Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'unfold'

English Word: unfold

Key Russian Translations:

• развернуть (/rəzvʲɪrˈnutʲ/) - [Formal, often used for physical unfolding]
• раскрыть (/rɐˈskrɨtʲ/) - [Informal, used for revealing or developing ideas]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday language, literature, and technical contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic verb conjugations; for раскрыть, it may vary to B2 due to contextual nuances)

Pronunciation (Russian):

развернуть: /rəzvʲɪrˈnutʲ/

Note on развернуть: The stress is on the third syllable; be cautious with the soft 'v' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

раскрыть: /rɐˈskrɨtʲ/

Note on раскрыть: Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech; the 'ы' sound is central and unrounded, often mistaken for 'i'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To open or spread out something that is folded (physical sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• развернуть - Used in contexts involving physical objects, such as maps or clothes; formal and literal.

Usage Examples:

• Я развернул карту, чтобы найти дорогу.

  I unfolded the map to find the way.

• Дети развернули подарок с большим интересом.

  The children unfolded the gift with great interest.

• Он развернул зонтик во время дождя.

  He unfolded the umbrella during the rain.

• Разверни письмо и прочитай его внимательно.

  Unfold the letter and read it carefully.

To reveal, develop, or make something known gradually (metaphorical sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• раскрыть - Applied in narrative or intellectual contexts, such as stories or secrets; can be informal and versatile.

Usage Examples:

• В фильме постепенно раскрывается тайна главного героя.

  In the movie, the main character's secret unfolds gradually.

• Она раскрыла свои планы на будущее во время беседы.

  She unfolded her plans for the future during the conversation.

• История раскрывается через серию неожиданных событий.

  The story unfolds through a series of unexpected events.

• Ученый раскрыл новые детали в своей теории.

  The scientist unfolded new details in his theory.

• В романе автор раскрывает сложные отношения персонажей.

  In the novel, the author unfolds the complex relationships of the characters.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'развернуть' and 'раскрыть' are verbs in Russian, belonging to the first conjugation group. They are imperfective in their base forms but can have perfective aspects. Russian verbs change based on tense, aspect, mood, person, and number. Below is a conjugation table for 'развернуть' (perfective) as an example; 'раскрыть' follows similar patterns.

For 'раскрыть', the imperfective form is 'раскрывать', and conjugations are similar. These verbs do not have irregular forms but follow standard patterns; gender agreement is required in the past tense (e.g., развернула for feminine subjects).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • развернуть: открыть (otkryt' - to open), распространить (rasprostranit' - to spread out)
  • раскрыть: выявить (vyyavit' - to reveal), обнажить (obnazhit' - to expose; note: more dramatic connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • свернуть (svernut' - to fold up)
  • скрыть (skryt' - to hide)

Related Phrases:

• Развернуть парус - To unfold the sail (used in nautical contexts; refers to preparing for action).
• Раскрыть карты - To lay one's cards on the table (idiomatic; means to be honest or reveal intentions in negotiations).
• Развернутая версия - The unfolded version (refers to an extended or detailed form, e.g., of a document).

Usage Notes:

'Развернуть' is the most direct equivalent for the physical meaning of 'unfold' and is preferred in formal or literal contexts, such as instructions or descriptions. 'Раскрыть' aligns better with metaphorical uses, like in storytelling, and is common in informal speech. Be mindful of aspect in Russian: use perfective forms (like these) for completed actions. When choosing between translations, consider the context—physical vs. abstract—to avoid misuse. For example, don't use 'развернуть' for revealing secrets, as it might sound awkward.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking 'развернуть' for 'раскрыть' in metaphorical contexts: Incorrect: "Я развернул тайну" (sounds literal, as if unfolding a physical object). Correct: "Я раскрыл тайну." Explanation: 'Развернуть' is for tangible unfolding, while 'раскрыть' suits abstract revelation.
• Neglecting verb aspect: Incorrect: Using 'развертывать' (imperfective) when a completed action is needed. Correct: "Я развернул карту" for a finished action. Explanation: English 'unfold' doesn't distinguish aspect, but Russian requires it for precise tense.
• Gender agreement in past tense: Incorrect: "Она развернул" (missing feminine ending). Correct: "Она развернула." Explanation: Past tense verbs in Russian agree with the subject's gender, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, verbs like 'раскрыть' are often used to depict the gradual revelation of character psyches or plot twists, reflecting Russia's cultural emphasis on introspection and narrative depth. This mirrors the English concept of 'unfold' in storytelling, highlighting how language shapes cultural expression of personal and societal unfolding.

Related Concepts:

• свернуть
• распространить
• скрыть