Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Date'

English Word: Date

Key Russian Translations:

• дата [ˈdatə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• свидание [svʲɪˈdanʲɪjə] - [Informal, Romantic Context]

Frequency: High (both translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "дата"); B1 (Intermediate for "свидание")

Pronunciation (Russian):

дата: [ˈdatə]

Note on дата: Stress is on the first syllable. The "а" sounds like the 'a' in "father."

свидание: [svʲɪˈdanʲɪjə]

Note on свидание: Stress on the second syllable. The "св" cluster may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Calendar Date (Specific Day)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дата - Refers to a specific day on the calendar, used in formal and neutral contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Какова дата вашего рождения?

  What is the date of your birth?

• Дата на документе - 15 октября.

  The date on the document is October 15.

• Укажите дату начала проекта.

  Indicate the start date of the project.

2. Romantic Meeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• свидание - Refers to a romantic meeting or date, used in informal and personal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• У меня сегодня свидание с девушкой.

  I have a date with a girl today.

• Где ты был на первом свидании?

  Where did you go on your first date?

• Она согласилась пойти на свидание.

  She agreed to go on a date.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дата (Noun, Feminine):

свидание (Noun, Neuter):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дата:

• число (specific day, less formal)

Synonyms for свидание:

• встреча (meeting, can be romantic or general)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either translation.

Related Phrases:

• дата выпуска - Release date (e.g., of a product or film).
• назначить свидание - To arrange a date (romantic meeting).
• первое свидание - First date (romantic context).

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "дата" and "свидание" depends on context. Use "дата" for calendar dates and formal references, while "свидание" is strictly for romantic or personal meetings.
• "дата" is often used in written and formal speech, such as documents or official announcements.
• "свидание" can also mean "meeting" in a broader sense in some contexts, though it typically implies a romantic undertone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "свидание" to refer to a calendar date. Incorrect: "Какое свидание сегодня?" (Intended: "What date is it today?")
  Correct: "Какая дата сегодня?"
  Explanation: "свидание" implies a personal meeting, not a calendar date.
• Error: Using "дата" in a romantic context. Incorrect: "У меня дата с ней." (Intended: "I have a date with her.")
  Correct: "У меня свидание с ней."
  Explanation: "дата" lacks the personal or romantic connotation needed here.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "свидание" often carries a strong romantic connotation. Inviting someone on a "свидание" is generally understood as expressing interest in a romantic relationship. Public displays of affection on dates may be less common in traditional settings compared to Western cultures.

Related Concepts:

• время (time)
• день (day)
• встреча (meeting)