Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'execute'

English Word: execute

Key Russian Translations:

• выполнить [vɨ.pɐlʲ.nʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, used in professional or task-oriented contexts]
• казнить [ˈkazʲ.nʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, used in legal or historical contexts, such as capital punishment]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in business, legal, and everyday contexts, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "do")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for выполнить; B2 (Upper Intermediate) for казнить (due to its specific connotations and verb conjugations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выполнить: vɨ.pɐlʲ.nʲɪtʲ

Note on выполнить: The stress falls on the second syllable (vɨ-PALʲ-nʲɪtʲ). Be mindful of the palatalized 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

казнить: ˈkazʲ.nʲɪtʲ

Note on казнить: The initial stress on the first syllable makes it straightforward, but the palatalized 'z' sound (like a soft 's' in "measure") requires practice.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To carry out, perform, or complete a task, command, or plan (non-violent context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выполнить - Used in formal or professional settings, such as executing a business plan or command; common in everyday and technical language.

Usage Examples:

• Я выполню задание к сроку. (Ya vypolnyu zadanie k sroku.)

  I will execute the task by the deadline. (Shows future tense in a work context.)

• Компьютер выполняет команды быстро. (Kompyuter vypolnyaet komandy bystro.)

  The computer executes commands quickly. (Illustrates use with technology and present tense.)

• Менеджер выполнил план проекта. (Menedzher vypolnil plan proyekta.)

  The manager executed the project plan. (Past tense example in a business scenario.)

• Войска выполнили приказ генерала. (Voyska vypolnili prikaz generala.)

  The troops executed the general's order. (Military context, emphasizing obedience.)

Meaning 2: To put to death as a form of legal punishment (violent or judicial context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• казнить - Used in formal, legal, or historical discussions; implies state-sanctioned execution and carries a serious, somber tone.

Usage Examples:

• Суд приговорил преступника к казни. (Sud prigovoril prestupnika k kazni.)

  The court sentenced the criminal to execution. (Legal context, showing nominal use.)

• В истории России многие были казнены за измену. (V istorii Rossii mnogie byli kazneny za izmenu.)

  In Russian history, many were executed for treason. (Historical narrative, past passive voice.)

• Правительство казнит только в крайних случаях. (Pravitelstvo kaznit tolko v kraynikh sluchayakh.)

  The government executes only in extreme cases. (Present tense, discussing policy.)

• Он был казнен за государственную измену. (On byl kaznen za gosudarstvennuyu izmenu.)

  He was executed for high treason. (Emphasizes formal, irreversible action.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are verbs, which in Russian undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. Выполнить is an imperfective verb (can be used for ongoing actions), while казнить is perfective (for completed actions). Here are the key inflections:

Note: These verbs do not change for gender in the past tense but adjust for number and case in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for выполнить: осуществить (osushchestvit') - More formal, implies bringing something into reality; выполнить задачу vs. осуществить план.
• Synonyms for казнить: приговорить к смерти (prigovorit k smerti) - Literally "sentence to death," used interchangeably in legal contexts.
• Antonyms for выполнить: игнорировать (ignorirovat') - To ignore, opposite in task completion.
• Antonyms for казнить: помиловать (pomilovat') - To pardon, directly opposing execution.

Related Phrases:

• Выполнить задание - To complete a task; Meaning: Refers to finishing assigned work in educational or professional settings.
• Казнить приговор - To carry out a sentence; Meaning: Used in judicial contexts to describe enforcing a death penalty.
• Выполнить приказ - To execute an order; Meaning: Common in military or hierarchical environments, emphasizing obedience.

Usage Notes:

The English word "execute" has multiple nuances that don't always align perfectly with Russian translations. For non-violent contexts, use выполнить for general task completion, as it fits formal and informal scenarios but avoid it in legal settings. Казнить is strictly for capital punishment and carries a weighty connotation, so reserve it for serious discussions. When choosing between translations, consider the aspect: Russian verbs often distinguish between imperfective (ongoing) and perfective (completed) forms. English speakers should note that Russian word order is flexible, but subject-verb agreement is crucial.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using выполнить in a legal execution context, e.g., saying "Я выполню приговор" instead of "Я казню приговор." Correct: Казнить is the appropriate verb for punishment. Explanation: Выполнить implies routine task completion, which can downplay the severity of execution.

• Error: Neglecting verb aspect, e.g., using выполнить for a one-time completed action. Correct: Pair it with perfective forms like осуществить for emphasis. Explanation: This can lead to confusion in tense, as Russian requires aspect to convey action completion accurately.

Cultural Notes:

Казнить evokes strong historical associations in Russia, linked to events like the executions during the Soviet era or tsarist times (e.g., the Decembrist uprising). It often appears in literature and media to discuss themes of justice, rebellion, and state power, reflecting Russia's complex history with authoritarianism. This cultural weight can make the word more emotive than its English counterpart.

Related Concepts:

• осуществить
• приговорить
• приказ