Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'advantage'

English Word: advantage

Key Russian Translations:

• преимущество [prʲɪɪmʊˈʂːestvə] - [Neutral, Common Usage]
• выгода [ˈvɨɡədə] - [Informal, Often Economic Context]

Frequency: High (Both translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Intermediate - Both translations are accessible at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

преимущество: [prʲɪɪmʊˈʂːestvə]

Note on преимущество: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "sh" unique to Russian.

выгода: [ˈvɨɡədə]

Note on выгода: Stress on the first syllable. The "ы" sound is a distinct Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, unrounded "i".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A beneficial factor or circumstance (General Advantage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• преимущество - Used in formal and neutral contexts to denote a benefit or superiority in a situation.

Usage Examples:

• У нашей команды есть преимущество в опыте.

  Our team has an advantage in experience.

• Это устройство имеет преимущество в скорости.

  This device has an advantage in speed.

• Его преимущество заключается в умении слушать.

  His advantage lies in his ability to listen.

2. A benefit or gain, often material or economic (Profit/Benefit)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выгода - Often used in informal contexts, especially related to financial or personal gain.

Usage Examples:

• В этом контракте есть выгода для обеих сторон.

  There is an advantage for both parties in this contract.

• Он ищет только личную выгоду.

  He is only looking for personal advantage.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

преимущество (Neuter Noun): Declines according to the second declension pattern in Russian.

выгода (Feminine Noun): Declines according to the first declension pattern in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for преимущество:

• превосходство (superiority, often in competition)
• достоинство (merit, often personal or inherent)

Synonyms for выгода:

• польза (benefit, often practical)
• прибыль (profit, strictly economic)

Antonyms for преимущество/выгода:

• недостаток (disadvantage)
• ущерб (loss, harm)

Related Phrases:

• иметь преимущество - To have an advantage (used in competitive or comparative contexts)
• получить выгоду - To gain an advantage (often in terms of benefit or profit)
• преимущество перед кем-либо - Advantage over someone (used to express superiority)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "преимущество" for general or formal contexts, such as in sports, academics, or technology. Use "выгода" when referring to personal or material gain, often in everyday or economic discussions.
• Grammar: Both words are nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns. Pay attention to case usage, especially in sentences with prepositions like "перед" (before/over) with "преимущество".
• Register: "преимущество" is neutral and widely applicable, while "выгода" can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation if overused in a self-serving context.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "выгода" in formal contexts where "преимущество" is more appropriate. For example, saying "выгода технологии" instead of "преимущество технологии" (advantage of technology) sounds awkward and overly colloquial.

  Correct: Преимущество этой технологии в её скорости. (The advantage of this technology is its speed.)

  Incorrect: Выгода этой технологии в её скорости.

• Error: Incorrect case usage with "преимущество перед" (advantage over). English speakers often forget the instrumental case.

  Correct: У нас есть преимущество перед конкурентами. (We have an advantage over competitors.)

  Incorrect: У нас есть преимущество перед конкуренты.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "выгода" can sometimes imply a pragmatic or utilitarian approach to situations, and overemphasizing personal gain might be seen as less honorable in certain social contexts. On the other hand, "преимущество" is often used in discussions of fairness or merit, reflecting a value placed on earned superiority or strategic benefits.

Related Concepts:

• конкуренция (competition)
• успех (success)
• польза (benefit)