Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'suppose'

English Word: suppose

Key Russian Translations:

• предполагать (/prʲɪd.pɐˈɫa.ɡətʲ/) - [Formal, Verb]
• полагать (/pɐˈɫa.ɡətʲ/) - [Formal, Verb, Used in more philosophical or reasoned contexts]
• думать (/ˈdumətʲ/) - [Informal, Verb, Everyday usage]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, literature, and academic discussions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of verb conjugations and context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

предполагать: /prʲɪd.pɐˈɫa.ɡətʲ/

полагать: /pɐˈɫa.ɡətʲ/

думать: /ˈdumətʲ/

Note on предполагать: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To assume or believe something is true without proof

Translation(s) & Context:

• предполагать - Used in formal or scientific contexts, e.g., when hypothesizing.
• полагать - Applied in reasoned arguments or opinions.
• думать - Informal, everyday assumptions in casual speech.

Usage Examples:

• Я предполагаю, что погода будет хорошей завтра.

  I suppose that the weather will be good tomorrow. (Shows hypothetical assumption in a formal context.)

• Он полагает, что это решение правильное.

  He supposes that this decision is correct. (Illustrates a reasoned belief.)

• Я думаю, что мы опоздаем на поезд.

  I suppose we'll be late for the train. (Casual, informal usage in daily life.)

• Предполагается, что проект будет завершен к сроку.

  It is supposed that the project will be completed on time. (Used in passive or impersonal structures.)

To imagine or consider a possibility

Translation(s) & Context:

• предполагать - For theoretical possibilities.
• думать - In speculative or conversational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Предположим, что цены вырастут, что мы будем делать?

  Suppose prices go up, what will we do? (Hypothetical scenario in discussion.)

• Я думаю, это может сработать.

  I suppose it might work. (Informal consideration of an idea.)

• Не предполагай худшее; все может быть хорошо.

  Don't suppose the worst; everything might be fine. (Advising against negative assumptions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These verbs are conjugated based on Russian verb patterns. 'Предполагать' and 'полагать' are imperfective verbs, while 'думать' is also imperfective. They follow the first conjugation for most forms.

These verbs do not have irregular inflections but require attention to aspect (imperfective here) for perfective counterparts like 'предположить'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • считать (/sʲtʲɪˈtatʲ/) - Similar to 'полагать', but more general.
  • предположить (/prʲɪd.pɐˈɫo.ʐʲɪtʲ/) - For a one-time assumption.
• Antonyms:
  • отвергать (/ɐt.vʲɪrˈɡatʲ/) - To reject or deny.
  • сомневаться (/sɐmˈnʲe.vatʲsə/) - To doubt.

Related Phrases:

• Предположим, что... (/prʲɪd.pɐˈɫo.ʒʲɪm, ʂto/...) - Suppose that... (Used for hypothetical scenarios; implies considering possibilities.)
• Я думаю так (/ja ˈdumətʲ tak/) - I suppose so (Informal agreement or assumption in conversation.)
• Не стоит предполагать худшее (/nʲe ˈsto.it prʲɪd.pɐˈɫa.ɡətʲ ˈxud.ʂʲee/) - Don't suppose the worst (Advising optimism; common in emotional contexts.)

Usage Notes:

• 'Предполагать' is the most direct translation for 'suppose' in formal contexts, aligning closely with English usage in hypotheses or theories.
• 'Думать' is preferred in informal settings and may not always carry the same level of certainty as 'suppose' in English.
• Be mindful of aspect: Use imperfective for ongoing suppositions and perfective (e.g., предположить) for completed actions.
• In questions, 'suppose' can translate to 'предположим' for invitations to hypothesize.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'думать' in formal writing where 'предполагать' is more appropriate. Correct: Предполагаю, что... (I suppose that...). Explanation: 'Думать' sounds too casual and may undermine the formality.
• Error: Confusing with perfective forms, e.g., saying 'предполагать' when 'предположить' is needed for a one-time action. Correct: Я предположил, что... (I supposed that...). Explanation: Russian verbs have aspects that English lacks, so matching the context is key.
• Error: Overusing 'полагать' in everyday speech. Correct: Use 'думать' instead. Explanation: 'Полагать' is more intellectual and can sound pretentious in casual talk.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions like 'предполагать' often reflect a cautious approach to assumptions, influenced by historical contexts such as Soviet-era skepticism. This can make Russian discourse more tentative compared to direct English statements.

Related Concepts:

• гипотеза (/ɡʲɪ.pɐˈte.zə/)
• вероятность (/vʲɪ.rɐˈjat.nəstʲ/)
• сомнение (/sɐmˈnʲe.nʲɪ.e/)