Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'discern'

English Word: discern

Key Russian Translations:

• различать [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕatʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• распознать [rɐspɐˈznatʲ] - [Formal, Often Used for Recognition]
• заметить [zɐˈmʲetʲɪtʲ] - [Informal, Noticing Something]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate) for "различать" and "заметить"; B2 (Intermediate) for "распознать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

различать: [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕatʲ]

Note on различать: Pay attention to the soft "л" sound and stress on the third syllable.

распознать: [rɐspɐˈznatʲ]

Note on распознать: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "с" is soft.

заметить: [zɐˈmʲetʲɪtʲ]

Note on заметить: Stress on the second syllable; the "т" is soft.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To distinguish or perceive differences

Translation(s) & Context:

• различать - Used when distinguishing between two or more things, often in a formal or analytical context.

Usage Examples:

• Он может различать тонкие оттенки цветов.

  He can discern subtle shades of color.

• Трудно различать правду и ложь в его словах.

  It’s hard to discern truth from lies in his words.

• Мы должны различать важное от второстепенного.

  We must discern the important from the secondary.

2. To recognize or identify something

Translation(s) & Context:

• распознать - Often used for recognizing patterns, faces, or hidden meanings.

Usage Examples:

• Она смогла распознать его голос даже по телефону.

  She was able to discern his voice even over the phone.

• Система может распознать текст на изображении.

  The system can discern text in an image.

3. To notice or observe something

Translation(s) & Context:

• заметить - Used in informal contexts for noticing or spotting something.

Usage Examples:

• Ты заметил, как он посмотрел на нас?

  Did you discern how he looked at us?

• Я заметил небольшую ошибку в тексте.

  I discerned a small mistake in the text.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

различать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular conjugation in the present, past, and future tenses. Below is the present tense conjugation:

Person	Conjugation
Я (I)	различаю [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕaju]
Ты (You, singular)	различаешь [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕajeʂ]
Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It)	различает [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕajet]
Мы (We)	различаем [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕajem]
Вы (You, plural/formal)	различаете [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕajetʲe]
Они (They)	различают [rɐzʲlʲɪˈt͡ɕajut]

распознать (Verb, Perfective): Used for completed actions; often paired with "различать" for ongoing actions.

заметить (Verb, Perfective): Indicates a one-time act of noticing; imperfective counterpart is "замечать".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for различать:

• отличать
• разделять

Note: "отличать" is often used interchangeably with "различать", but "разделять" implies a stronger separation.

Antonyms for различать:

• путать
• смешивать

Related Phrases:

• различать добро и зло - To discern good from evil.
• распознать опасность - To discern danger.
• заметить разницу - To discern a difference.

Usage Notes:

• "различать" is the most general and formal translation for "discern", suitable for distinguishing abstract or concrete differences.
• "распознать" emphasizes recognition and is often used in contexts of identifying something hidden or unclear.
• "заметить" is more casual and typically refers to noticing something without deep analysis.
• Be mindful of aspect: "различать" (imperfective) is for ongoing actions, while "распознать" and "заметить" (perfective) imply a completed act.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "заметить" in formal contexts where "различать" is more appropriate.
  Incorrect: Я заметил различия в теориях.
  Correct: Я различил различия в теориях.
  Explanation: "заметить" is too informal for academic or analytical contexts.
• Error: Confusing aspects by using "различать" for a one-time recognition.
  Incorrect: Я различил его лицо в толпе.
  Correct: Я распознал его лицо в толпе.
  Explanation: "распознать" fits completed, one-time actions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the ability to "discern" (различать) is often associated with wisdom or keen observation, especially in literature or proverbs. For instance, discerning truth from deception is a recurring theme in Russian folklore.

Related Concepts:

• понимать (to understand)
• воспринимать (to perceive)
• чувствовать (to sense)