Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grab'

English Word: grab

Key Russian Translations:

• схватить [sɣɐˈtʲitʲ] - [Informal, Verb]
• захватить [zɐxˈvatʲitʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Used in contexts involving seizing or capturing]
• захват [zɐˈxvat] - [Noun, Plural: захва́ты]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversation and literature, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "брать").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and noun declensions, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

схватить: [sɣɐˈtʲitʲ]

захватить: [zɐxˈvatʲitʲ]

захват: [zɐˈxvat]

Note on схватить: The initial "с" is pronounced with a soft fricative sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's softer than the English "s" in "see". Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To seize or take hold of something quickly (Verb)

Translation(s) & Context:

• схватить - Used in informal, everyday situations, such as grabbing an object in haste.
• захватить - Used in more formal or descriptive contexts, like capturing territory or ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Он схватил яблоко с тарелки. (He grabbed the apple from the plate.)

  English: He grabbed the apple from the plate. (This shows the verb in a simple, everyday action.)

• Дети быстро схватили игрушки и убежали. (The children quickly grabbed the toys and ran away.)

  English: The children quickly grabbed the toys and ran away. (Illustrates plural subject and imperative-like speed.)

• Вор попытался захватить сумку у прохожего. (The thief tried to grab the bag from the passerby.)

  English: The thief tried to grab the bag from the passerby. (Demonstrates a more intense or criminal context.)

• Она схватила ручку, чтобы записать важную мысль. (She grabbed the pen to write down an important thought.)

  English: She grabbed the pen to write down an important thought. (Shows usage in a productive, creative scenario.)

Meaning 2: An act of seizing or a physical hold (Noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• захват - Used for physical or metaphorical grabs, like in sports or military contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его захват был слишком слабым, и рыба выскользнула. (His grab was too weak, and the fish slipped away.)

  English: His grab was too weak, and the fish slipped away. (This highlights the noun in a failure scenario.)

• В истории этот захват территории стал поворотным моментом. (In history, this grab of territory became a turning point.)

  English: In history, this grab of territory became a turning point. (Shows metaphorical use in historical contexts.)

• Спортсмены соревнуются в захватах во время борьбы. (Athletes compete in grabs during wrestling.)

  English: Athletes compete in grabs during wrestling. (Illustrates sports-related usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For verbs like "схватить" and "захватить", these are imperfective verbs that follow standard conjugation patterns. "Захват" as a noun is a masculine noun that declines according to Russian case system.

Note: "Захват" does not change in plural forms beyond standard declension (e.g., захва́ты in nominative plural).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • хватать (similar to схватить, but more general)
  • взять (to take, often interchangeable in casual contexts)
  • захватывать (a variant of захватить, with slight emphasis on ongoing action)
• Antonyms:
  • отпустить (to release)
  • выпустить (to let go)

Related Phrases:

• Схватить за горло - To grab by the throat; often used metaphorically for intense situations.
• Захват власти - Seizure of power; a common phrase in political contexts.
• Быстрый захват - Quick grab; used in sports or everyday descriptions to indicate speed.

Usage Notes:

"Схватить" is more informal and direct, making it ideal for spoken language, while "захватить" suits written or formal contexts. English "grab" often corresponds to "схватить" in quick actions, but be cautious with nuances—Russian verbs can imply more force. For nouns, "захват" is neutral and widely used, but always consider the case for proper sentence integration. When choosing between translations, opt for "схватить" in daily interactions and "захватить" for events with consequences.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "схватить" in formal writing, e.g., saying "Я схватил документ" instead of "Я захватил документ".
  Correct: "Я захватил документ" for a more polished tone. Explanation: "Схватить" sounds too casual for official contexts.
• Mistake: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "в захват" instead of "в захва́те".
  Correct: Use the correct prepositional case, like "в захва́те". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "захват территории" often evoke historical events, such as those from World War II or the Soviet era, symbolizing expansion and conflict. This adds a layer of emotional weight, making the word more than just a physical action—it's tied to national identity and resilience.

Related Concepts:

• взятие (taking or capture)
• держать (to hold)
• отобрать (to take away)