• Correct Usage: Давай устроим разговор за кофе. (Let's have a chat over coffee.)
• Explanation: "беседа" is too formal for casual contexts like meeting for coffee. Use "разговор" instead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, conversations (especially "разговор") often play a significant role in social bonding. Russians may engage in long, heartfelt discussions over tea or meals, valuing sincerity and depth in communication.

Related Concepts:

• общение (communication)
• диалог (dialogue)
• спор (argument)