Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hesitate'

English Word: hesitate

Key Russian Translations:

• колебаться [kəlʲɪˈbatsə] - [Informal, Verb, Used in everyday decision-making contexts]
• задуматься [zədumɐˈtsə] - [Formal, Verb, Used when implying deeper reflection or pause]

Frequency: Medium (Common in conversational and written Russian, especially in literature and daily dialogue, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs like "быть" – to be.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; Learners at this level should grasp the concept, but mastering inflections and nuances may require practice. For "колебаться", it's B2; for "задуматься", it's also B2 due to similar verb structures.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

колебаться: [kəlʲɪˈbatsə] (Stress on the third syllable; the "лʲ" is a soft L, which can be tricky for English speakers.)

задуматься: [zədumɐˈtsə] (Stress on the third syllable; note the soft "д" sound.)

Note on колебаться: The verb often has a reflexive form, so the ending "-ся" indicates reflexivity, which affects pronunciation in rapid speech.

Note on задуматься: This word can vary slightly in informal speech, with the "з" softening in some dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To pause or delay action due to uncertainty or doubt

Translation(s) & Context:

• колебаться - Used in informal contexts for everyday hesitation, such as in decisions or choices.
• задуматься - Applied in more formal or introspective situations, like philosophical doubts.

Usage Examples:

• Он колебался перед принятием решения, потому что не был уверен в исходе.

  He hesitated before making a decision because he wasn't sure about the outcome.

• Не колебайся и действуй сразу, иначе упустишь шанс.

  Don't hesitate and act immediately, or you'll miss the chance. (This shows the verb in an imperative form for encouragement.)

• Она задумалась, прежде чем ответить на вопрос, чтобы выбрать правильные слова.

  She hesitated before answering the question to choose the right words. (Here, it's used in a reflective context.)

• В критический момент команда колебалась, но в итоге продолжила движение.

  In the critical moment, the team hesitated but ultimately continued moving forward. (Demonstrates use in group or action-oriented scenarios.)

• Задумавшись о будущем, он решил не колебаться и принять вызов.

  Hesitating about the future, he decided not to hesitate and take on the challenge. (Combines both translations for contrast.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "колебаться" and "задуматься" are reflexive verbs (ending in -ся), belonging to the first conjugation group in Russian. They are irregular in some aspects due to their reflexive nature. Below is a table for "колебаться" in the present tense; "задуматься" follows similar patterns but with its own root changes.

For past tense: колебался (masc.), колебалась (fem.), колеблясь (neuter/plural). "задуматься" has: задумываюсь (present), задумался (past masc.). These verbs do not change in infinitive form and are invariant in some compound tenses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сомневаться [somnʲɪˈvatsə] - Similar to hesitate but implies more doubt; often used in intellectual contexts.
  • нерешиться [nʲɪrʲɪˈʃitsə] - Emphasizes inability to decide, with a nuance of fear.
• Antonyms:
  • решать [rʲɪˈʃatʲ] - To decide firmly, opposite in contexts of action.
  • действовать [dʲɪˈjstvəvətʲ] - To act without pause, highlighting decisiveness.

Related Phrases:

• колебаться в выборе - Hesitate in choice; used when someone is undecided between options.
• задуматься над проблемой - Hesitate over a problem; implies deep reflection on an issue.
• не колеблясь - Without hesitating; a common idiomatic phrase for bold action.

Usage Notes:

"колебаться" directly corresponds to "hesitate" in English for uncertain pauses, but it's more common in informal Russian speech. Use "задуматься" for formal or introspective contexts. Be mindful of the reflexive ending (-ся), which indicates the action is directed at the subject. In sentences, it often pairs with adverbs like "перед" (before) or "из-за" (because of). When choosing between translations, opt for "колебаться" in everyday scenarios and "задуматься" in literary or emotional ones to match nuance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting the reflexive ending, e.g., saying "колебать" instead of "колебаться". Correct: "колебаться" is the proper form; without -ся, it loses its meaning of hesitation and becomes incorrect in this context. Explanation: Russian reflexive verbs require the -ся suffix, which English learners often omit due to lack of equivalent in English.

• Error: Mixing tenses, e.g., using present "колеблюсь" when past is needed. Correct: In a story, say "Он колебался" (He hesitated) instead of "Он колеблется". Explanation: Pay attention to context; Russian verb tenses are more rigidly conjugated than in English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, hesitation like "колебаться" is often portrayed in literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy) as a sign of deep introspection or moral dilemma, reflecting the value placed on thoughtful decision-making in Slavic traditions. This contrasts with more action-oriented Western narratives, helping English users appreciate the contemplative aspect of Russian communication.

Related Concepts:

• решение [rʲɪˈʃenʲɪje] - Decision
• сомнение [somnʲɪˈvənʲɪje] - Doubt
• выбор [vɨˈbor] - Choice