Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Designate'

English Word: Designate

Key Russian Translations:

• назначать [nɐˈznatʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Often used in official contexts]
• обозначать [ɐbɐˈznatʲɪtʲ] - [Neutral, Verb, Used for labeling or indicating]
• указывать [ʊkɐˈzatʲɪtʲ] - [Neutral, Verb, Often used for pointing out or specifying]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and written contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

назначать: [nɐˈznatʲɪtʲ]

Note on назначать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'ч' is pronounced as a soft 'ch' sound.

обозначать: [ɐbɐˈznatʲɪtʲ]

Note on обозначать: Stress on the third syllable. The initial 'о' is unstressed and reduced to a schwa sound.

указывать: [ʊkɐˈzatʲɪtʲ]

Note on указывать: Stress on the third syllable. Ensure the 'ы' is pronounced as a distinct vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To appoint or assign (a role, task, or position)

Translation(s) & Context:

• назначать - Used in formal contexts to assign someone to a position or role.

Usage Examples:

• Его назначили директором компании.

  He was designated as the director of the company.

• Президент назначил нового министра.

  The president designated a new minister.

• Комитет назначил встречу на завтра.

  The committee designated a meeting for tomorrow.

2. To label, indicate, or mark (something)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обозначать - Used for labeling or marking something, often in written or technical contexts.
• указывать - Used for pointing out or specifying something, often in speech or instructions.

Usage Examples:

• На карте обозначены все достопримечательности.

  All landmarks are designated on the map.

• Этот знак обозначает опасность.

  This sign designates danger.

• Учитель указал на ошибки в тексте.

  The teacher designated the errors in the text.

• Пожалуйста, укажите правильный путь.

  Please designate the correct path.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

назначать (to designate/assign): This is an imperfective verb of the first conjugation. Below is the present tense conjugation:

Person	Singular	Plural
1st	назначаю [nɐˈznatʲɪʊ]	назначаем [nɐˈznatʲɪɪm]
2nd	назначаешь [nɐˈznatʲɪɪʂ]	назначаете [nɐˈznatʲɪɪtʲɪ]
3rd	назначает [nɐˈznatʲɪɪt]	назначают [nɐˈznatʲɪʊt]

Note: Perfective form is "назначить" [nɐˈznatʲɪtʲ], used for completed actions.

обозначать (to designate/indicate): Also an imperfective verb of the first conjugation. Conjugates similarly to "назначать". Perfective form is "обозначить".

указывать (to designate/point out): Imperfective verb of the first conjugation. Perfective form is "указать".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for назначать (to assign):

• определять
• устанавливать

Note: "определять" often implies defining or determining, while "устанавливать" is used for setting rules or dates.

Synonyms for обозначать (to indicate):

• отмечать
• помечать

Antonyms: None directly applicable across all meanings.

Related Phrases:

• назначать встречу - To designate/set a meeting.
• обозначать границы - To designate/mark boundaries.
• указывать направление - To designate/point out a direction.

Usage Notes:

• "Назначать" is primarily used in formal contexts for appointing people to positions or scheduling events. It does not apply to labeling objects.
• "Обозначать" is more appropriate for indicating or marking something, especially in written or technical contexts (e.g., on maps or diagrams).
• "Указывать" often implies pointing out or specifying verbally or visually, and it can be used in both formal and informal settings.
• Be mindful of aspect (imperfective vs. perfective) in Russian verbs. Use imperfective forms for ongoing or habitual actions and perfective for completed actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "назначать" to mean "indicate" on a map. Wrong: "На карте назначили место." Correct: "На карте обозначили место." (Explanation: "Назначать" is for appointments, not physical indications.)
• Error: Ignoring verb aspect. Wrong: "Я назначу встречу вчера." Correct: "Я назначил встречу вчера." (Explanation: Use perfective "назначить" for past completed actions.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the verb "назначать" often carries a sense of authority or officialdom, reflecting the cultural importance of hierarchy in formal settings. Using it in casual contexts might sound overly serious or bureaucratic.

Related Concepts:

• назначение (appointment/designation)
• указание (instruction/indication)
• обозначение (notation/label)