Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'signify'

English Word: signify

Key Russian Translations:

• Означать [ɐznəˈtʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Used in general contexts to indicate meaning]
• Указывать [ʊkɐˈzɨvətʲ] - [Formal, Verb, Used when pointing out or signifying evidence]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday Russian communication, especially in written and formal speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and contextual usage, but accessible with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Означать: [ɐznəˈtʲ]

Указывать: [ʊkɐˈzɨvətʲ]

Note on Означать: The stress falls on the third syllable, which can be tricky for beginners; it softens in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To mean or indicate something

Translation(s) & Context:

• Означать - Used in contexts where something represents or symbolizes another concept, such as in explanations or definitions.
• Указывать - Applied in situations involving evidence or direction, like signifying a warning or proof.

Usage Examples:

• Эта черта на карте означает опасность. (This line on the map signifies danger.)

  English Translation: This line on the map means danger.

• Его жест указывает на согласие. (His gesture signifies agreement.)

  English Translation: His gesture indicates agreement.

• Цвета в этом флаге означают свободу и единство. (The colors in this flag signify freedom and unity.)

  English Translation: The colors in this flag mean freedom and unity.

• Этот сигнал указывает на конец урока. (This signal signifies the end of the lesson.)

  English Translation: This signal indicates the end of the lesson.

Meaning 2: To be important or have significance

Translation(s) & Context:

• Означать - Used metaphorically to imply deeper importance, often in philosophical or reflective contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Эта победа означает многое для нашей команды. (This victory signifies a lot for our team.)

  English Translation: This victory means a great deal for our team.

• Для меня этот день означает начало новой жизни. (For me, this day signifies the start of a new life.)

  English Translation: For me, this day means the beginning of a new life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are verbs and follow standard Russian conjugation patterns. Означать is a first-conjugation verb, while Указывать is also first-conjugation. They are regular but require attention to aspect (imperfective).

Note: These verbs do not change in a highly irregular manner, making them straightforward for learners once basic patterns are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Значить (znachit) - More neutral, often used interchangeably with означать in casual contexts.
  • Подразумевать (podrazumevat) - Implies something indirectly, with a subtle nuance of inference.
• Antonyms:
  • Не значить (ne znachit) - Does not mean or is insignificant.
  • Отвлекать (otvlekat) - To distract, opposing the idea of clear indication.

Related Phrases:

• Означать что-то (oznachat' chto-to) - To mean something; a common phrase for expressing implications in discussions.
• Указывать на что-то (ukazyvat' na chto-to) - To point to something; used in contexts like investigations or directions.
• Это означает конец (eto oznachaet konets) - This signifies the end; a fixed expression for concluding events.

Usage Notes:

Означать is the most direct equivalent to "signify" in the sense of meaning or indicating, and it's preferred in formal writing or educational contexts. Указывать emphasizes pointing out evidence, so choose based on context—use означать for abstract meanings and указывать for tangible indications. Be mindful of aspect in Russian: these are imperfective verbs, often paired with perfective counterparts like обозначить (oboznachat') for completed actions. In everyday speech, these verbs are versatile but avoid overusing in informal settings where simpler words like значить might suffice.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing означать with its perfective form, e.g., saying "Я означу" instead of "Я обозначу" for a completed action. Correct: Use "обозначить" for perfective. Explanation: Russian verbs have aspects, and mixing them can alter the intended meaning.
• Mistake: Over-literal translation, e.g., using означать in places where указывать fits better, like "This sign signifies danger" translated as "Этот знак означает опасность" when "указывает" is more precise. Correct: "Этот знак указывает на опасность." Explanation: Context matters—означать is for general meaning, not specific indicators.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like означать often carry a philosophical weight, reflecting the language's emphasis on deep, symbolic meanings in literature and daily life. For instance, in Russian poetry or proverbs, signifying something can imply existential importance, as seen in works by Pushkin, where symbols "oznachat'" broader human experiences.

Related Concepts:

• Символизировать (simbolizovat')
• Представлять (predstavlyat')
• Выражать (vyrazhat')