Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'resign'

English Word: resign

Key Russian Translations:

• уйти в отставку [ˈuʂtʲi v ɐˈstavku] - [Formal, Used in professional or official contexts, such as resigning from a job or position]
• подать в отставку [pɐˈdatʲ v ɐˈstavku] - [Formal, Often used in bureaucratic or governmental settings, implying submission of resignation]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are commonly encountered in formal writing, news, and professional discussions but less so in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding formal structures and verb phrases; learners at this level should grasp the nuances, though variations may require additional practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уйти в отставку: [ˈuʂtʲi v ɐˈstavku] (Note on уйти в отставку: The stress is on the first syllable of "уйти," and the "ш" sound in "уйти" is a soft palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; common in formal speech.)

подать в отставку: [pɐˈdatʲ v ɐˈstavku] (Note on подать в отставку: The "д" in "подать" is pronounced softly, and the word flows quickly in native speech; practice the vowel reductions for natural rhythm.)

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To give up a job or position voluntarily

Translation(s) & Context:

• уйти в отставку - Used in formal contexts like employment or politics, emphasizing a complete withdrawal from responsibilities.
• подать в отставку - Applied when formally submitting a resignation document, common in administrative or legal scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Я решил уйти в отставку после 20 лет работы в компании.

  I decided to resign after 20 years at the company. (This example shows the phrase in a personal narrative, highlighting career decisions.)

• Министр подал в отставку из-за скандала.

  The minister resigned due to the scandal. (Demonstrates use in news or political contexts, with a focus on external pressures.)

• Она была вынуждена уйти в отставку, чтобы уделить время семье.

  She was forced to resign to spend time with her family. (Illustrates the phrase in a life-balance scenario, showing emotional or personal motivations.)

• После поражения на выборах, лидер подал в отставку.

  After the election defeat, the leader resigned. (This highlights formal political usage, often in reported speech.)

• Многие сотрудники ушли в отставку во время реорганизации фирмы.

  Many employees resigned during the company's reorganization. (Shows plural or group context, emphasizing widespread actions.)

To yield or give in (less common usage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уступить - Used in informal or metaphorical contexts, implying concession in an argument or situation.

Usage Examples:

• В конце концов, он вынужден был уступить в споре.

  In the end, he had to resign in the argument. (This example adapts to a non-professional setting, focusing on interpersonal dynamics.)

• Она не хотела уступить, но реальность заставила её изменить решение.

  She didn't want to resign, but reality forced her to change her mind. (Illustrates metaphorical use in decision-making processes.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For the key translations, which are verb phrases, the main verbs "уйти" and "подать" are irregular or follow specific conjugation patterns in Russian. "Уйти" is a perfective verb from "идти" (to go), while "подать" is from "дать" (to give). Below is a table for key inflections:

For nouns like "отставка" (resignation), it is a feminine noun that declines: Nominative - отставка, Genitive - отставки, etc. It follows the first declension pattern and is invariant in phrases like these.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • оставить должность (to leave a position) - More neutral, used in everyday contexts.
  • покинуть пост (to abandon a post) - Implies a sudden or dramatic exit.
• Antonyms:
  • занять должность (to take up a position)
  • продолжить работу (to continue working)

Related Phrases:

• Подать заявление об отставке - To submit a resignation letter; commonly used in formal employment processes.
• Уйти на пенсию - To retire; related to resigning due to age or service length.
• Добровольно уйти в отставку - To resign voluntarily; emphasizes the choice aspect in personal decisions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, translations like "уйти в отставку" are more formal and often used in written or official contexts, mirroring the English "resign" in professional settings. Unlike English, Russian may require specifying the reason or context explicitly for clarity. When choosing between translations, use "подать в отставку" for bureaucratic scenarios and "уйти в отставку" for general resignations. Be mindful of aspect: perfective verbs like these focus on completion, so pair with past tense for completed actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "уйти" alone without "в отставку," which might imply just "to leave" generically. Correct: Always pair it for the specific meaning of resignation. Example of error: "Я ушёл" (I left) vs. Correct: "Я ушёл в отставку" (I resigned).
• Error: Confusing with "уступить" for job resignation, which means "to yield" in arguments. Correct: Reserve "уступить" for non-professional concessions. Explanation: This mix-up can lead to misunderstandings in formal writing; learners should check context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, resigning from a position, especially in government or high-profile roles, often carries significant social implications, such as honor or scandal. Phrases like "подать в отставку" echo historical contexts from the Soviet era, where resignations were formal and publicly scrutinized, helping to understand the weight of such decisions in modern Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• увольнение (dismissal)
• карьера (career)
• работа (job)