Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'forbid'

English Word: forbid

Key Russian Translations:

• запретить [zəprʲɪˈtʲitʲ] - [Formal, Perfective verb; used for completed actions]
• запрещать [zəprʲɪˈʃatʲ] - [Informal/Neutral, Imperfective verb; used for ongoing or general prohibitions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal contexts like laws, regulations, and official communications, but less frequent in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian verb aspects, which can be challenging for learners, but the core vocabulary is accessible with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

запретить: [zəprʲɪˈtʲitʲ]

запрещать: [zəprʲɪˈʃatʲ]

Note on запретить: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tʲitʲ"), and the palatalized 'т' sound can be tricky for English speakers—practice it as a soft 't' similar to the 't' in "nature." Variations in regional accents may soften the consonants further.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To officially prohibit or disallow an action, often in a formal or authoritative context.

Translation(s) & Context:

• запретить - Used for completed prohibitions in formal settings, such as laws or rules (e.g., government decrees).
• запрещать - Used for ongoing or habitual prohibitions in neutral or informal contexts, like parental advice or general rules.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство запретило въезд в страну без вакцины.

  The government forbade entry into the country without a vaccine.

• В школе запрещают использовать мобильные телефоны во время уроков.

  In school, they forbid the use of mobile phones during classes.

• Родители часто запрещают детям есть сладкое перед ужином.

  Parents often forbid children from eating sweets before dinner.

• Законы запрещают парковку в этом районе после 22:00.

  Laws forbid parking in this area after 10:00 PM.

Secondary Meaning: To command against or advise strongly against something (less formal).

Translation(s) & Context:

• запрещать - In informal contexts, implying ongoing advice or warnings (e.g., personal recommendations).

Usage Examples:

• Доктор запрещает мне есть жирную пищу из-за моего здоровья.

  The doctor forbids me from eating fatty food due to my health.

• Мой друг запрещает мне водить его машину, потому что я неопытный.

  My friend forbids me from driving his car because I'm inexperienced.

• В компании запрещают обсуждать зарплаты с коллегами.

  In the company, they forbid discussing salaries with colleagues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "запретить" (perfective) and "запрещать" (imperfective) are verbs, and Russian verbs inflect based on tense, aspect, person, and number. "Запретить" is irregular in its perfective form and follows common patterns for verbs ending in -ить. Below is a conjugation table for key forms:

Note: These verbs do not change in gender for infinitive forms but inflect for past tense based on the subject. They are regular in most aspects but require attention to aspectual pairs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • воспретить (more archaic or formal, implying a stronger moral prohibition)
  • не позволить (less formal, used in everyday contexts with a sense of permission denial)
• Antonyms:
  • позволить (to allow or permit)
  • разрешить (to grant permission, often officially)

Related Phrases:

• Запретить въезд - Forbid entry (used in immigration or security contexts)
• Запретить курение - Forbid smoking (common in public health regulations)
• Полный запрет - Total prohibition (implies a complete ban, e.g., on substances)

Usage Notes:

Russian translations of "forbid" emphasize verb aspects: use "запретить" for one-time or completed actions (e.g., a law that has been enacted), and "запрещать" for ongoing rules. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs these with specific contexts, such as formal decrees or personal advice. For instance, in legal documents, "запретить" is preferred over "не позволить" for precision. Be cautious with aspect when translating; incorrect aspect can alter the meaning significantly. If multiple translations apply, choose based on the context's formality—e.g., "запретить" for official scenarios and "не позволить" for casual ones.

Common Errors:

• Confusing verb aspects: English learners often use "запрещать" when "запретить" is needed, e.g., saying "Я запрещать это" instead of "Я запрещу это" for a future completed action. Correct: Use "запретить" for perfective sense. Error example: "Правительство запрещать курение" (incorrect imperfective). Right: "Правительство запретило курение."

• Overusing formal words: Beginners might always use "запретить" in casual speech, sounding overly stiff. Correct: In informal settings, opt for "не позволить," e.g., "Не позволяй детям играть здесь" instead of "Запрети детям играть здесь."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, prohibitions like those implied by "forbid" often stem from historical contexts, such as Soviet-era restrictions on personal freedoms. Words like "запретить" can carry connotations of authority and state control, reflecting Russia's emphasis on order and regulation in public life. This makes them common in discussions of laws or social norms, helping users understand the cultural weight behind everyday rules.

Related Concepts:

• разрешить (to permit)
• ограничить (to limit)
• ввод запрещен (entry forbidden)