Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'uphold'

English Word: uphold

Key Russian Translations:

• поддерживать [pɐd.dʲɪrˈʐɨ.vətʲ] - [Formal, commonly used in legal, moral, or supportive contexts]
• соблюдать [sɐˈblʲʉ.dətʲ] - [Formal, specifically for upholding laws, traditions, or principles]

Frequency: Medium (This verb is commonly encountered in formal writing, speeches, and discussions, but not as frequent in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and formal contexts. For 'поддерживать', it may feel slightly more advanced due to its irregularities, while 'соблюдать' is straightforward at this level.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

поддерживать: [pɐd.dʲɪrˈʐɨ.vətʲ]

соблюдать: [sɐˈblʲʉ.dətʲ]

Note on поддерживать: The stress falls on the third syllable ('ʐɨ'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'дʲ' sound; it's pronounced with a palatalized 'd'. Variations in informal speech may soften the consonants.

Note on соблюдать: Pay attention to the 'blʲʉ' diphthong, which combines a soft 'l' with a rounded vowel; this is common in Russian verbs but may require practice.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To support or maintain something, such as a principle, tradition, or decision.

Translation(s) & Context:

• поддерживать - Used in contexts involving ongoing support, like upholding a law in a debate (Formal, professional settings).
• соблюдать - Applied when emphasizing adherence, such as upholding ethical standards (Formal, legal or moral contexts).

Usage Examples:

• Мы должны поддерживать традиции нашей семьи, чтобы сохранить наше наследие.

  We must uphold our family traditions to preserve our heritage.

• Судья решил соблюдать предыдущее решение, несмотря на новые аргументы.

  The judge decided to uphold the previous ruling, despite new arguments.

• В компании мы всегда поддерживаем равенство, чтобы создать справедливую среду.

  In the company, we always uphold equality to create a fair environment.

• Чтобы добиться успеха, ей пришлось соблюдать строгие правила этикета.

  To succeed, she had to uphold strict etiquette rules.

• Он продолжает поддерживать свои убеждения, даже под давлением общества.

  He continues to uphold his beliefs, even under societal pressure.

Meaning 2: To confirm or sustain a judgment, often in legal contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• поддерживать - In judicial or formal confirmations, implying active endorsement (Formal, legal proceedings).
• соблюдать - For maintaining the integrity of a decision without alteration (Formal, official contexts).

Usage Examples:

• Апелляционный суд поддержал вердикт нижестоящего суда.

  The appellate court upheld the verdict of the lower court.

• Правительство решило соблюдать международные соглашения по климату.

  The government decided to uphold international climate agreements.

• В этом случае мы должны поддерживать закон, чтобы обеспечить справедливость.

  In this case, we must uphold the law to ensure justice.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'поддерживать' and 'соблюдать' are imperfective verbs in Russian, which means they express ongoing or repeated actions. Russian verbs conjugate based on tense, aspect, person, number, and gender. These verbs follow standard conjugation patterns but have some irregularities in certain forms.

Note: These verbs do not change for number in the infinitive form and follow regular patterns for most tenses, but pay attention to stem changes in the present tense.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • защищать (zashchishchat') - More emphasis on defense; used when upholding involves protection.
  • подтверждать (podtverzhdat') - Focuses on confirmation; subtle difference from ongoing support.
• Antonyms:
  • отвергать (otvergat') - To reject outright.
  • нарушать (narushat') - To violate or break, especially in the context of laws or principles.

Related Phrases:

• Поддерживать связь - Maintain contact (Used in personal or professional relationships to keep communication ongoing).
• Соблюдать нейтралитет - Uphold neutrality (Common in diplomatic or conflict situations, emphasizing impartiality).
• Поддерживать порядок - Maintain order (Refers to keeping stability, often in social or institutional contexts).

Usage Notes:

'Поддерживать' is the most direct equivalent to 'uphold' in dynamic contexts, implying active and ongoing action, while 'соблюдать' is better for static adherence, such as in legal or ethical scenarios. English speakers should note that Russian verbs often require perfective aspects for completed actions (e.g., 'поддержать' for a one-time uphold). Use these in formal writing or speech; in informal settings, simpler synonyms might be preferred. When choosing between translations, consider the context: 'поддерживать' for emotional or moral support, and 'соблюдать' for rules.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing 'поддерживать' with 'поддержать' (perfective form), leading to incorrect aspect usage. For example, an English learner might say "Я поддержать решение" instead of "Я поддержу решение" for future tense.
  Correct: "Я поддержу решение" (I will uphold the decision). Explanation: Russian requires matching verb aspects to the action's completeness.
• Mistake: Overusing 'соблюдать' in non-regulatory contexts, e.g., saying "Я соблюдаю друга" instead of "Я поддерживаю друга" for emotional support.
  Correct: "Я поддерживаю друга" (I uphold/support my friend). Explanation: 'Соблюдать' implies strict adherence, not general support.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, upholding traditions (e.g., using 'поддерживать традиции') often ties to national identity and historical resilience, such as during Soviet times or in modern patriotism. Words like 'соблюдать' in legal contexts reflect Russia's emphasis on formal structures, influenced by its legal history, which can make these verbs carry a sense of duty or collective obligation.

Related Concepts:

• защита (zashchita) - Defense
• традиции (traditsii) - Traditions
• справедливость (spravedlivost') - Justice