Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'embody'

English Word: embody

Key Russian Translations:

• воплощать /vəplɐˈʂatʲ/ - [Formal, Verb; Used in abstract or philosophical contexts]
• воплощение /vəplɐˈʂenʲje/ - [Formal, Noun; Used to denote a physical or conceptual representation]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, philosophy, and formal discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of abstract concepts and verb conjugations; For 'воплощать' as a verb, it's B2, while 'воплощение' as a noun is B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

воплощать: /vəplɐˈʂatʲ/

воплощение: /vəplɐˈʂenʲje/

Note on воплощать: The 'щ' sound (/ʂ/) can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to 'sh' in 'she' but with a more fricative quality. Pronounce it with emphasis on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To give a concrete form to an idea or quality (e.g., to represent or manifest something abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• воплощать - Used in formal contexts like philosophy or art to describe the act of bringing an idea into reality.
• воплощение - Refers to the result or embodiment of something, often in a noun form for descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта статуя воплощает дух свободы.

  This statue embodies the spirit of freedom.

• В его выступлении воплощается идея равенства.

  In his speech, the idea of equality is embodied.

• Воплощение мечты в реальность требует усилий.

  The embodiment of a dream into reality requires effort.

• Художник пытается воплощать абстрактные концепции в картинах.

  The artist tries to embody abstract concepts in paintings.

To include or contain as an essential part (e.g., to incorporate)

Translation(s) & Context:

• воплощать - Informal or technical contexts, such as in design or engineering, to mean integrating elements.
• воплощение - Less common here, but can imply the integrated whole in formal writing.

Usage Examples:

• Новый дизайн воплощает современные технологии.

  The new design embodies modern technologies.

• Эта политика воплощает ценности демократии.

  This policy embodies the values of democracy.

• Воплощение идей в продукт происходит на этапе разработки.

  The embodiment of ideas into a product happens during the development stage.

• Компания воплощает инновации в повседневную жизнь.

  The company embodies innovations in everyday life.

• Воплощение плана требует тщательного планирования.

  Embodying the plan requires careful planning.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'воплощать' (verb, imperfective aspect):

This is a first-conjugation verb with regular inflections, but it follows patterns common in Russian verbs ending in -ать. It is imperfective, meaning it describes ongoing or repeated actions. Below is a table of its key inflections:

For 'воплощение' (noun, neuter gender):

This is a neuter noun in the second declension. It has regular inflections and changes by case and number. It is indeclinable in plural for most cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: осуществлять (to implement; more action-oriented), воплощать идеи (similar but often used interchangeably; differs by emphasizing ideas specifically)
• Антонимы: разрушать (to destroy; used when the opposite is disintegration), отрицать (to deny; in conceptual contexts)

Related Phrases:

• воплощать идею - Embodies an idea; Used in creative or philosophical discussions.
• воплощение мечты - Embodiment of a dream; Common in motivational or literary contexts.
• воплощать в жизнь - To bring to life; A fixed phrase for realizing plans or visions.

Usage Notes:

'Embody' translates most accurately to 'воплощать' when referring to verbs, but choose 'воплощение' for nouns to match the static form. In Russian, these words are often used in formal or written language, such as in essays or speeches, rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of aspect: 'воплощать' is imperfective, so it's for ongoing processes, while its perfective counterpart 'воплотить' might be more precise for completed actions. When selecting between translations, consider the context—philosophical for 'воплощать' and descriptive for 'воплощение'.

Common Errors:

• Confusing verb aspects: English learners often use 'воплощать' when 'воплотить' (perfective) is needed for a completed action. Error: "Я воплощать идею вчера" (incorrect). Correct: "Я воплотил идею вчера." Explanation: Russian verbs require the correct aspect to indicate completion.
• Misapplying inflections: Forgetting to change 'воплощение' in genitive case. Error: "Без воплощение" (incorrect). Correct: "Без воплощения." Explanation: Nouns must agree in case, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'воплощать' often appear in literary and philosophical contexts, influenced by thinkers like Dostoevsky, who explored themes of human embodiment and ideals. It carries a deeper connotation of spiritual or existential realization, reflecting Russia's rich tradition in introspective arts.

Related Concepts:

• символизировать (to symbolize)
• представлять (to represent)
• осуществлять (to realize)