Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Depend'

English Word: Depend

Key Russian Translations:

• зависеть [zɐˈvʲisʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Informal]
• полагаться [pəlɐˈɡatʲsə] - [Formal, Used when relying on someone/something]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "зависеть"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "полагаться"

Pronunciation (Russian):

зависеть: [zɐˈvʲisʲɪtʲ]

Note on зависеть: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft 'с' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

полагаться: [pəlɐˈɡatʲsə]

Note on полагаться: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the rolled 'р' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To rely on someone or something

Translation(s) & Context:

• зависеть - Used in general contexts of dependency (e.g., on circumstances, people, or conditions).
• полагаться - Often implies trust or reliance on someone's help or a resource.

Usage Examples:

• Всё зависит от погоды завтра.

  Everything depends on the weather tomorrow.

• Я не могу зависеть от его решений.

  I can't depend on his decisions.

• Мы полагаемся на твою помощь.

  We depend on your help.

• Её успех зависит от упорного труда.

  Her success depends on hard work.

• Не стоит полагаться только на удачу.

  You shouldn't depend solely on luck.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

зависеть (verb, imperfective): This verb follows the regular conjugation pattern for second-conjugation verbs in Russian. It is used in the imperfective aspect, indicating ongoing or repeated dependency.

полагаться (verb, imperfective): This verb also follows regular second-conjugation patterns and is reflexive, always used with the particle "-ся". Conjugation is similar to "зависеть" but with reflexive endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "зависеть":

• опираться (to lean on, rely on)
• быть обусловленным (to be conditioned by)

Note: "опираться" often implies a more physical or metaphorical support, while "быть обусловленным" is more formal and abstract.

Antonyms for "зависеть":

• быть независимым (to be independent)

Related Phrases:

• зависеть от обстоятельств - to depend on circumstances
• полагаться на себя - to depend on oneself (to be self-reliant)
• всё зависит от тебя - everything depends on you

Usage Notes:

• "зависеть" is the more general and frequently used term for "depend" in Russian, applicable to a wide range of contexts, from personal reliance to abstract dependencies.
• "полагаться" is more specific and often carries a connotation of trust or expectation, especially when relying on a person or resource.
• Both verbs are imperfective, which means they describe ongoing or habitual dependency. There are no direct perfective equivalents for these verbs in common usage.
• Pay attention to the preposition "от" (from/of) used with "зависеть", as in "зависеть от кого-то" (to depend on someone).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "зависеть" with "полагаться" and using them interchangeably. For example, saying "Я полагаюсь от погоды" is incorrect because "полагаться" typically takes "на" (on), not "от".
  Correct: "Я завишу от погоды" (I depend on the weather) or "Я полагаюсь на прогноз" (I rely on the forecast).
• Error: Forgetting the reflexive particle "-ся" with "полагаться". Saying "Я полагаю на тебя" is wrong.
  Correct: "Я полагаюсь на тебя" (I depend on you).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of dependency ("зависеть") can sometimes carry a negative connotation, especially in personal relationships, as independence is highly valued. However, relying on close family or friends ("полагаться") is often seen as a sign of trust and mutual support.

Related Concepts:

• независимость (independence)
• доверие (trust)
• поддержка (support)