Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Destine'

English Word: destine

Key Russian Translations:

• предназначать [prʲɪdnəzˈnat͡ɕɪtʲ] - [Formal, Often used in written contexts]
• судить [sʊˈdʲitʲ] - [Formal, Literary, Often implies fate or destiny]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "предназначать"; C1 (Advanced) for "судить"

Pronunciation (Russian):

предназначать: [prʲɪdnəzˈnat͡ɕɪtʲ]

Note on предназначать: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ч" sound is a soft affricate, similar to 'ch' in "church."

судить: [sʊˈdʲitʲ]

Note on судить: Stress on the second syllable. The final "ть" indicates an infinitive verb form, often softened in speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To intend or designate for a specific purpose

Translation(s) & Context:

• предназначать - Commonly used to indicate something is intended or designed for a purpose (e.g., in formal or technical contexts).

Usage Examples:

• Этот зал предназначен для конференций.

  This hall is destined/intended for conferences.

• Программа была предназначена для студентов.

  The program was destined/intended for students.

• Эти средства предназначены для благотворительности.

  These funds are destined for charity.

2. To determine by fate or destiny

Translation(s) & Context:

• судить - Used in a literary or philosophical sense to imply fate or predestination.

Usage Examples:

• Ему было суждено стать героем.

  He was destined to become a hero.

• Судьба судила нам встретиться снова.

  Fate destined us to meet again.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

предназначать (Verb, Imperfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ать. Below is the present tense conjugation:

судить (Verb, Imperfective): This verb also follows regular conjugation but is often used in set expressions like "было суждено" (was destined). See present tense below:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for предназначать:

• назначать (to appoint/designate, often more formal)
• отводить (to allocate/set aside, often for a purpose)

Synonyms for судить (in the sense of fate):

• предопределять (to predetermine, more formal)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as the concept of "destine" lacks a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• предназначен для (intended for) - Used to specify the purpose of an object or action.
• было суждено (was destined) - A common expression to describe something fated to happen.

Usage Notes:

• "предназначать" is the more common and versatile translation for "destine" when referring to intentional designation or purpose. It is widely used in formal and written contexts.
• "судить" is more literary and often appears in expressions like "было суждено" to imply fate or destiny. It is less common in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of the aspectual difference in Russian verbs: "предназначать" (imperfective) can be paired with "предназначить" (perfective) for completed actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "судить" in a context where "judge" is meant instead of "destine." Example: *Я сужу его судьбу* (incorrect, sounds like "I judge his fate"). Correct: Use "предназначать" for intentional purpose or rephrase with "было суждено" for fate.
• Error: Incorrect conjugation of "предназначать" by non-native speakers, often omitting the soft sign in forms like "предназначаешь." Correct: Always include the soft sign for proper pronunciation and spelling.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of fate or destiny ("судьба") carries significant weight, often tied to philosophical or fatalistic views of life. Expressions like "было суждено" are common in literature and storytelling, reflecting a deep cultural belief in predestination.

Related Concepts:

• судьба (fate/destiny)
• рок (fate, often with a tragic connotation)
• предназначение (purpose/mission)