Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'monopolize'

English Word: monopolize

Key Russian Translations:

• монополизировать [mɐnəpəlʲɪzʲɪrəvɐtʲ] - [Formal, used in business or economic contexts]
• завладеть [zəvlɐdʲetʲ] - [Informal, often in everyday or possessive scenarios]

Frequency: Medium (Common in business, economics, and formal discussions, but less frequent in casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and economic terminology. For 'монополизировать', it's B2; for 'завладеть', it's B1 due to its more general use.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

монополизировать: [mɐnəpəlʲɪzʲɪrəvɐtʲ]

завладеть: [zəvlɐdʲetʲ]

Note on монополизировать: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('по'), which can be tricky for learners; pronounce it with a clear emphasis to avoid confusion with similar verbs. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'лʲ' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To have or take the greatest share of something, preventing others from sharing it (e.g., in business, attention, or resources).

Translation(s) & Context:

• монополизировать - Used in formal contexts like economics or corporate discussions, emphasizing control over markets.
• завладеть - Applied in informal or everyday situations, such as personal dominance in a conversation or resource acquisition.

Usage Examples:

• Компания монополизировала рынок смартфонов, не давая конкурентам шанса.

  The company monopolized the smartphone market, not giving competitors a chance.

• Он всегда завладевает вниманием на вечеринках, не оставляя места для других разговоров.

  He always monopolizes the attention at parties, leaving no room for other conversations.

• Правительство монополизировало добычу нефти, чтобы контролировать экономику страны.

  The government monopolized oil extraction to control the country's economy.

• Дети часто завладевают игрушками, не желая делиться с братьями и сёстрами.

  Children often monopolize toys, not wanting to share with their siblings.

• Эта фирма монополизировала поставки товаров, что привело к повышению цен.

  This firm monopolized the supply of goods, leading to price increases.

To dominate or control exclusively in a way that excludes others (e.g., in social or intellectual settings).

Translation(s) & Context:

• монополизировать - In professional or academic contexts, highlighting exclusive control.
• завладеть - In casual social interactions, implying informal takeover.

Usage Examples:

• Профессор монополизировал дискуссию, не позволяя студентам высказываться.

  The professor monopolized the discussion, not allowing students to speak.

• Она завладела пультом от телевизора на весь вечер.

  She monopolized the TV remote for the entire evening.

• Корпорация монополизировала технологии, блокируя инновации от конкурентов.

  The corporation monopolized the technology, blocking innovations from competitors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are verbs, so they undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. 'Монополизировать' is a less common verb and follows imperfective/perfective patterns, while 'завладеть' is perfective and more straightforward.

Note: These verbs do not change based on gender in infinitive form but do in past tense. Irregularities are minimal, but aspect (imperfective vs. perfective) must be chosen based on context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • захватывать (to seize, similar to 'завладеть' but more aggressive)
  • доминировать (to dominate, often interchangeable in power contexts)
  • контролировать (to control, with a focus on management rather than exclusive takeover)
• Antonyms:
  • делить (to share)
  • распределять (to distribute)
  • освобождать (to release or free up)

Related Phrases:

• Монополия на рынок - A monopoly on the market (refers to exclusive control in business).
• Завладеть вниманием - To monopolize attention (used in social or media contexts).
• Экономическая монополизация - Economic monopolization (a formal phrase for business dominance).

Usage Notes:

'Монополизировать' directly mirrors the English 'monopolize' in formal settings, especially economics, but it's less common in everyday Russian—opt for 'завладеть' in casual speech. Be mindful of verb aspect: use imperfective for ongoing actions and perfective for completed ones. In business contexts, it's often paired with nouns like 'рынок' (market). English learners should choose based on formality; 'монополизировать' suits written reports, while 'завладеть' works in dialogue.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'монополизировать' in informal contexts, e.g., saying "Я монополизирую игру" instead of "Я завладеваю игрой." Correct: Я завладеваю игрой. Explanation: 'Монополизировать' sounds overly formal and may confuse listeners in casual settings.
• Mistake: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying "Он монополизировали" (wrong plural form). Correct: Он монополизировал. Explanation: Verbs must agree with the subject in person and number; always check past tense endings for gender and number.
• Mistake: Confusing with nouns, e.g., treating 'монополия' (monopoly as a noun) as the verb form. Correct: Use 'монополизировать' for the verb action. Explanation: This leads to grammatical errors; remember, Russian often requires separate words for actions vs. states.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'монополизировать' often evoke historical contexts, such as the Soviet-era state monopolies on industries like oil and agriculture. This can carry connotations of government control versus free-market ideals, influencing modern discussions on capitalism and regulation.

Related Concepts:

• монополия (monopoly)
• олигополия (oligopoly)
• конкуренция (competition)