Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'withstand'

English Word: withstand

Key Russian Translations:

• выдержать [vɨ.dʲɪˈʐatʲ] - [Verb, Formal or Neutral, Used in contexts involving endurance or resistance]
• выстоять [vɨsˈtajtʲ] - [Verb, Informal, Often used in metaphorical or emotional contexts]
• сопротивляться [sə.prə.tɪvˈlʲatʲ.sʲə] - [Verb, Neutral, Plural forms possible, Used when describing ongoing resistance]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in literature, news, and everyday conversation, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "to be" or "to go".)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; involves understanding verb aspects and conjugations, which may challenge beginners, but the core meaning is straightforward for intermediate learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выдержать: [vɨ.dʲɪˈʐatʲ] (Note: The stress is on the third syllable; the 'дʲ' sound is a soft 'd', which can be tricky for English speakers—try pronouncing it like 'dee' in 'deed'.)

выстоять: [vɨsˈtajtʲ] (Note: Stress on the second syllable; the 'тʲ' is a soft 't', similar to 't' in 'nature'.)

сопротивляться: [sə.prə.tɪvˈlʲatʲ.sʲə] (Note: This is a reflexive verb; pay attention to the soft 'лʲ' and 'сʲ', which soften the preceding consonants.)

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To resist or endure force, pressure, or hardship (e.g., physical or emotional withstandance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выдержать - Used in contexts of successfully enduring a challenge, such as physical strain or tests (e.g., in sports or crises).
• выстоять - Applied in informal or metaphorical situations, like withstanding emotional stress or standing firm against opposition.

Usage Examples:

• Он выдержал сильный шторм без повреждений. (He withstood the strong storm without any damage.)

  Translation: He withstood the strong storm without any damage. (This example shows the verb in a literal, physical context.)

• Девушка выстояла против давления со стороны друзей. (The girl withstood the pressure from her friends.)

  Translation: The girl withstood the pressure from her friends. (Here, it's used metaphorically for emotional resilience.)

• Армия сопротивлялась вражескому наступлению целый день. (The army withstood the enemy's advance for an entire day.)

  Translation: The army withstood the enemy's advance for an entire day. (This demonstrates ongoing resistance in a military scenario.)

• Строение выдержало землетрясение благодаря качественным материалам. (The building withstood the earthquake due to quality materials.)

  Translation: The building withstood the earthquake due to quality materials. (Example highlights endurance in an environmental context.)

• Он выстоял в споре, не отступив от своей позиции. (He withstood the argument without backing down from his position.)

  Translation: He withstood the argument without backing down from his position. (This shows usage in interpersonal conflicts.)

To endure over time without yielding (e.g., in a prolonged situation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сопротивляться - Best for ongoing or repeated actions, such as in protests or long-term challenges.

Usage Examples:

• Люди сопротивлялись режиму годами, не сдаваясь. (The people withstood the regime for years without giving in.)

  Translation: The people withstood the regime for years without giving in. (Emphasizes prolonged endurance.)

• Компания выдержала экономический кризис, адаптируясь к изменениям. (The company withstood the economic crisis by adapting to changes.)

  Translation: The company withstood the economic crisis by adapting to changes. (Illustrates corporate or business contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily verbs, which in Russian undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. "Выдержать" and "выстоять" are perfective verbs (indicating completed action), while "сопротивляться" is imperfective (indicating ongoing action). Below is a table for "выдержать" as an example; similar patterns apply to others with variations.

Note: "Сопротивляться" follows a similar imperfective pattern but is reflexive, adding "-ся". These verbs are irregular in some aspects, so learners should memorize key forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: устоять (ustojat' - similar to withstand in stability contexts), сопротивляться (already listed, but emphasizes active resistance)
• Antonyms: сдаться (sdat'sya - to surrender, implying giving up under pressure), поддаться (poddat'sya - to yield or succumb)

Brief notes: "Устоять" is often used for physical steadiness, while "сдаться" carries a connotation of defeat, which is culturally significant in Russian narratives of resilience.

Related Phrases:

• выдержать испытание (vɨ.dʲɪˈʐatʲ ɪs.pɨˈtanʲɪe) - To withstand a test; often used in educational or life-challenge contexts.
• выстоять в бою (vɨsˈtajtʲ v bɐˈju) - To withstand in battle; a phrase with military or metaphorical undertones, implying heroism.
• сопротивляться давлению (sə.prə.tɪvˈlʲatʲ.sʲə ˈdavlenʲɪju) - To withstand pressure; common in psychological or social discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Withstand" typically corresponds to "выдержать" for completed actions and "сопротивляться" for ongoing ones. In Russian, choose based on aspect: perfective for results (e.g., "he withstood it successfully") and imperfective for processes. Be mindful of formal contexts where "выдержать" is preferred, and avoid overusing in casual speech. Synonyms like "выстоять" may carry emotional weight, so select based on nuance.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "выдержать" in imperfective contexts, e.g., saying "Я выдерживаю каждый день" when meaning ongoing action (correct: "Я сопротивляюсь каждый день"). Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian verb aspects; the correct form ensures the action's completeness is clear.
• Mistake: Confusing with "терпеть" (to endure), e.g., using "терпеть" for physical resistance instead of "выдержать". Correct: Use "выдержать" for withstanding force; "терпеть" is for passive suffering. This error stems from overlapping meanings but changes the connotation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "выдержать" and "выстоять" often evoke themes of resilience, as seen in literature (e.g., Tolstoy's works) and historical events like World War II. They symbolize the Russian spirit of enduring hardship, which is a point of national pride, helping users understand the deeper emotional layer beyond literal translation.

Related Concepts:

• сила (sila - strength)
• устойчивость (ustojčivost' - stability)
• борьба (bor'ba - struggle)