Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'modernise'

English Word: modernise

Key Russian Translations:

• модернизировать [mɐ.dɨr.nʲi.zʲi.rʲo.vatʲ] - [Formal, Used in technical or professional contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in business, technology, and urban development discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian verb conjugations and formal vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

модернизировать: [mɐ.dɨr.nʲi.zʲi.rʲo.vatʲ]

Note on модернизировать: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-зи-), which can be tricky for learners. Pronounce it with a soft 'р' sound. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

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Meanings and Usage:

To update or bring something up to date with modern standards (e.g., technology, infrastructure).

Translation(s) & Context:

• модернизировать - Used in formal contexts such as business reports, engineering, or government policies to describe processes of improvement and adaptation.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство планирует модернизировать транспортную систему города.

  The government plans to modernize the city's transportation system.

• Мы модернизируем нашу IT-инфраструктуру для повышения эффективности.

  We are modernizing our IT infrastructure to improve efficiency.

• Эта компания модернизирует старые заводы с использованием новых технологий.

  This company is modernizing old factories using new technologies.

• Инженеры модернизируют оборудование, чтобы оно соответствовало современным стандартам.

  Engineers are modernizing the equipment to meet modern standards.

• В будущем мы модернизируем образовательную систему для лучшей подготовки молодежи.

  In the future, we will modernize the educational system for better youth preparation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

модернизировать is a first-conjugation verb in Russian, belonging to the imperfective aspect (indicating ongoing or repeated actions). It follows standard patterns for verbs ending in -изировать. The perfective aspect is модернизировать (no change in this case, as it's often used interchangeably, but perfective might imply 'to have modernized').

Note: This verb does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • обновить (obnovit' - implies updating, with a focus on renewal)
  • улучшить (uluchshit' - means to improve, often in a broader sense)
• Antonyms:
  • устареть (ustaret' - to become outdated)
  • задержать (zaderzhat' - to delay or hinder progress, in contexts of modernization)

Related Phrases:

• модернизация экономики - Modernization of the economy (Refers to large-scale economic reforms.)
• технологическая модернизация - Technological modernization (Used in discussions about updating tech systems.)
• модернизировать производство - To modernize production (A common phrase in industrial contexts.)

Usage Notes:

модернизировать directly corresponds to 'modernise' in English, emphasizing the process of making something contemporary. It is typically used in formal or professional settings, such as business meetings or technical reports, rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like обновить, opt for модернизировать if the focus is on comprehensive updates involving technology or infrastructure. Be mindful of aspect: use the imperfective for ongoing actions and perfective for completed ones. For English learners, note that Russian verbs often require agreement with subject gender and number in past tense.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with 'modern' (which is 'современный' in Russian): Learners might say 'модернизировать' when they mean 'to be modern', leading to incorrect usage. Correct example: Use 'сделать современным' for 'to make modern' in a simple sense. Error: *Я модернизирую дом* (meaning 'I am making the house modern') is fine, but *Я модернизирую сейчас* (if implying 'I am modern now') is wrong; instead, say 'Я современный'.

• Improper conjugation: Beginners often forget to adjust for person and tense, e.g., saying *я модернизирую* incorrectly as *я модернизирует*. Correct: Always conjugate based on the subject, as shown in the inflections table above.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'модернизировать' often evokes historical contexts like Peter the Great's efforts to modernize Russia in the 18th century, introducing Western technologies and reforms. Today, it relates to ongoing national projects, such as economic modernization under various governments, symbolizing progress and adaptation to global standards.

Related Concepts:

• инновации (innovations)
• прогресс (progress)
• развитие (development)