Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'retool'

English Word: retool

Key Russian Translations:

• переоснащать [pʲɪrʲɪɐsnəʂʲatʲ] - [Formal, Technical]
• модернизировать [mədərnʲizʲɪrəvatʲ] - [Formal, General Business]

Frequency: Low (This verb is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in technical, industrial, or business contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and technical vocabulary; for 'переоснащать', it may be C1 due to its specificity.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

переоснащать: [pʲɪrʲɪɐsnəʂʲatʲ] (Stress on the third syllable; the 'щ' sound is a soft, hissing fricative.)

модернизировать: [mədərnʲizʲɪrəvatʲ] (Stress on the fourth syllable; note the palatalized 'н' and 'з'.)

Note on переоснащать: This word has a complex consonant cluster; beginners may struggle with the 'р' and 'щ' sounds. Pronunciation can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To reorganize or modernize equipment, machinery, or systems.

Translation(s) & Context:

• переоснащать - Used in formal, technical contexts like manufacturing or engineering, emphasizing complete overhaul.
• модернизировать - Applied in broader business or technological settings, often implying updates without full replacement.

Usage Examples:

• Завод решил переоснащать производственные линии для повышения эффективности.

  The factory decided to retool the production lines to increase efficiency.

• Компания модернизирует свои системы, чтобы соответствовать новым стандартам.

  The company is retooling its systems to meet new standards.

• Инженеры переоснащают оборудование, используя современные технологии.

  Engineers are retooling the equipment using modern technology.

• В условиях кризиса фирма вынуждена модернизировать свой флот.

  In times of crisis, the firm has to retool its fleet.

• Переоснащать лабораторию – это недешевое дело, но оно окупается.

  Retooling the laboratory is an expensive endeavor, but it pays off.

Secondary Meaning: To adapt or revise strategies, plans, or skills (figurative use).

Translation(s) & Context:

• переоснащать - In metaphorical contexts, such as personal development or organizational change.

Usage Examples:

• Менеджер переоснащает свою команду, обучая новым навыкам.

  The manager is retooling his team by teaching new skills.

• Чтобы выжить на рынке, бизнесу нужно модернизировать подходы.

  To survive in the market, the business needs to retool its approaches.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'переоснащать' and 'модернизировать' are verbs of the first conjugation in Russian, which typically follow regular patterns but can have irregularities in stems. They are imperfective verbs, often paired with perfective counterparts for complete actions.

Note: These verbs do not change based on gender in the past tense but do conjugate for person, number, and tense as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • переоборудовать (similar to переоснащать, but more focused on physical restructuring)
  • обновлять (general updating, less technical)
• Antonyms:
  • устаревать (to become outdated)
  • разрушать (to destroy or dismantle)

Related Phrases:

• Переоснащение производства – Retooling of production (refers to the process in industrial contexts).
• Модернизация технологий – Modernization of technologies (common in discussions about innovation).
• Полное переоснащение – Complete retooling (emphasizes thorough overhaul, often in business plans).

Usage Notes:

'Retool' corresponds closely to 'переоснащать' in technical English-Russian translations, especially in manufacturing, but 'модернизировать' is preferable for broader adaptations. Use 'переоснащать' in formal or professional settings to convey a sense of comprehensive change; it's less common in casual speech. Be mindful of aspect: pair with perfective verbs like 'переоснастить' for completed actions. When choosing between translations, opt for 'модернизировать' if the context involves digital or incremental updates.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'переоснащать' interchangeably with 'модернизировать' without considering context. Correct: 'переоснащать' for physical equipment changes; 'модернизировать' for general improvements. Example: Incorrect: "Я модернизирую машину" (if it means full retooling); Correct: "Я переоснащаю машину".
• Mistake: Forgetting verb conjugation in sentences. Correct: Ensure agreement with subject, e.g., "Мы переоснащаем" instead of "Мы переоснащать".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and business contexts, terms like 'переоснащать' reflect the historical emphasis on industrial modernization during the Soviet era. It often carries connotations of efficiency and state-driven progress, which can influence its use in contemporary discussions about economic reforms.

Related Concepts:

• инновация (innovation)
• технологический прогресс (technological progress)
• производство (production)