Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'taking'

English Word: taking

Key Russian Translations:

• взятие [vzˈjatʲje] - [Formal, Noun form, often used in historical or military contexts]
• захват [zaxˈvat] - [Informal/Neutral, Noun form, more general or everyday usage]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, literature, and historical discussions, but less frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level, as it involves understanding noun inflections; for 'взятие', it's B1; for 'захват', it's A2 due to simpler usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

взятие: [vzˈjatʲje]

Note on взятие: The stress is on the second syllable ('jat'). Be careful with the palatalized 't' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. It can vary slightly in rapid speech.

захват: [zaxˈvat]

Note on захват: The 'x' is pronounced like the 'ch' in Scottish "loch," with stress on the second syllable. This word is easier for beginners due to its straightforward consonant sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The act of taking or seizing something, often in a literal or metaphorical sense (e.g., capturing a city or taking possession).

Translation(s) & Context:

• взятие - Used in formal, historical, or military contexts, such as describing the capture of territory; implies a planned or significant action.
• захват - Applied in more neutral or everyday situations, like seizing an opportunity or capturing attention; can be less formal.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Взятие крепости произошло под покровом ночи.

  English translation: The taking of the fortress occurred under the cover of night. (Shows historical/military context with noun usage.)

• Русский пример: Захват власти в стране был неожиданным.

  English translation: The taking of power in the country was unexpected. (Illustrates a metaphorical use in political contexts.)

• Русский пример: В ходе операции произошло взятие важных документов.

  English translation: During the operation, the taking of important documents took place. (Demonstrates formal, procedural language.)

• Русский пример: Быстрый захват рынка помог компании расшириться.

  English translation: The quick taking of the market helped the company expand. (Example in a business context, showing everyday application.)

• Русский пример: Взятие в плен врагов завершило битву.

  English translation: The taking of enemies as prisoners ended the battle. (Highlights a specific idiomatic phrase in action.)

Meaning 2: As an adjective or participle, implying attractiveness or charm (less common, e.g., "a taking smile").

Translation(s) & Context:

• захватывающий - Used for something captivating or engaging; informal contexts like describing art or personality.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: У неё была захватывающая улыбка, которая завораживала всех.

  English translation: She had a taking smile that captivated everyone. (Shows adjectival use in descriptive contexts.)

• Русский пример: Этот фильм имеет захватывающий сюжет.

  English translation: This film has a taking plot. (Illustrates entertainment-related usage.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'взятие' and 'захват' are neuter nouns in Russian, following the third declension pattern. They exhibit regular inflection based on case, number, and gender. 'Взятие' is less common and can be more formal, while 'захват' is straightforward.

Note: These nouns do not change in plural forms as frequently, but if needed: Plural Nominative: взятия/захваты. They are regular and follow standard Russian noun rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: захват (overlap with main word), поимка (more specific to capturing people), освоение (conquest or takeover)
• Antonyms: освобождение (release or liberation), возврат (return)

Explanation: 'Поимка' is often used for literal captures, like in law enforcement, while 'освобождение' directly contrasts by implying the opposite action.

Related Phrases:

• взятие в плен - Taking prisoner; used in military or historical contexts to describe capturing enemies.
• захват власти - Taking power; common in political discussions, implying a seizure of control.
• быстрый захват - Quick taking; refers to rapid acquisition, often in business or strategy.

Usage Notes:

'Taking' in English often corresponds to 'взятие' in more formal or historical Russian contexts, while 'захват' is versatile for everyday use. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like these require case agreement with other words in the sentence, which can affect word endings. For example, use 'взятие' in formal writing but opt for 'захват' in casual speech. If the context involves emotion or charm (adjectival sense), 'захватывающий' is a better fit. Always consider the register: 'взятие' is more elevated, avoiding it in informal chats.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'взятие' with 'захват' and using them interchangeably without context. For instance, an English learner might say "захват крепости" when 'взятие' is more appropriate for historical events.

  Correct usage: Use 'взятие крепости' for formal capture; explanation: 'Взятие' emphasizes the act's significance, while 'захват' is broader and less formal.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using 'взятие' in the dative case incorrectly as 'взятие' instead of 'взятию'.

  Correct usage: In a sentence like "Я думаю о взятии" (I think about the taking), it should be "Я думаю о взятии"; explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'взятие' often evoke historical events, such as the 'Взятие Зимнего дворца' (Taking of the Winter Palace) during the Russian Revolution, symbolizing revolutionary change and national pride. This can carry a patriotic connotation, making it more than just a neutral term in literature or media.

Related Concepts:

• освобождение
• завоевание
• поимка