Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pertain'

English Word: pertain

Key Russian Translations:

• касаться [kəˈsɑtʲsə] - [Formal, Verb; Used in general contexts to indicate relation or concern]
• относиться [ɐtˈnɐsʲtɕɪtʲsə] - [Informal, Verb; Often used in everyday speech for personal or relational meanings]

Frequency: Medium (Common in written and formal Russian, less frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of verb conjugations and contextual usage; for 'касаться', it may be B2 due to its nuanced applications)

Pronunciation (Russian):

касаться: [kəˈsɑtʲsə]

относиться: [ɐtˈnɐsʲtɕɪtʲsə]

Note on касаться: The stress falls on the second syllable; be cautious with the palatalized 't' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To be relevant or related to something (e.g., in a formal or legal context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• касаться - Used in discussions about topics or issues that are connected, such as in academic or professional settings.
• относиться - Applied when describing personal relevance or emotional connection, in everyday conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Эта тема касается нашей повседневной жизни. (This topic pertains to our daily life.)

  English Translation: This topic concerns our daily life. (Demonstrates 'касаться' in a formal context.)

• Эти правила относятся к безопасности на работе. (These rules pertain to workplace safety.)

  English Translation: These rules relate to workplace safety. (Shows 'относиться' in a practical, instructional context.)

• Вопрос касался истории России. (The question pertained to Russian history.)

  English Translation: The question concerned Russian history. (Illustrates 'касаться' with a historical theme.)

• Это не относится к нашему обсуждению. (This does not pertain to our discussion.)

  English Translation: This does not relate to our discussion. (Highlights negation with 'относиться'.)

• Договор касается международных отношений. (The agreement pertains to international relations.)

  English Translation: The agreement concerns international relations. (Varied context for 'касаться' in diplomacy.)

Meaning 2: To belong to or be connected as a part (e.g., in ownership or affiliation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• касаться - Less common in this sense, but used for abstract belongings.
• иметь отношение - Specifically for indicating affiliation or connection.

Usage Examples:

• Эта собственность касается семьи Ивановых. (This property pertains to the Ivanovs' family.)

  English Translation: This property belongs to the Ivanovs' family. (Uses 'касаться' for ownership.)

• Эти детали имеют отношение к проекту. (These details pertain to the project.)

  English Translation: These details are connected to the project. (Demonstrates 'иметь отношение' in a work context.)

• Проблема не имеет отношения к нам. (The issue does not pertain to us.)

  English Translation: The issue is not relevant to us. (Shows disassociation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'касаться' (a verb of the first conjugation), it follows standard patterns with irregularities in some forms:

For 'относиться', it is also a verb and conjugates similarly, but it is invariable in some aspects and often used in imperfective forms without major irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • иметь отношение (to have to do with) - More neutral and broad.
  • связываться (to be linked) - Used for direct connections, with a slight connotation of entanglement.
• Antonyms:
  • не касаться (not to concern)
  • отвлекаться (to digress or be unrelated)

Related Phrases:

• Касаться сути дела - (To get to the point; literally: To touch upon the essence of the matter)
• Относиться к чему-либо положительно - (To pertain positively to something; meaning: To have a positive relation)
• Иметь косвенное отношение - (To have an indirect connection; used when something pertains loosely)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'касаться' is often preferred for formal or abstract contexts, while 'относиться' works better for interpersonal or emotional relations. Unlike English 'pertain', which is neutral, Russian equivalents can carry emotional weight—e.g., 'относиться' might imply judgment. Always consider the aspect (perfective/imperfective) for accurate verb usage, and pair with prepositions like 'к' for direction.

• Choose 'касаться' for topics in writing or speeches.
• Avoid direct word-for-word translation; adapt based on context to maintain natural flow.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse 'касаться' by confusing it with physical touching; for example, incorrectly saying 'Я касаюсь этой книги' to mean 'This book pertains to me', when it actually means 'I am touching this book'. Correct usage: 'Это касается меня' (This pertains to me). Another error is improper conjugation, like saying 'Касаю' instead of 'Касаюсь' for first person present.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like 'касаться' in discussions often reflect a value for directness and relevance, especially in intellectual or political contexts, stemming from historical debates in literature and philosophy. It may carry a subtle emphasis on interconnectedness in communal settings.

Related Concepts:

• связь (connection)
• отношение (relation)
• влияние (influence)