Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lest'

English Word: lest

Key Russian Translations:

• чтобы не [ʧto·bɨ nʲe] - [Formal, used in subordinate clauses to express prevention]
• дабы не [da·bɨ nʲe] - [Literary, Formal, often in written or archaic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing and literature, but less frequent in everyday spoken Russian)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of conjunctions and subordinate clauses; the phrase "чтобы не" is straightforward, while "дабы не" may be more challenging due to its literary nature)

Pronunciation (Russian):

чтобы не: [ʧto·bɨ nʲe]

дабы не: [da·bɨ nʲe]

Note on чтобы не: The stress is on the first syllable of "чтобы" [ʧto·], and the "ы" sound is a subtle, centralized vowel; be careful with the soft "б" which can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To prevent or avoid something from happening (as in expressing fear or caution)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чтобы не - Used in formal or written contexts to introduce a clause indicating prevention, similar to "lest" in English formal speech.
• дабы не - Employed in literary or poetic contexts for a more emphatic or archaic tone, often in narratives or formal documents.

Usage Examples:

• Я взял зонт, чтобы не промокнуть в дождь.

  I took an umbrella lest I get wet in the rain.

• Он не сказал правду, чтобы не обидеть друзей.

  He didn't tell the truth lest he offend his friends.

• Дабы не опоздать на поезд, мы вышли из дома пораньше.

  Lest we miss the train, we left the house early.

• Чтобы не потерять ключ, она всегда кладёт его в карман.

  She always puts the key in her pocket lest she lose it.

• Дабы не разочаровать родителей, студент усердно учился.

  Lest he disappoint his parents, the student studied diligently.

Meaning 2: In contexts implying potential negative outcomes (less common, but possible in hypothetical scenarios)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чтобы не - Applied in conditional or advisory sentences to warn against risks.

Usage Examples:

• Чтобы не сорваться с горы, альпинист проверил верёвку.

  The climber checked the rope lest he slip from the mountain.

• Чтобы не забыть дату, запиши её в календарь.

  Write it in your calendar lest you forget the date.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Чтобы не" and "дабы не" are fixed phrases functioning as conjunctions, so they do not undergo typical inflection like nouns or verbs. However, the elements within them may vary slightly based on context:

• Чтобы не: "Чтобы" is an invariable conjunction, and "не" is a negative particle that remains unchanged. No conjugation or declension applies.
• Дабы не: Similarly invariable; "дабы" is an archaic conjunction that does not inflect, and "не" stays constant.

For clarity, since these are not inflected forms, there is no need for a table. However, in sentences, the verbs or nouns following them will inflect according to Russian grammar rules (e.g., verb conjugation for person, tense, or noun declension for case).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • чтоб не [ʧtob nʲe] - A more casual variant, often used in spoken language.
  • дабы избежать - Implies a stronger sense of avoidance, with a slight formal nuance.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "lest" is a conjunction of prevention. However, contrasting phrases might include "чтобы" alone (without "не"), which implies purpose without negation.

Related Phrases:

• Чтобы избежать - To avoid; Used in contexts of proactive prevention, e.g., "Я стараюсь, чтобы избежать ошибок" (I try lest I make mistakes).
• Дабы не случилось - Lest it happen; A more emphatic phrase for potential disasters.
• Не дай бог, чтобы - God forbid lest; Adds a cultural or superstitious element to express fear of occurrence.

Usage Notes:

"Лест" in English corresponds closely to "чтобы не" in Russian for formal or literary expressions of prevention. Use "чтобы не" in everyday written Russian, such as essays or instructions, to introduce a subordinate clause. It pairs well with verbs in the infinitive or conjugated forms. For instance, choose "чтобы не" over "дабы не" in modern contexts to avoid sounding overly archaic. Be mindful of word order: the phrase typically precedes the main action in the clause. When translating, ensure the context maintains the same level of caution or fear implied in English.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "чтобы" without "не" when negation is needed, e.g., saying "Я взял зонт, чтобы промокнуть" (I took an umbrella to get wet), which incorrectly implies purpose rather than prevention.

  Correct: "Чтобы не промокнуть" (Lest I get wet). Explanation: Always include "не" to convey the negative intent; omitting it changes the meaning entirely.

• Error: Confusing with "если не" (if not), which might be mistakenly used for "lest," e.g., "Если не промокну" instead of "Чтобы не промокнуть."

  Correct: Stick to "чтобы не" for prevention. Explanation: "Если не" expresses condition, not avoidance, so it alters the sentence's logic.

Cultural Notes:

Phrases like "чтобы не" and "дабы не" often appear in Russian literature and proverbs, reflecting a cultural emphasis on caution and foresight. For example, in Russian folklore, expressions of "lest" are tied to themes of superstition and preparedness, such as in sayings like "Не дай бог, чтобы не случилось" (God forbid it should happen), which highlights the Russian cultural value of anticipating misfortune to mitigate it.

Related Concepts:

• если (if)
• пока (while)
• дабы (in order that, more literary)