Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rely'

English Word: rely

Key Russian Translations:

• полагаться [pɐlɐˈɡat͡sə] - [Informal, Reflexive Verb, Used in everyday contexts for depending on someone or something]
• зависеть [zɐˈvʲisʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Often implies dependence on conditions or circumstances]

Frequency: Medium (This verb is commonly used in spoken and written Russian, but not as basic as everyday words like "быть" – to be.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; involves understanding reflexive verbs and basic conjugations. For "зависеть", it is also B1, but simpler due to regular conjugation.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полагаться: [pɐlɐˈɡat͡sə]

зависеть: [zɐˈvʲisʲɪtʲ]

Note on полагаться: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ga"), and it's a reflexive verb, so it often ends with "-ся". Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech, softening the "g" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To depend on someone or something for support, help, or supply (e.g., in personal or professional contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полагаться на - Used when expressing trust or reliance in informal or neutral settings, such as daily life or relationships.
• зависеть от - Applied in more formal or conditional scenarios, like dependencies in science or decision-making.

Usage Examples:

• Я полагаюсь на своих друзей в трудные моменты.

  I rely on my friends in difficult times. (This shows the verb in a personal, emotional context.)

• В этой работе мы полагаемся на точные данные для принятия решений.

  In this job, we rely on accurate data for making decisions. (Illustrates professional usage with a prepositional phrase.)

• От успеха проекта зависит вся команда, так что мы не можем полагаться на удачу.

  The success of the project depends on the whole team, so we can't rely on luck. (Combines "зависеть" and "полагаться" to show contrast in a conditional sentence.)

• Я не привык полагаться на других; предпочитаю делать всё сам.

  I'm not used to relying on others; I prefer to do everything myself. (Demonstrates the verb in a reflective, habitual context.)

• Экономика страны зависит от экспорта нефти, поэтому мы полагаемся на стабильные цены.

  The country's economy relies on oil exports, so we depend on stable prices. (Shows usage in a broader, societal context with both translations.)

2. To have confidence in the reliability of something (e.g., in abstract or trust-based scenarios).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полагаться на - Emphasized in contexts involving faith or assurance, like trusting a source.

Usage Examples:

• В науке мы полагаемся на экспериментальные доказательства.

  In science, we rely on experimental evidence. (Highlights intellectual dependence.)

• Она всегда полагается на своё чутьё в критических ситуациях.

  She always relies on her intuition in critical situations. (Shows personal reliance in decision-making.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "полагаться" (a reflexive imperfective verb), it follows standard Russian verb conjugation patterns with reflexive particle "-ся". It is irregular in some aspects due to its root. Below is a conjugation table for present tense:

Note: It has imperfective and perfective forms (e.g., perfective is "положиться"), and the reflexive particle changes with other aspects.

For "зависеть" (an imperfective verb), it is more regular and does not change with reflexivity:

This verb is intransitive and does not inflect for reflexivity, making it simpler.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • доверять [dɐˈvʲerʲatʲ] - More about trusting, often interchangeable in emotional contexts.
  • рассчитывать [rɐsˈt͡ɕɨtvatʲ] - Implies planning or expecting, with a slight nuance of calculation.
• Antonyms:
  • не полагаться - Directly negates reliance.
  • сомневаться [sɐmˈnʲevat͡sə] - To doubt, contrasting with trust-based dependence.

Related Phrases:

• полагаться на кого-то - Rely on someone; used in contexts of interpersonal trust.
• зависеть от обстоятельств - Depend on circumstances; common in discussions of uncertainty.
• не стоит полагаться на удачу - Don't rely on luck; a cautionary phrase in planning.

Usage Notes:

"Полагаться" is the most direct translation for "rely" in Russian and is often followed by "на" (on) plus the accusative case. It conveys a sense of ongoing dependence, similar to the English imperfective aspect. For formal writing, "зависеть" might be preferred when discussing external factors. Be cautious with verb aspect: use the imperfective for habitual actions and perfective ("положиться") for completed ones. When choosing between translations, opt for "полагаться" in personal contexts and "зависеть" in objective ones to match nuance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "полагаться" without the reflexive particle, e.g., saying "Я полагаю на друзей" instead of "Я полагаюсь на друзей". Correct: The reflexive "-ся" is essential. Explanation: This changes the meaning to something unrelated, like "I suppose".

• Error: Confusing with "зависеть" in emotional contexts, e.g., "Я завишу от друзей" (incorrect form). Correct: Use "полагаться на" for reliance on people. Explanation: "Зависеть" is better for conditions, not personal trust, and must be conjugated properly as "завису" or used impersonally.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "полагаться" often reflects the value placed on self-reliance and community support, stemming from historical contexts like Soviet-era collectivism. For instance, relying on family or close friends is emphasized in literature and proverbs, such as in works by Tolstoy, where dependence is portrayed as both a strength and a vulnerability.

Related Concepts:

• доверие (trust)
• поддержка (support)
• самостоятельность (independence)