Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Demonstrate'

English Word: demonstrate

Key Russian Translations:

• демонстрировать [dʲɪmɐnˈstrʲirəvətʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• показывать [pɐkɐˈzɨvətʲ] - [Informal, Everyday Use]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

демонстрировать: [dʲɪmɐnˈstrʲirəvətʲ]

Note on демонстрировать: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

показывать: [pɐkɐˈzɨvətʲ]

Note on показывать: Stress on the third syllable. The 'ы' sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced like a short 'i' with the tongue retracted.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To show or prove something clearly (e.g., a concept or skill)

Translation(s) & Context:

• демонстрировать - Often used in formal or academic contexts, such as demonstrating a theory or skill.
• показывать - More casual, used for physically showing something or demonstrating in everyday situations.

Usage Examples:

• Учитель демонстрирует новый метод решения задачи.

  The teacher demonstrates a new method for solving the problem.

• Он показал, как пользоваться этим устройством.

  He demonstrated how to use this device.

• Она демонстрировала свои таланты на сцене.

  She demonstrated her talents on stage.

• Можете ли вы показать мне, как это работает?

  Can you demonstrate to me how this works?

• Мы должны демонстрировать уважение к старшим.

  We should demonstrate respect for elders.

2. To express or display (e.g., emotions or attitudes)

Translation(s) & Context:

• демонстрировать - Used to display emotions, attitudes, or behaviors, often in a deliberate or public way.

Usage Examples:

• Он демонстрировал полное безразличие к проблеме.

  He demonstrated complete indifference to the problem.

• Она демонстрировала уверенность во время презентации.

  She demonstrated confidence during the presentation.

• Команда демонстрировала единство на соревновании.

  The team demonstrated unity during the competition.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

демонстрировать (verb, imperfective): Regular verb conjugation in Russian. Below is the present tense conjugation:

показывать (verb, imperfective): Also a regular verb. Follows similar conjugation patterns to демонстрировать. Perfective form is показать [pɐkɐˈzatʲ].

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for демонстрировать:

• показывать
• выставлять
• предъявлять (more formal, often used in legal contexts)

Note: "показывать" is more casual, while "предъявлять" often implies presenting evidence or documents.

Antonyms for демонстрировать:

• скрывать (to hide)
• утаивать (to conceal)

Related Phrases:

• демонстрировать знания - To demonstrate knowledge (e.g., in a test or discussion).
• показывать пример - To set an example (lit. to show an example).
• демонстрировать силу - To demonstrate strength (physical or metaphorical).

Usage Notes:

• "демонстрировать" is more formal and often used in written language or professional settings. It can apply to abstract concepts like emotions or ideas.
• "показывать" is more versatile and common in spoken language, often implying a physical or visible demonstration.
• Be mindful of aspect in Russian verbs: both are imperfective, but "показать" (perfective of "показывать") is used for one-time completed actions.

Common Errors:

Error 1: Using "демонстрировать" in casual speech. While it’s grammatically correct, it sounds overly formal. For example, saying "Я демонстрирую тебе мой новый телефон" sounds unnatural.

Correct Usage: Use "показываю" instead: "Я показываю тебе мой новый телефон" (I’m showing you my new phone).

Error 2: Ignoring verb aspect. English speakers may forget to switch to the perfective "показать" for completed actions. For instance, "Я показываю тебе это вчера" is incorrect.

Correct Usage: Use "показал" (perfective past): "Я показал тебе это вчера" (I showed you this yesterday).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, demonstrating emotions or opinions publicly (using "демонстрировать") can sometimes be seen as less reserved or even impolite, depending on the context. Russians may value understated expressions in personal interactions, so the choice of verb and tone matters.

Related Concepts:

• объяснять (to explain)
• иллюстрировать (to illustrate)
• представлять (to present)