Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Decide'

English Word: Decide

Key Russian Translations:

• решить [rʲɪˈʂɨtʲ] - [Formal, Informal]
• решаться [rʲɪˈʂatʲsə] - [Reflexive, Often used for personal decisions]
• принять решение [prʲɪˈnʲatʲ rʲɪˈʂenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Phrase for "make a decision"]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "решить"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "решаться" and "принять решение"

Pronunciation (Russian):

решить: [rʲɪˈʂɨtʲ]

Note on решить: Stress is on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

решаться: [rʲɪˈʂatʲsə]

Note on решаться: The reflexive suffix "-ся" is unstressed and pronounced softly.

принять решение: [prʲɪˈnʲatʲ rʲɪˈʂenʲɪjə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To make a choice or come to a conclusion

Translation(s) & Context:

• решить - Commonly used for both personal and general decisions (e.g., deciding on a plan or solving a problem).
• принять решение - More formal, often used in official or serious contexts (e.g., making a business decision).

Usage Examples:

• Я решил поехать в отпуск летом.

  I decided to go on vacation in the summer.

• Мы должны решить эту проблему как можно скорее.

  We need to decide on (solve) this problem as soon as possible.

• Совет директоров принял решение о расширении компании.

  The board of directors made a decision to expand the company.

2. To resolve or settle (oneself) on a decision

Translation(s) & Context:

• решаться - Reflexive form, often implying personal hesitation or internal struggle before deciding.

Usage Examples:

• Он долго не мог решиться на переезд.

  He couldn’t decide to move for a long time.

• Наконец-то я решился сказать правду.

  Finally, I decided to tell the truth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

решить (Perfective Verb): This verb is perfective, indicating a completed action. It conjugates irregularly in some forms.

Person	Present (Imperfective: решать)	Past (решить)	Future (решить)
Я (I)	решаю	решил	решу
Ты (You, sing.)	решаешь	решил	решишь
Он/Она (He/She)	решает	решил/решила	решит

решаться (Reflexive Verb): Follows similar conjugation patterns but includes the reflexive suffix "-ся".

принять решение: The verb "принять" (perfective) changes based on person and gender in the past tense, while "решение" (neuter noun) declines by case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "решить":

• определить (to determine)
• постановить (to decree, formal)

Note: "определить" is often used for defining or determining something specific, while "постановить" is highly formal and legalistic.

Antonyms for "решить":

• колебаться (to hesitate)
• сомневаться (to doubt)

Related Phrases:

• решить вопрос - "to settle a matter" (used for resolving issues or questions).
• принять окончательное решение - "to make a final decision" (formal, emphasizing finality).
• решиться на что-то - "to make up one’s mind to do something" (used for bold or difficult decisions).

Usage Notes:

• "решить" is the most versatile and common translation for "decide", suitable for both everyday and semi-formal contexts. It can also mean "to solve" (e.g., a problem).
• "решаться" is reflexive and often implies an emotional or internal struggle before deciding. It is always used with "на" + accusative case when deciding "on" something.
• "принять решение" is a formal phrase, often used in written language or official contexts. It literally means "to accept a decision".

Common Errors:

1. Using "решить" instead of "решаться" for personal decisions:

Incorrect: Я решил на покупку дома. (I decided on buying a house.)

Correct: Я решился на покупку дома.

Explanation: For personal or emotional decisions involving "на" + accusative, the reflexive "решаться" is required.

2. Misusing "принять решение" in casual speech:

Incorrect: Я принял решение пойти в магазин.

Correct: Я решил пойти в магазин.

Explanation: "принять решение" is too formal for everyday decisions like going to the store.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, decision-making can sometimes be seen as a collective process, especially in family or community settings. The phrase "принять решение" may carry a sense of finality and responsibility, often used in contexts where a group or authority is involved.

Related Concepts:

• выбор (choice)
• сомнение (doubt)
• размышление (deliberation)