Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intermingle'

English Word: intermingle

Key Russian Translations:

• смешиваться [smʲɪˈʂɨvətsə] - [Informal, Reflexive verb used for mutual mixing of people or substances]
• перемешиваться [pʲɪrʲɪˈmʲeʂɨvətsə] - [Formal, Often used in professional or scientific contexts for blending or stirring]

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

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for смешиваться; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for перемешиваться, as it involves understanding reflexive verbs and formal register differences

Pronunciation (Russian):

смешиваться: [smʲɪˈʂɨvətsə]

Note on смешиваться: The "ш" sound is a soft palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; the reflexive suffix "-ся" adds a soft "s" sound at the end. Stress falls on the third syllable.

перемешиваться: [pʲɪrʲɪˈmʲeʂɨvətsə]

Note on перемешиваться: Pay attention to the prefix "пере-" which indicates a repetitive or thorough action; the "е" in "ме" is pronounced as a short "e" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To mix or mingle together (e.g., people, ideas, or substances in a mutual way)

Translation(s) & Context:

• смешиваться - Used in informal, everyday contexts for social or physical mixing, such as at events or in recipes.
• перемешиваться - Applied in more formal or technical scenarios, like in chemistry or social dynamics, emphasizing thorough integration.

Usage Examples:

• На вечеринке люди смешивались, обмениваясь историями и смехом.

  At the party, people intermingled, exchanging stories and laughter.

• В супе ингредиенты перемешивались, создавая богатый вкус.

  In the soup, the ingredients intermingled, creating a rich flavor.

• Культуры смешивались в большом городе, формируя уникальный ландшафт.

  Cultures intermingled in the big city, forming a unique landscape.

• Во время дебатов идеи перемешивались, вызывая новые инсайты.

  During the debates, ideas intermingled, sparking new insights.

• Дети смешивались на площадке, играя без границ.

  Children intermingled on the playground, playing without boundaries.

To blend or integrate seamlessly (e.g., in abstract or metaphorical senses)

Translation(s) & Context:

• смешиваться - Common in creative or emotional contexts, like art or relationships.
• перемешиваться - Used in structured environments, such as education or policy-making.

Usage Examples:

• Эмоции смешивались в её сердце после долгого дня.

  Emotions intermingled in her heart after a long day.

• Традиции перемешивались в современной России, сохраняя историческое наследие.

  Traditions intermingled in modern Russia, preserving historical heritage.

• Цвета смешивались в абстрактной картине художника.

  Colors intermingled in the artist's abstract painting.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are reflexive verbs (ending in -ся), which follow the second conjugation pattern in Russian. They are irregular in some aspects due to prefixes and reflexive forms. Below is a table for смешиваться (infinitive) and its inflections; перемешиваться follows a similar pattern but with the prefix "пере-".

For перемешиваться, add the prefix "пере-" to each form (e.g., перемешиваюсь). These verbs do not change in gender or number in the infinitive but inflect based on person, tense, and aspect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сливаться (to merge seamlessly), смешивать (to mix actively, non-reflexive); сливаться is more fluid, often used for liquids or ideas, while смешивать implies direct action.
• Antonyms: разделяться (to separate), изолироваться (to isolate)

Related Phrases:

• Смешанная толпа - A mixed crowd (refers to a diverse group of people intermingling in a public setting)
• Перемешивать краски - To intermingle paints (common in artistic contexts for blending colors)
• Смешиваться с обществом - To blend into society (used metaphorically for social integration)

Usage Notes:

The English word "intermingle" best corresponds to the reflexive forms like смешиваться, which emphasize mutual or reciprocal action. In Russian, always use the reflexive -ся suffix for actions involving two or more entities affecting each other. For formal contexts, prefer перемешиваться to convey a more structured or intentional mixing. Be mindful of aspect: imperfective forms (like these) describe ongoing actions, while perfective counterparts (e.g., перемешать) indicate completion. English learners should note that Russian verbs often require specific prepositions in phrases, such as "с" for "with" in mixing scenarios.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the non-reflexive form "смешивать" instead of "смешиваться" for mutual action. Incorrect: Люди смешивают на вечеринке (implies one-sided mixing). Correct: Люди смешиваются на вечеринке (shows reciprocal intermingling). Explanation: Russian reflexive verbs are essential for actions that happen to the subject itself or mutually.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "сливаться" when physical mixing is intended. Incorrect: Ингредиенты сливаются в супе (implies merging into one, like fusion). Correct: Ингредиенты перемешиваются в супе (indicates thorough intermingling). Explanation: Each verb has subtle differences in connotation, so context matters.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, verbs like смешиваться often reflect the value placed on community and social integration. For instance, in literature and folklore, intermingling of characters or elements symbolizes unity or chaos, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy, where social classes intermingle at events, highlighting themes of equality and diversity.

Related Concepts:

• смесь (mixture)
• слияние (merger)
• интеграция (integration)