Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'follow'

English Word: follow

Key Russian Translations:

• следовать /slʲɪˈdavatʲ/ - [Formal, Verb]
• последовать /pɐsˈlʲedəvətʲ/ - [Informal, Verb, Used in sequential contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, literature, and instructions, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs like "to be").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugation and contextual usage; "следовать" may be slightly easier for beginners, while "последовать" could lean towards B2 due to its perfective aspect).

Pronunciation (Russian):

следовать: /slʲɪˈdavatʲ/ (The "slʲ" sound is a soft 's' followed by a palatalized 'l', which can be challenging for English speakers; stress on the second syllable.)

Note on следовать: Pay attention to the soft consonants; it's often pronounced more fluidly in fast speech.

последовать: /pɐsˈlʲedəvətʲ/ (Stress on the third syllable; the 'o' in "после" is reduced to a schwa sound in casual speech.)

Note on последовать: This is a perfective verb, so its pronunciation may vary slightly in different tenses, with emphasis on the prefix.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To go or come after someone or something in sequence or path.

Translation(s) & Context:

• следовать - Used in formal or instructional contexts, such as following directions or a route.
• последовать - Applied in narrative or action-oriented scenarios, implying completion of following.

Usage Examples:

• Я слежу за инструкциями, чтобы следовать правильному пути.

  I am following the instructions to stay on the right path.

• Он последовал за мной в кафе после встречи.

  He followed me to the cafe after the meeting.

• Следовать правилам дорожного движения важно для безопасности.

  Following traffic rules is important for safety.

• Мы решили последовать совету друга и изменить план.

  We decided to follow our friend's advice and change the plan.

• В туристических походах всегда следовать меткам на тропе.

  In hiking trips, always follow the markers on the trail.

Meaning 2: To adhere to or obey rules, principles, or ideas.

Translation(s) & Context:

• следовать - Common in philosophical, legal, or ethical discussions.
• последовать - Less common here, but used for decisive actions of compliance.

Usage Examples:

• Следовать этическим нормам — это основа любой профессии.

  Following ethical standards is the foundation of any profession.

• Она последовала традициям семьи в выборе карьеры.

  She followed her family's traditions in choosing a career.

• В науке важно следовать эмпирическим методам.

  In science, it's important to follow empirical methods.

• Многие последовали призыву к забастовке.

  Many followed the call to strike.

• Следовать диете помогает поддерживать здоровье.

  Following a diet helps maintain health.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "следовать" and "последовать" are verbs, which in Russian undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. "Следовать" is imperfective, while "последовать" is perfective, affecting their inflections.

Note: These verbs do not change for gender in the infinitive or future forms but follow standard Russian conjugation patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • преследовать (to pursue; more intense, often with a connotation of chasing)
  • подчиняться (to obey; specifically for rules or authority)
  • идти за (to go after; literal and informal)
• Antonyms:
  • игнорировать (to ignore)
  • отклоняться (to deviate)
  • предшествовать (to precede)

Related Phrases:

• Следовать примеру — To follow an example (used in motivational or educational contexts).
• Последовать за лидером — To follow the leader (common in group dynamics or leadership discussions).
• Следовать моде — To follow fashion (refers to trends in style or culture).

Usage Notes:

The English word "follow" often corresponds to "следовать" in imperfective contexts (ongoing actions) and "последовать" in perfective ones (completed actions). Choose based on aspect: use "следовать" for habitual or continuous following, and "последовать" for a single event. Be mindful of formal vs. informal settings; "следовать" is more versatile in written Russian, while "последовать" fits narratives. Grammatically, these verbs require agreement with subject in person and number.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing aspect and using "следовать" for completed actions, e.g., "Я следовал вчера" instead of "Я последовал вчера".
  Correct: "Я последовал вчера" (I followed yesterday). Explanation: "Следовать" implies ongoing action, which doesn't fit past completed events.
• Mistake: Overusing "последовать" in non-action contexts, e.g., "Я следую правилам" as "Я последую правилам".
  Correct: "Я следую правилам". Explanation: "Последовать" is perfective and not suitable for habitual obedience.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "следовать традициям" (to follow traditions) emphasize the importance of heritage and collectivism, often seen in literature and daily life. This reflects Russia's historical value on continuity and respect for the past, as in works by authors like Tolstoy, where characters "follow" moral paths.

Related Concepts:

• вождь (leader)
• традиция (tradition)
• путь (path)