Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'enable'

English Word: enable

Key Russian Translations:

• Позволять [pɐz.vɐˈlʲatʲ] - [Formal, used for making something possible or granting permission]
• Включить [vklʲʊˈtʃʲitʲ] - [Informal, often for activating devices or functions]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday and technical contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding verb conjugations and context; for 'Позволять', it's B1; for 'Включить', it's A2)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Позволять: [pɐz.vɐˈlʲatʲ]

Note on Позволять: The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable; be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Включить: [vklʲʊˈtʃʲitʲ]

Note on Включить: The initial 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative; common in tech-related speech, with variations in speed.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To make something possible or provide the means for it

Translation(s) & Context:

• Позволять - Used in formal or permissive contexts, such as enabling access or opportunities in professional or everyday situations.

Usage Examples:

• Эта технология позволяет пользователям работать удаленно.

  This technology enables users to work remotely.

• Образование должно позволять детям развивать свои таланты.

  Education should enable children to develop their talents.

• Новый закон позволит компаниям расширять бизнес за границей.

  The new law will enable companies to expand their business abroad.

• Финансовая помощь позволяет семье купить дом.

  Financial aid enables the family to buy a house.

Meaning 2: To activate or turn on something, like a feature or device

Translation(s) & Context:

• Включить - Commonly used in informal, technical, or everyday contexts for enabling electronic devices or functions.

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, включите Bluetooth на вашем телефоне.

  Please enable Bluetooth on your phone.

• Чтобы начать, нужно включить опцию в настройках.

  To get started, you need to enable the option in the settings.

• Система автоматически включает функции безопасности.

  The system automatically enables security features.

• Пользователь может включить уведомления для обновлений.

  The user can enable notifications for updates.

• Включите микрофон перед началом звонка.

  Enable the microphone before starting the call.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Позволять' and 'Включить' are Russian verbs, which undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. Russian verbs have imperfective and perfective aspects; 'Позволять' is imperfective, while 'Включить' is perfective.

For 'Позволять' (imperfective):

For 'Включить' (perfective, often used with perfective forms):

These verbs follow regular conjugation patterns, but 'Включить' is aspectually perfective, meaning it denotes completion.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Разрешать (to permit, similar to 'Позволять' but more official), Обеспечивать (to provide or ensure)
• Antonyms: Запрещать (to forbid), Отключить (to disable, specifically for 'Включить')

Related Phrases:

• Позволить себе - A phrase meaning "to allow oneself" (e.g., to afford something financially or emotionally); often used in personal development contexts.
• Включить в список - Meaning "to include in a list" or "to enable entry into a list"; common in administrative or organizational settings.
• Позволять доступ - Translates to "to enable access"; used in security or IT contexts to grant permissions.

Usage Notes:

When translating 'enable' to Russian, choose 'Позволять' for abstract or permissive meanings (e.g., enabling opportunities), as it aligns with formal contexts like education or policy. Use 'Включить' for literal activation, such as with technology. Note that Russian verbs require aspect consideration: 'Позволять' is imperfective for ongoing actions, while 'Включить' is perfective for completed ones. In informal speech, 'Включить' might be preferred for simplicity, but always match the context to avoid awkwardness.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'Позволять' with 'Разрешать' and using them interchangeably without context. Correct: 'Позволять' implies enabling through capability, while 'Разрешать' is more about official permission. Example of error: Saying "Я разрешаю тебе поехать" when 'Позволять' might fit better for enabling travel. Correct usage: "Я позволяю тебе развиваться" (I enable you to develop).

• Error: Overusing 'Включить' for non-technical contexts. Correct: Reserve it for activation; for general enabling, use 'Позволять'. Example of error: "Включи мне возможность учиться" (incorrect, as it's not about turning on). Correct: "Позволь мне возможность учиться."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'Позволять' often carry connotations of personal freedom and state control, especially in historical contexts like Soviet-era restrictions. For instance, 'Позволять' might evoke themes of empowerment in modern discussions, reflecting Russia's emphasis on resilience and self-improvement in the face of limitations.

Related Concepts:

• Возможность (possibility)
• Доступ (access)
• Активация (activation)