English Translation
Stop that.
Difference b/t прекратить and перестать and остановить?
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A Google search for “difference прекратить перестать остановить” brings up a number of good answers, including a discussion on r/reddit of the corresponding imperfective verbs.
English Translation
Stop that.
The Russian verbs “прекратить” (prekratit’), “перестать” (perestat’), and “остановить” (ostanovit’) all convey the idea of stopping or ceasing, but they are used in different contexts and have nuanced differences in meaning. Here’s a breakdown of each:
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Прекратить (prekratit’): This verb is often translated as “to cease” or “to discontinue.” It is used when referring to the cessation of an action, process, or state. “Прекратить” is typically employed in a formal or official context.
- Example: “Пожалуйста, прекратите курить в помещении” (Please, cease smoking indoors).
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Перестать (perestat’): This verb is translated as “to stop” or “to quit.” It is used to indicate the termination of an ongoing action or habit. “Перестать” is generally used in everyday language and is less formal compared to “прекратить.”
- Example: “Я решил перестать есть мясо” (I decided to quit eating meat).
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Остановить (ostanovit’): This verb translates to “to stop” or “to halt.” It is used in the context of physically stopping movement, actions, or processes. “Остановить” is often associated with bringing something to a standstill or preventing further progress.
- Example: “Водитель остановил автомобиль на красный свет” (The driver stopped the car at the red light).
In summary, while all three verbs involve the concept of stopping, “прекратить” is more formal and is often used in official or serious contexts. “Перестать” is used for quitting or stopping habits or actions in everyday language. “Остановить” is used when referring to physically stopping movement or processes.
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