Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'graduate'

English Word: graduate

Key Russian Translations:

• Выпускник [vɨˈpʊsknʲɪk] - [Formal, Masculine, Noun; used for a person who has completed a degree program]
• Выпускница [vɨˈpʊsknʲɪtsə] - [Formal, Feminine, Noun; used for a female graduate]
• Закончить [zəkɐˈnʲʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Verb; perfective aspect, used to mean 'to complete' or 'to graduate from' an educational institution]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in educational and professional contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun genders and verb aspects, which can be challenging for learners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Выпускник: [vɨˈpʊsknʲɪk] (The stress is on the second syllable; note the soft 'н' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.)

Выпускница: [vɨˈpʊsknʲɪtsə] (Similar to 'выпускник' but with a feminine ending; pay attention to the final 'a' sound.)

Закончить: [zəkɐˈnʲʲɪtʲ] (The 'ч' is pronounced as a soft 'ch'; the verb infinitive ends in 'ить', which affects conjugation.)

Note on Закончить: This verb has a perfective aspect, meaning it implies completion; be cautious with the palatalized consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: As a noun, referring to a person who has completed a degree or program

Translation(s) & Context:

• Выпускник - Used in formal educational contexts, such as university graduations or alumni discussions.
• Выпускница - Specifically for females, in the same contexts as above.

Usage Examples:

• Мой брат — выпускник Московского государственного университета.

  My brother is a graduate of Moscow State University.

• Выпускники часто возвращаются на родной вуз для встреч однокурсников.

  Graduates often return to their alma mater for class reunions.

• Каждый выпускник получает диплом на церемонии.

  Every graduate receives a diploma at the ceremony.

• Выпускница этого года уже работает в IT-сфере.

  This year's female graduate is already working in the IT field.

Meaning 2: As a verb, meaning to complete a course of study or earn a degree

Translation(s) & Context:

• Закончить - Used in contexts involving the completion of education, often with an object like 'университет' (university).

Usage Examples:

• Она планирует закончить университет в следующем году.

  She plans to graduate from university next year.

• Студенты должны закончить все курсы, чтобы получить степень.

  Students must graduate from all courses to obtain their degree.

• Многие студенты закончили обучение раньше срока.

  Many students graduated early.

• Он успешно закончил магистратуру в области экономики.

  He successfully graduated with a master's in economics.

• После того, как я закончу школу, я поступлю в институт.

  After I graduate from school, I'll enroll in an institute.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'выпускник' (noun, masculine): This is a second-declension noun with regular inflections. It changes based on case and number.

For 'выпускница' (noun, feminine): Similar to 'выпускник' but follows first-declension patterns.

For 'закончить' (verb, perfective): This is a first-conjugation verb with regular patterns. It conjugates based on tense, person, and number.

Note: 'Закончить' is perfective and does not have a present tense form; use the imperfective 'заканчивать' for ongoing actions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Абитуриент (abiturient) - Similar but refers to a recent graduate or exam passer; less formal.
  • Окончивший (okonchivshiy) - For 'graduate' as a verb, meaning 'having completed'.
• Antonyms:
  • Студент (student) - Opposite for someone still studying.
  • Отчисленный (otchislennyy) - For someone who has been expelled or dropped out.

Related Phrases:

• Выпускной вечер - Graduation evening; a formal event marking the end of studies.
• Закончить вуз - To graduate from a higher education institution; commonly used in academic contexts.
• Получить диплом - To receive a diploma; related to completing education.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'graduate' as a noun is best translated with gender-specific words like 'выпускник' for males and 'выпускница' for females, reflecting Russian's grammatical gender system. As a verb, 'закончить' is perfective and implies completion, so it's ideal for 'to graduate from' something specific, like a university. Be mindful of context: in formal settings, use these terms; in informal speech, phrases like 'я закончил школу' are common. When choosing between translations, opt for 'выпускник' for people and 'закончить' for the action.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'выпускник' for females. Correct: Use 'выпускница' instead. Example: Incorrect - "Она выпускник"; Correct - "Она выпускница". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in gender.
• Mistake: Confusing verb aspects. Correct: Don't use 'закончить' for ongoing actions; use 'заканчивать'. Example: Incorrect - "Я закончу курс сейчас" (if not completed); Correct - "Я заканчиваю курс". Explanation: Perfective verbs like 'закончить' denote finished actions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, graduation (выпуск) is a significant milestone, often celebrated with elaborate ceremonies and traditions, such as wearing specific attire or participating in alumni networks. The term 'выпускник' carries connotations of achievement and future opportunities, especially in the context of competitive education systems in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• Студенчество (student life)
• Диплом (diploma)
• Аспирант (postgraduate student)