Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Counsel'

English Word: Counsel

Key Russian Translations:

• совет [ˈsovʲɪt] - [Neutral, Common for advice]
• консультация [kənsʊlʲˈtatsɨjə] - [Formal, Often used in professional contexts]
• адвокат [ɐdvɐˈkat] - [Formal, Legal context for lawyer or counsel]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "совет" is highly frequent, while "адвокат" is more specialized)

Difficulty: A2-B1 for "совет" (Beginner-Intermediate); B2 for "консультация" and "адвокат" (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

совет: [ˈsovʲɪt]

Note on совет: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "e" is pronounced as a soft "ye" sound.

консультация: [kənsʊlʲˈtatsɨjə]

Note on консультация: Stress on the fourth syllable; the "ция" ending is common in formal terms.

адвокат: [ɐdvɐˈkat]

Note on адвокат: Stress on the last syllable; typical pronunciation for legal terms.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Advice or Guidance

Translation(s) & Context:

• совет - Used for general advice or suggestions in personal or informal contexts.
• консультация - Refers to professional advice, often in medical, legal, or academic settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я дал ему совет по этому вопросу.

  I gave him advice on this matter.

• Она получила консультацию у врача.

  She received a consultation from the doctor.

• Дай мне совет, как лучше поступить.

  Give me advice on how to proceed.

2. Legal Representative or Lawyer

Translation(s) & Context:

• адвокат - Refers to a lawyer or legal counsel in formal or legal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Его адвокат подготовил защиту.

  His counsel prepared the defense.

• Мне нужен адвокат для этого дела.

  I need a lawyer for this case.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

совет (noun, masculine): Regular declension for inanimate masculine nouns.

консультация (noun, feminine): Regular feminine declension, follows standard rules for nouns ending in -ция.

адвокат (noun, masculine): Regular animate masculine declension; note the accusative case matches genitive for animate nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for совет (advice):

• рекомендация
• указание

Note: "рекомендация" is more formal, while "указание" can imply instruction.

Synonyms for адвокат (lawyer):

• юрист
• защитник

Antonyms: None directly applicable across all meanings.

Related Phrases:

• дать совет - To give advice.
• просить совета - To ask for advice.
• консультация специалиста - Specialist consultation.
• нанимать адвоката - To hire a lawyer.

Usage Notes:

• "Совет" is the most versatile and common term for "counsel" as advice, suitable for most informal and neutral contexts.
• "Консультация" is strictly formal and often tied to professional or institutional advice; it’s not interchangeable with "совет" in casual speech.
• "Адвокат" is specific to legal counsel and should not be used for general advice; it directly translates to "lawyer" or "attorney."
• Pay attention to context when choosing the appropriate Russian term, as the meanings of "counsel" in English split across distinct Russian words.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "консультация" in casual conversation for advice. Incorrect: "Дай мне консультацию." Correct: "Дай мне совет."
• Error: Confusing "адвокат" with general advice. Incorrect: "Мне нужен адвокат по этому вопросу" (if not legal). Correct: "Мне нужен совет по этому вопросу."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, seeking "совет" (advice) from friends or family is very common and reflects a communal approach to problem-solving. However, formal "консультация" often implies a paid or structured service, especially in medical or legal fields.

Related Concepts:

• помощь (help)
• поддержка (support)
• закон (law, related to адвокат)