Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'undo'

English Word: undo

Key Russian Translations:

• отменить [ɐtmʲɪˈnʲitʲ] - [Formal, Used in contexts like canceling actions or in software interfaces]
• вернуть назад [vʲɪrˈnutʲ nɐˈzad] - [Informal, Plural implications in some contexts, often used in everyday conversation or computing]

Frequency: Medium (Common in digital and administrative contexts, but less frequent in casual daily speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate for 'отменить'; A2 for 'вернуть назад', as it involves basic verb structures but requires understanding of context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

отменить: [ɐtmʲɪˈnʲitʲ]

вернуть назад: [vʲɪrˈnutʲ nɐˈzad]

Note on отменить: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations may occur in rapid speech.

Note on вернуть назад: This is a phrase; 'вернуть' has a soft 'р' sound. It's often contracted in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: To reverse an action, cancel something, or revert a change.

Translation(s) & Context:

• отменить - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as undoing a command in software or canceling an event.
• вернуть назад - Applied in informal settings, like undoing a mistake in conversation or everyday actions; implies a return to a previous state.

Usage Examples:

• Я отменил изменения в документе. (Ya otmenil izmeneniya v dokumente.)

  I undid the changes in the document. (This shows 'отменить' in a formal, professional context involving software or editing.)

• Она вернула назад свой выбор в меню. (Ona vernula nazad svoy vybor v menyú.)

  She undid her choice in the menu. (Illustrates 'вернуть назад' in an informal, everyday decision-making scenario, such as at a restaurant.)

• Мы отменили поездку из-за плохой погоды. (My otmenili poezdku iz-za plokhoy pogody.)

  We undid the trip because of bad weather. (Demonstrates 'отменить' in a plural, situational context with external factors.)

• Он вернул назад файл после ошибки. (On vernul nazad fayl posle oshibki.)

  He undid the file after the mistake. (Shows 'вернуть назад' in a computing or error-correction context, highlighting reversibility.)

• Команда отменила предыдущий шаг. (Komanda otmenila predydushchiy shag.)

  The team undid the previous step. (Exemplifies 'отменить' in a collaborative or sequential process, emphasizing group action.)

Meaning: To negate or reverse a decision (less common, metaphorical use).

Translation(s) & Context:

• отменить - In metaphorical contexts, like undoing a policy decision.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство отменило старый закон. (Pravitelstvo otmenilo staryy zakon.)

  The government undid the old law. (This usage in a formal, legal context shows reversal of policy.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'отменить' (a verb of the first conjugation), it follows standard Russian verb patterns with irregularities in some forms. It is imperfective and can be used in various tenses.

For 'вернуть назад', 'вернуть' is also a verb with similar conjugations, but 'назад' is an adverb and remains unchanged.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • аннулировать [annulirovat'] (more formal, used in legal contexts; implies complete invalidation)
  • отозвать [otozvat'] (specifically for withdrawing statements or offers)
• Antonyms:
  • подтвердить [podtverdить] (to confirm or finalize)
  • завершить [zavershit'] (to complete, opposite of reversing)

Related Phrases:

• отменить действие (otmenit' deystvie) - To undo an action; used in computing or problem-solving contexts.
• вернуть назад изменения (vernuty nazad izmeneniya) - To revert changes; common in editing or decision-making.
• отменить заказ (otmenit' zakaz) - To cancel an order; everyday commercial phrase.

Usage Notes:

'Отменить' is the most direct equivalent to 'undo' in formal English-Russian translation, especially in technical or official scenarios, while 'вернуть назад' suits informal speech. Be mindful of context: in Russian, verbs like these often require agreement in gender, number, and case. For example, choose 'отменить' for precise actions in software, but opt for 'вернуть назад' in narrative descriptions. Grammar note: These verbs are typically used with accusative objects, e.g., 'отменить план' (undo a plan).

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'отменить' with 'отозвать': Learners might use 'отозвать' (to withdraw) when meaning 'undo', but it's specific to retracting statements. Correct: 'Я отменил заказ' instead of 'Я отозвал заказ'.

• Improper inflection: English speakers often forget verb endings, e.g., saying 'отменить' in all forms. Error: 'Я отменить' (incorrect). Correct: 'Я отменю' for future tense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of 'undoing' actions, as in 'отменить', reflects a pragmatic approach to decision-making, often seen in bureaucratic or digital contexts due to Russia's emphasis on formal processes. For instance, in everyday life, undoing plans might involve social etiquette, like canceling a meeting politely to maintain relationships.

Related Concepts:

• повторить (povtorit') - To repeat
• исправить (ispravit') - To correct
• восстановить (vosstanovit') - To restore