Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'able'

English Word: able

Key Russian Translations:

• способный [ˈspɐsɐbnɨj] - [Formal, General Use]
• в состоянии [v sɐˈstɐjɐnʲɪi] - [Informal, Used in specific contexts like ability to perform an action]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "способный"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "в состоянии"

Pronunciation (Russian):

способный: [ˈspɐsɐbnɨj]

Note on способный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, unrounded central vowel.

в состоянии: [v sɐˈstɐjɐnʲɪi]

Note on в состоянии: Stress is on the second syllable of "состояние". The phrase is often used with a verb to indicate ability.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Having the skill or capability to do something

Translation(s) & Context:

• способный - Used to describe someone with talent or ability in a general or specific area.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень способный студент.

  He is a very capable student.

• Она способна решать сложные задачи.

  She is able to solve complex problems.

• Этот ребёнок способен к музыке.

  This child is talented in music.

2. Being in a condition to do something at a specific moment

Translation(s) & Context:

• в состоянии - Often used to express temporary ability or condition to perform an action.

Usage Examples:

• Я не в состоянии сейчас говорить.

  I am not able to talk right now.

• Он в состоянии помочь нам завтра.

  He is able to help us tomorrow.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

способный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case.

в состоянии (Phrase): Does not inflect as it is a fixed expression, but the noun "состояние" can change according to case when used independently.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "способный":

• талантливый (talented)
• умелый (skillful)

Note: "талантливый" emphasizes natural talent, while "умелый" focuses on acquired skills.

Antonyms for "способный":

• неспособный (incapable)
• бездарный (untalented)

Related Phrases:

• способен к чему-либо - Able to do something specific (often used with dative case).
• быть в состоянии сделать - To be in a condition to do something.

Usage Notes:

• "способный" is more commonly used to describe a general ability or talent and often pairs with nouns or infinitives.
• "в состоянии" is used to indicate a temporary state of being able to do something and is usually followed by an infinitive verb.
• Be mindful of the context: "способный" has a positive connotation of competence, while "в состоянии" is neutral and situational.

Common Errors:

Error 1: Using "способный" when referring to a temporary state.

Incorrect: Я способный прийти завтра. (I am capable to come tomorrow.)

Correct: Я в состоянии прийти завтра. (I am able to come tomorrow.)

Explanation: "способный" implies a general ability, not a situational one. Use "в состоянии" for temporary conditions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, describing someone as "способный" often carries a tone of respect or admiration for their skills or potential, especially in academic or professional contexts. It is common to hear this term in evaluations or praise.

Related Concepts:

• умение (skill)
• возможность (possibility)
• талант (talent)