Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'disrupt'

English Word: disrupt

Key Russian Translations:

• нарушить [nɐˈruʂɪtʲ] - [Formal, often used in contexts involving rules or systems]
• прервать [prʲɪˈrvatʲ] - [Informal, commonly used for interrupting speech or processes]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in everyday Russian, especially in professional and academic contexts, but not as common as basic verbs.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and context, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge. For 'нарушить', it may lean towards B2 due to its formal nuances.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нарушить: [nɐˈruʂɪtʲ]

Note on нарушить: The 'ш' sound (as in 'sh') can be challenging for English speakers; it's a soft, palatalized fricative. Stress falls on the second syllable.

прервать: [prʲɪˈrvatʲ]

Note on прервать: The initial 'пр' cluster is pronounced quickly; the 'р' is rolled, which is a common feature in Russian verbs. Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To interrupt the normal course of an event or process (e.g., causing a break or disturbance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нарушить - Used in formal or systemic contexts, such as disrupting a plan or routine.
• прервать - Applied in everyday situations, like interrupting a conversation.

Usage Examples:

• Эта забастовка может нарушить график работы завода.

  This strike could disrupt the factory's work schedule.

• Внезапный звонок прервал нашу встречу.

  The sudden phone call disrupted our meeting.

• Технологические сбои часто нарушают онлайн-обучение.

  Technical glitches often disrupt online learning.

• Он прервал речь, чтобы ответить на вопрос из зала.

  He disrupted his speech to answer a question from the audience.

• Пандемия нарушила глобальные цепочки поставок.

  The pandemic disrupted global supply chains.

To cause disorder or instability in a system (e.g., in business or social contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нарушить - Emphasizes breaking established norms or stability.

Usage Examples:

• Инновации могут нарушить традиционные бизнес-модели.

  Innovations can disrupt traditional business models.

• Политические изменения нарушили равновесие в регионе.

  Political changes disrupted the balance in the region.

• Экономический кризис нарушил планы многих семей.

  The economic crisis disrupted the plans of many families.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'нарушить' and 'прервать' are Russian verbs of the first conjugation, which means they follow regular patterns but have specific inflections based on tense, aspect, and person. 'Нарушить' is a perfective verb, while 'прервать' can be used in perfective contexts. Russian verbs do not change for subject like English, but they inflect for tense, mood, and voice.

Note: These verbs are aspectual; for imperfective forms, use 'нарушать' or 'прерывать' for ongoing actions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • нарушить: помешать (pomeshat' – to hinder), сорвать (sorvat' – to foil)
  • прервать: пресечь (presec' – to cut off), остановить (ostanovit' – to stop)
• Antonyms:
  • восстановить (vosstanovit' – to restore)
  • поддерживать (podderzhivat' – to maintain)

Related Phrases:

• Нарушить равновесие – To disrupt the balance (Refers to upsetting stability in a system or relationship.)
• Прервать связь – To disrupt a connection (Common in contexts like communication or networks.)
• Нарушить планы – To disrupt plans (Used for interfering with scheduled activities.)

Usage Notes:

'Нарушить' is more formal and often implies a violation of rules or expectations, making it a closer match to 'disrupt' in professional or legal contexts. 'Прервать' is better for temporary interruptions, like in conversations. English speakers should note that Russian verbs require aspect consideration—use perfective for completed actions. In informal speech, 'прервать' might be preferred, but always check the context to avoid sounding overly formal with 'нарушить'.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'нарушить' interchangeably with 'прервать' without considering formality. For example, learners might say "Я нарушил разговор" (incorrect for casual interruption) instead of "Я прервал разговор". Correct: "Я прервал разговор" – Explanation: 'Нарушить' suggests a more serious breach, while 'прервать' is for simple stops.

• Error: Forgetting verb aspects, e.g., using 'нарушить' for ongoing actions. Incorrect: "Я нарушу каждый день" (implies a single future action). Correct: Use imperfective 'нарушать' for habits – "Я нарушаю каждый день". Explanation: Russian requires distinguishing between perfective (completed) and imperfective (ongoing) forms.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'нарушить' often carry connotations of authority and order, reflecting the historical emphasis on stability in Soviet and post-Soviet society. For instance, disrupting public events might evoke memories of controlled environments, so using these terms in discussions about social change can add layers of historical nuance.

Related Concepts:

• сбой (sboi – glitch or failure)
• кризис (krizis – crisis)
• стабильность (stabil'nost' – stability)