Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'react'

English Word: react

Key Russian Translations:

• реагировать [rʲɪˈaɡʲɪrəvətʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Used in general contexts]
• отреагировать [ɐtrʲɪaɡʲɪrəvətʲ] - [Informal, Perfective aspect, Used for completed reactions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversation and media, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "делать").

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb aspects and conjugation, though basic forms are accessible to upper beginners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

реагировать: [rʲɪˈaɡʲɪrəvətʲ]

отреагировать: [ɐtrʲɪaɡʲɪrəvətʲ]

Note on реагировать: The stress falls on the second syllable ("aɡʲ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Note on отреагировать: Similar to the above, but the prefix "от-" adds a subtle emphasis; ensure the "o" sound is soft.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To respond to a stimulus, situation, or event.

Translation(s) & Context:

• реагировать - Used in ongoing or imperfective contexts, such as describing habitual reactions in formal writing or discussions.
• отреагировать - Used for completed actions, often in informal speech or narratives.

Usage Examples:

• Он быстро реагирует на неожиданные изменения в планах.

  He reacts quickly to unexpected changes in plans.

• Дети отреагировали на подарки с большим энтузиазмом.

  The children reacted to the gifts with great enthusiasm.

• Врачи должны реагировать на симптомы пациента без промедления.

  Doctors must react to the patient's symptoms without delay.

• Она отреагировала на критику, изменив свой подход к работе.

  She reacted to the criticism by changing her approach to work.

• Система безопасности реагирует на любое движение в помещении.

  The security system reacts to any movement in the room.

Secondary Meaning: To have a chemical or physical reaction (e.g., in science).

Translation(s) & Context:

• реагировать - Common in scientific or technical contexts for ongoing processes.

Usage Examples:

• Химические вещества реагируют друг с другом, выделяя газ.

  The chemicals react with each other, releasing gas.

• Металл реагирует на кислоту, вызывая коррозию.

  The metal reacts to acid, causing corrosion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "реагировать" and "отреагировать" are verbs, and Russian verbs follow imperfective (реагировать) and perfective (отреагировать) aspects. They are conjugated based on person, number, tense, and mood. These are first-conjugation verbs with irregularities in some forms.

Note: These verbs do not change for gender in the infinitive but do in the past tense. They are regular in most aspects but require attention to aspectual pairs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • откликаться (to respond, often emotionally)
  • отвечать (to answer or reply, with a nuance of direct response)

  Note: "откликаться" implies a more emotional or instinctive reaction, while "отвечать" is closer to a verbal reply.

• Antonyms:
  • игнорировать (to ignore)
  • не замечать (to not notice)

Related Phrases:

• быстро реагировать - To react quickly; often used in urgent situations like emergencies.
• эмоционально реагировать - To react emotionally; common in psychological or interpersonal contexts.
• неадекватно отреагировать - To react inadequately; implies an inappropriate response, e.g., in social settings.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "реагировать" is the imperfective form, ideal for describing ongoing or repeated actions, while "отреагировать" is perfective and suits completed events. English speakers should note that Russian verbs often require an aspect choice that English lacks, so choose based on context—e.g., use imperfective for habits and perfective for results. This word is neutral in formality but leans formal in writing. When translating "react," consider the context: scientific uses might stick to "реагировать," while everyday responses could use "отреагировать." Avoid direct word-for-word translation; integrate with Russian sentence structure for naturalness.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using "реагировать" when a perfective aspect is needed, e.g., saying "Я реагировал на новость" instead of "Я отреагировал на новость" for a completed action. Correct: The perfective "отреагировал" emphasizes completion, while "реагировал" implies ongoing reaction. Explanation: This confuses aspect, which is crucial in Russian; always check if the action is finished.

• Common Error: Mispronouncing the stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable in "реагировать." Correct Pronunciation: [rʲɪˈaɡʲɪrəvətʲ] with stress on the second. Explanation: English speakers often apply English stress patterns, leading to misunderstandings in spoken Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, reactions (e.g., "реагировать") are often expected to be measured and collective, especially in professional or social settings, reflecting values of stoicism and group harmony. For instance, in literature like Dostoevsky's works, characters' reactions reveal deep psychological insights, emphasizing introspection over immediate emotional outbursts.

Related Concepts:

• ответ (response)
• реакция (reaction, as a noun)
• отклик (echo or feedback)