Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reckon'

English Word: reckon

Key Russian Translations:

• считать [sʲtʲɪˈtatʲ] - [Informal, Versatile; used in everyday contexts for opinions or calculations]
• полагать [pɐlɐˈɡatʲ] - [Formal; typically used in more structured or professional settings for assumptions]
• рассчитывать [rɐsʲˈʧɨtɨvɐtʲ] - [Semi-formal; specifically for calculations or expectations]

Frequency: Medium (The verb 'reckon' is commonly used in English, and its Russian equivalents like 'считать' appear frequently in spoken and written Russian, especially in casual conversations and literature.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp basic conjugations, but mastering nuances in formality and context may require practice. For 'считать', it's B1; for 'полагать', it might edge toward B2 due to its formal connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

считать: [sʲtʲɪˈtatʲ]

полагать: [pɐlɐˈɡatʲ]

рассчитывать: [rɐsʲˈʧɨtɨvɐtʲ]

Note on считать: The initial 'с' is palatalized, which can be tricky for English speakers; it sounds like a soft 's' followed by a 'y' glide. Stress is on the second syllable.

Note on полагать: Pronunciation varies slightly in fast speech; the 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in 'go', but ensure it's not devoiced.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To think or believe something (e.g., "I reckon it's true")

Translation(s) & Context:

• считать - Used in informal daily conversations, such as expressing personal opinions without formal evidence.
• полагать - Applied in formal contexts, like academic or professional discussions, implying a reasoned assumption.

Usage Examples:

• Я считаю, что это хорошая идея. (Ya schitayu, chto eto khoroshaya ideya.)

  I reckon that's a good idea. (This example shows 'reckon' in a casual opinion-sharing context.)

• Он полагает, что погода улучшится завтра. (On polagayet, chto pogoda uluchshitsya zavtra.)

  He reckons the weather will improve tomorrow. (Here, it demonstrates a more formal expression of belief based on prediction.)

• Мы считаем, что нужно изменить план. (My schitayem, chto nuzhno izmenitʹ plan.)

  We reckon we need to change the plan. (Illustrates plural usage in group discussions.)

• Она полагает, что это нереально. (Ona polagayet, chto eto nerelyalʹno.)

  She reckons it's unrealistic. (Shows application in evaluative contexts.)

• Я расчитываю на твою помощь. (Ya rasčityvayu na tvoyu pomoshchʹ.)

  I reckon on your help. (Focuses on expectation or calculation in interpersonal scenarios.)

To calculate or estimate (e.g., "I reckon the cost at $100")

Translation(s) & Context:

• рассчитывать - Common in mathematical or planning contexts, emphasizing numerical estimation.
• считать - Can be used informally for quick mental calculations.

Usage Examples:

• Я расчитываю, что поездка обойдется в 5000 рублей. (Ya rasčityvayu, chto poezdka oboydyetsya v 5000 rublʹey.)

  I reckon the trip will cost 5000 rubles. (This highlights estimation in financial planning.)

• Он считает расстояние примерно 10 километров. (On schitaet rasstoyaniye primerno 10 kilometrov.)

  He reckons the distance at about 10 kilometers. (Demonstrates informal measurement.)

• Мы расчитываем на прибытие к вечеру. (My rasčityvayem na pribytiye k vecheru.)

  We reckon on arriving by evening. (Shows usage in scheduling or timing.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are verbs, which undergo conjugation in Russian based on tense, aspect, person, and number. 'Считать' and 'полагать' are imperfective verbs, while 'рассчитывать' can be used in both imperfective and perfective forms.

Note: These verbs follow regular conjugation patterns for first-conjugation verbs in Russian. They do not have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • думать [doomatʲ] (to think; more neutral and common in casual speech, but less formal than полагать)
  • считать за (to regard as; implies a specific evaluation)
• Antonyms:
  • не верить [ne veritʲ] (to not believe; directly opposes the idea of reckoning something as true)
  • сомневаться [somnevatsya] (to doubt; contrasts with confident estimation)

Related Phrases:

• Считать необходимым - To reckon as necessary (Used in formal contexts to express obligation.)
• Полагать возможным - To reckon as possible (Implies cautious optimism in planning.)
• Рассчитывать на успех - To reckon on success (A common phrase for expressing expectations in business or personal goals.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'reckon' translations like 'считать' are versatile but depend on context: use 'считать' for everyday opinions and 'полагать' for more intellectual or formal settings to match the English nuance. Be mindful of aspect—Russian verbs often require perfective counterparts (e.g., 'счесть' for a completed action). When translating, consider the subject's perspective; Russian verbs conjugate fully, so accuracy in person and number is key for natural usage.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'считать' in overly formal contexts, e.g., saying "Я считаю, что это научно обосновано" instead of "Я полагаю, что это научно обосновано".
  Correct: Opt for 'полагать' in academic settings to avoid sounding too casual.
  Explanation: 'Считать' can imply personal bias, while 'полагать' suggests reasoned thought.
• Mistake: Forgetting conjugation, e.g., using the infinitive form incorrectly in sentences.
  Correct: Instead of "Я расчитывать на помощь", say "Я расчитываю на помощь".
  Explanation: Russian requires verb agreement with the subject, unlike English's more flexible 'reckon'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions like 'считать' often reflect a direct, pragmatic approach to opinions, influenced by historical emphasis on collective decision-making in Soviet times. For instance, in literature by authors like Tolstoy, 'reckoning' ideas ties into themes of introspection and societal judgment, adding a layer of depth beyond mere calculation.

Related Concepts:

• Мнение (mneniye) - Opinion
• Оценка (otsenka) - Evaluation
• Предположение (predpolozheniye) - Assumption