Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'despite'

English Word: despite

Key Russian Translations:

• несмотря на [nʲɪˈsmʲotrʲə nə] - [Formal/Informal, Preposition]
• вопреки [vɐˈprʲekʲɪ] - [Formal, Preposition]

Frequency: High (commonly used in both spoken and written Russian)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

несмотря на: [nʲɪˈsmʲotrʲə nə]

Note on несмотря на: The stress falls on the second syllable of "несмотря". The preposition "на" is unstressed.

вопреки: [vɐˈprʲekʲɪ]

Note on вопреки: The stress is on the second syllable. The "о" in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa sound [ɐ].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. In spite of (indicating contrast or opposition)

Translation(s) & Context:

• несмотря на - Used in both formal and informal contexts to express contrast or opposition, often with a noun or pronoun in the accusative case.
• вопреки - More formal, often used in written language or serious discussions, typically with a noun in the dative case.

Usage Examples:

• Несмотря на дождь, мы пошли гулять.

  Despite the rain, we went for a walk.

• Несмотря на его предупреждения, она продолжила свой путь.

  Despite his warnings, she continued on her way.

• Вопреки ожиданиям, проект был завершен вовремя.

  Despite expectations, the project was completed on time.

• Вопреки всем трудностям, они достигли своей цели.

  Despite all the difficulties, they achieved their goal.

• Несмотря на усталость, он закончил работу.

  Despite being tired, he finished the work.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

несмотря на: This is a fixed prepositional phrase and does not inflect. It always governs the accusative case.

вопреки: This is a preposition and does not inflect. It governs the dative case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• невзирая на (more formal, similar to несмотря на)
• наперекор (stronger sense of defiance, similar to вопреки)

Antonyms:

• благодаря (thanks to, due to)
• из-за (because of)

Note: Synonyms like "невзирая на" are more formal and less common in everyday speech, while "наперекор" often implies active opposition or defiance.

Related Phrases:

• несмотря на всё - "despite everything" (used to emphasize overcoming all obstacles)
• вопреки здравому смыслу - "despite common sense" (used to highlight irrational actions)
• несмотря на обстоятельства - "despite the circumstances" (common in formal or dramatic contexts)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "несмотря на" for general purposes as it is more versatile and common in both spoken and written Russian. Use "вопреки" for formal contexts or when emphasizing defiance or opposition, especially in written texts.
• Case government: "Несмотря на" requires the accusative case, while "вопреки" requires the dative case. This is a crucial grammatical distinction.
• Register: "Вопреки" may sound overly formal or literary in casual conversation, so it’s better reserved for writing or serious discussions.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect case usage: English learners often use the wrong case after these prepositions. For example, saying "несмотря на него" (correct) vs. "несмотря на ему" (incorrect, wrong case). Always use accusative with "несмотря на" and dative with "вопреки".
• Mixing prepositions: Learners may confuse "несмотря на" with "вопреки" and use them interchangeably. For instance, "вопреки дождь" (incorrect) instead of "вопреки дождю" (correct, dative case).
• Overusing "вопреки": Beginners may overuse "вопреки" in casual speech, making their language sound unnaturally formal. Stick to "несмотря на" in everyday contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions like "вопреки всему" (despite everything) often carry a sense of resilience or determination, reflecting a historical and cultural emphasis on overcoming adversity. This phrase is frequently used in literature and personal narratives to highlight perseverance.

Related Concepts:

• упрямство (stubbornness)
• сопротивление (resistance)
• препятствие (obstacle)