Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'inform'

English Word: inform

Key Russian Translations:

• Информировать [ˌɪnfɐrˈmɪrəvətʲ] - [Formal, Verb]
• Сообщить [səˈmɐʂʲɪtʲ] - [Informal, Verb]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in professional, educational, and everyday contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and formal structures for 'Информировать'. For 'Сообщить', it may be slightly easier at B1 due to its more straightforward usage).

Pronunciation (Russian):

Информировать: [ˌɪnfɐrˈmɪrəvətʲ]

Сообщить: [səˈmɐʂʲɪtʲ]

Note on Информировать: The stress falls on the third syllable ('mɪr'), and the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. A common variant in casual speech might soften the ending.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To provide information or knowledge to someone (general communication).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Информировать - Used in formal settings, such as business or official reports, to convey detailed information.
• Сообщить - Applied in informal or everyday situations, like casual conversations or news updates.

Usage Examples:

• Я должен информировать коллег по работе о новых изменениях.

  I need to inform my colleagues about the new changes.

• Пожалуйста, сообщите мне, если возникнут проблемы.

  Please inform me if any problems arise.

• Врач информировал пациента о результатах анализа.

  The doctor informed the patient about the test results.

• Она сообщила друзьям о предстоящей вечеринке.

  She informed her friends about the upcoming party.

• Правительство информирует граждан через официальные каналы.

  The government informs citizens through official channels.

Meaning 2: To notify or warn someone (with an element of urgency).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Уведомить - Often used in legal or emergency contexts, implying a formal notification.
• Сообщить - In informal warnings, like everyday alerts.

Usage Examples:

• Полиция уведомила жителей о возможной угрозе.

  The police informed residents about the possible threat.

• Я сообщил ему о задержке поезда.

  I informed him about the train delay.

• Родители уведомили школу о болезни ребенка.

  The parents informed the school about the child's illness.

• Система безопасности сообщила о вторжении.

  The security system informed about the intrusion.

• Он уведомил начальство о своей отставке.

  He informed his superiors about his resignation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Информировать' and 'Сообщить' are verbs, primarily following the first conjugation pattern in Russian, which involves regular endings but can have irregularities in stems. 'Информировать' is a loanword and conjugates similarly to other -овать verbs.

Note: 'Сообщить' is perfective, so it doesn't have a full imperfective conjugation like 'Сообщать'. These verbs are aspectual pairs in Russian grammar.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Уведомить (similar to inform, but more formal)
  • Оповестить (to notify publicly, with a sense of broadcasting)
  • Донести (to convey, often in a reporting context, but can imply delivery)
• Antonyms:
  • Утаить (to conceal)
  • Сокрыть (to hide)

Related Phrases:

• Информировать заранее - To inform in advance (used for planning or warnings).
• Сообщить новости - To share news (common in casual updates).
• Уведомить по электронной почте - To inform via email (formal digital communication).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'Информировать' is a direct cognate of the English 'inform' and is preferred in formal or professional contexts, while 'Сообщить' is more versatile for everyday use. Always consider the aspect: Russian verbs have perfective (completed action) and imperfective (ongoing) forms, so choose based on context—e.g., use 'Сообщить' for a one-time notification. English speakers should note that Russian often requires specifying the recipient with cases, like 'информировать кого-то' (inform someone in accusative case). For multiple translations, opt for 'Сообщить' in informal speech to sound more natural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'Информировать' in casual conversations, which can sound overly formal or awkward. Correct: Switch to 'Сообщить' for everyday contexts, e.g., Incorrect: "Я информирую друга." Correct: "Я сообщу другу." Explanation: 'Информировать' implies a structured, official exchange, while 'Сообщить' is neutral.

• Error: Forgetting verb aspects, e.g., using 'Информировать' when a perfective verb is needed. Correct: If the action is completed, use 'Сообщить' instead of the imperfective 'Информировать'. Explanation: This can lead to confusion in tense, as Russian requires aspect agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, informing others, especially in official matters, often emphasizes hierarchy and politeness. For instance, 'Информировать' might be used in bureaucratic settings, reflecting Russia's historical emphasis on formal communication in government and education, which stems from Soviet-era practices.

Related Concepts:

• Обновить (to update)
• Сообщение (message)
• Уведомление (notification)