Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'renovate'

English Word: renovate

Key Russian Translations:

• ремонтировать /rʲɪˈmonʲtʲɪrəvətʲ/ - [Verb, Formal/Informal, Commonly used for repairs]
• обновлять /ɐbnɐˈvlʲætʲ/ - [Verb, Informal, Used for updating or modernizing]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about home improvement and maintenance, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "to be" or "to have").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and context, as per CEFR standards. For 'ремонтировать', it's B1; for 'обновлять', it's also B1 due to similar structures.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ремонтировать: /rʲɪˈmonʲtʲɪrəvətʲ/ (Stress on the third syllable; the 'р' is rolled, and the 'тʲ' is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

обновлять: /ɐbnɐˈvlʲætʲ/ (Stress on the second syllable; note the soft 'лʲ' sound, common in Russian verbs.)

Note on ремонтировать: This verb has variations in informal speech, where the ending might soften; for example, in rapid speech, it could sound like /rʲɪˈmonʲtʲɪrəvətʲ/ with a quicker vowel reduction.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To repair and improve something, especially a building or object, making it like new.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ремонтировать - Used in contexts involving physical repairs, such as homes or vehicles; common in formal and informal settings.
• обновлять - Applied to updating or modernizing, often with a focus on technology or aesthetics; more informal in everyday use.

Usage Examples:

• Мы решили отремонтировать квартиру перед продажей. (We decided to renovate the apartment before selling it.)

  Translation: We decided to renovate the apartment before selling it. (This example shows the verb in a future planning context with the infinitive form.)

• Он ремонтирует старый дом своими руками. (He is renovating the old house by himself.)

  Translation: He is renovating the old house by himself. (Demonstrates the verb in the present tense, third person singular.)

• Каждый год мы обновляем офисное оборудование. (Every year, we renovate/upgrade the office equipment.)

  Translation: Every year, we renovate/upgrade the office equipment. (Illustrates 'обновлять' in a habitual action context.)

• После пожара пришлось ремонтировать всю крышу. (After the fire, we had to renovate the entire roof.)

  Translation: After the fire, we had to renovate the entire roof. (Shows the verb in a past tense narrative.)

• Молодые дизайнеры обновляют интерьер с помощью современных материалов. (Young designers are renovating the interior using modern materials.)

  Translation: Young designers are renovating the interior using modern materials. (Highlights 'обновлять' in a creative or professional setting.)

Meaning 2: To restore or refresh something to a better state, metaphorically (e.g., ideas or systems).

Translation(s) & Context:

• ремонтировать - Less common in metaphorical use; typically literal, but can apply in extended contexts like "repairing" relationships.
• обновлять - More frequent for abstract concepts, such as updating software or ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство планирует обновлять образовательную систему. (The government plans to renovate/update the education system.)

  Translation: The government plans to renovate/update the education system. (Example of metaphorical use in policy discussions.)

• Иногда нужно ремонтировать старые традиции, чтобы они оставались актуальными. (Sometimes you need to renovate old traditions to keep them relevant.)

  Translation: Sometimes you need to renovate old traditions to keep them relevant. (Shows extended, metaphorical application.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'ремонтировать' and 'обновлять' are first conjugation verbs in Russian, which means they follow regular patterns but have specific inflections based on tense, aspect, and person. Russian verbs often have imperfective and perfective aspects; 'ремонтировать' is imperfective, while a perfective counterpart might be 'поремонтировать' (though less common).

Note: These verbs do not have irregular forms, but pay attention to the aspect; for perfective actions, use derivatives like 'поремонтировать' for completed renovations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • восстанавливать (to restore; similar to 'ремонтировать' but implies bringing back to original state)
  • чинить (to fix; more informal and basic)
• Antonyms:
  • разрушать (to destroy)
  • портить (to damage; often used in informal contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Капитальный ремонт (Major renovation) - Refers to extensive, structural improvements to a building.
• Обновить дизайн (To update the design) - Common in creative or digital contexts, implying modernization.
• Ремонт своими руками (DIY renovation) - Phrase for self-conducted repairs, popular in home improvement discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'ремонтировать' directly corresponds to the English 'renovate' in literal contexts like building maintenance, but it's more versatile and can apply to objects. 'Обновлять' is better for abstract or technological renovations. Always consider the aspect: use imperfective for ongoing actions. In formal writing, pair these with prepositions like 'в' (in) for locations, e.g., 'ремонтировать в квартире'. When choosing between translations, opt for 'ремонтировать' for physical repairs and 'обновлять' for updates to avoid confusion.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'ремонтировать' interchangeably with 'обновлять' without considering context. Incorrect: Я обновляю дом (if it means physical repair). Correct: Я ремонтирую дом. Explanation: 'Обновлять' implies modernization, not basic repair; this mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in professional settings.
• Error: Neglecting verb aspects, e.g., using 'ремонтировать' for a completed action. Incorrect: Я ремонтировал вчера (if fully finished). Correct: Use a perfective form like 'поремонтировать'. Explanation: Russian requires precise aspect to convey completion, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, renovation (e.g., 'ремонт') is a significant cultural activity, often tied to the post-Soviet era when many buildings required extensive repairs. Phrases like 'капитальный ремонт' evoke historical contexts of urban renewal, reflecting resilience and practicality in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• восстановление (restoration)
• модернизация (modernization)
• ремонтные работы (repair works)