Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'modify'

English Word: modify

Key Russian Translations:

• Изменять /ɪzˈmʲenʲɪtʲ/ - [Verb, Informal, used in everyday contexts]
• Модифицировать /mədɪfɪˈtsɪrəvætʲ/ - [Verb, Formal, often in technical or scientific settings]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both casual and professional Russian, but not as ubiquitous as basic verbs like "делать")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and context, with "изменять" being easier for beginners and "модифицировать" more challenging due to its borrowed structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Изменять: /ɪzˈmʲenʲɪtʲ/ (The stress is on the second syllable; note the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers as it softens the preceding consonant.)

Note on Изменять: This verb has a soft consonant cluster; practice the 'з' followed by 'мʲ' to avoid hardening it into an English-like /z/ sound.

Audio: []

Модифицировать: /mədɪfɪˈtsɪrəvætʲ/ (Stress on the fourth syllable; the word retains some English loanword characteristics, making the 'ф' sound closer to /f/ as in "fun".)

Note on Модифицировать: Derived from English, so the pronunciation is relatively straightforward for learners familiar with Latin-based words, but ensure the Russian 'и' is pronounced as a short /ɪ/.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To make partial or minor changes to something (e.g., in editing, software, or general adjustments)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Изменять - Used in informal or everyday contexts, such as personal modifications or simple edits.
• Модифицировать - Applied in formal, technical, or professional settings, like programming or scientific experiments.

Usage Examples:

• Я изменяю рецепт, чтобы сделать его более здоровым. (I am modifying the recipe to make it healthier.)

  English: I am changing the recipe to make it healthier. (This shows the verb in a casual, domestic context.)

• Программист модифицирует код для улучшения производительности. (The programmer is modifying the code to improve performance.)

  English: The programmer is modifying the code to improve performance. (Illustrates formal usage in a technical environment.)

• Она изменяет свои планы в зависимости от погоды. (She modifies her plans depending on the weather.)

  English: She changes her plans depending on the weather. (Demonstrates flexibility in daily life.)

• Учёные модифицируют генетический материал в лаборатории. (Scientists are modifying genetic material in the laboratory.)

  English: Scientists are modifying genetic material in the laboratory. (Highlights scientific application.)

• Мы изменяем дизайн сайта для лучшей доступности. (We are modifying the website design for better accessibility.)

  English: We are changing the website design for better accessibility. (Shows verb in a digital context with potential for variation.)

Meaning 2: To alter something while keeping its core intact (e.g., in legal or creative works)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Изменять - In creative or legal adjustments, emphasizing subtle shifts.
• Модифицировать - For precise alterations in formal documents or contracts.

Usage Examples:

• Адвокат изменяет контракт, чтобы учесть новые условия. (The lawyer is modifying the contract to account for new conditions.)

  English: The lawyer is changing the contract to account for new conditions. (Context: Legal adjustments.)

• Художник модифицирует картину перед выставкой. (The artist is modifying the painting before the exhibition.)

  English: The artist is altering the painting before the exhibition. (Context: Creative refinement.)

• Он изменяет историю в своей книге для большей драмы. (He is modifying the story in his book for more drama.)

  English: He is changing the story in his book for more drama. (Context: Narrative editing.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For the verb "Изменять" (imperfective), it follows standard Russian verb conjugation patterns for first-conjugation verbs. It is irregular in some aspects due to its stem changes. Below is a conjugation table for the present tense:

Note: The perfective form is "изменить". For "Модифицировать", it is a borrowed verb and follows second-conjugation patterns with less irregularity: e.g., Present: модифицирую, модифицируешь. It remains relatively unchanged in most forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Менять (to change; more general and interchangeable in informal contexts)
  • Корректировать (to adjust; implies fine-tuning, often in professional settings)
• Antonyms:
  • Оставлять (to leave unchanged; basic opposite)
  • Сохранять (to preserve; emphasizes maintaining original state)

Related Phrases:

• Изменить настройки (Change settings; used in tech contexts to adjust device or software configurations.)
• Модифицировать документ (Modify a document; common in office or legal environments for editing files.)
• Внести изменения (Make modifications; a fixed phrase for introducing alterations in plans or texts.)

Usage Notes:

"Изменять" is the more natural and idiomatic choice for everyday Russian, closely mirroring the English "modify" in casual speech, while "модифицировать" is preferred in formal or technical domains due to its direct borrowing from English. Be mindful of context: use "изменять" for personal or creative changes, and "модифицировать" for precise, scientific alterations. Grammatically, both verbs require agreement with the subject in person and number, and they can take direct objects (e.g., "изменять план" - to modify a plan). When choosing between translations, consider the audience; "модифицировать" may sound overly formal in informal conversations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "изменять" in technical contexts where "модифицировать" is expected, e.g., saying "Я изменяю код" instead of "Я модифицирую код". Correct: "Модифицировать" is more precise for programming. Explanation: This can make the speaker sound less professional, as "изменять" implies broader changes.
• Error: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying "Я изменяюет" instead of "Я изменяю". Correct: Follow standard verb endings. Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian's complex inflections, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "modification" often ties into adaptability, as seen in literature and history (e.g., adapting to harsh winters or political changes). Words like "изменять" can carry subtle connotations of flexibility in Russian proverbs, such as "Время изменяет всё" (Time changes everything), emphasizing resilience rather than mere alteration.

Related Concepts:

• Адаптировать (to adapt)
• Корректировка (adjustment)
• Преобразовать (to transform)