Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'advice'

English Word: advice

Key Russian Translations:

• совет [ˈsovʲɪt] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• рекомендация [rʲɪkəmʲɪnˈdatsɨjə] - [Formal, Professional Context]
• наставление [nəstɐˈvlʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often Moral or Instructional]

Frequency: High (especially "совет")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate for "совет"; B2 for "рекомендация" and "наставление")

Pronunciation (Russian):

совет: [ˈsovʲɪt]

Note on совет: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "е" is pronounced as a soft "ye" sound due to palatalization.

рекомендация: [rʲɪkəmʲɪnˈdatsɨjə]

Note on рекомендация: Stress on the fourth syllable. The word has a formal tone due to its length and structure.

наставление: [nəstɐˈvlʲenʲɪjə]

Note on наставление: Stress on the third syllable. The "в" is softened by the following "лʲ".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Guidance or Suggestion

Translation(s) & Context:

• совет - Used in everyday situations for casual or practical advice.

Usage Examples:

• Дай мне совет, как лучше поступить.

  Give me advice on how to act better.

• Я последовал твоему совету и всё получилось.

  I followed your advice, and everything worked out.

• Она всегда даёт хорошие советы по работе.

  She always gives good advice about work.

2. Formal Recommendation

Translation(s) & Context:

• рекомендация - Used in professional, academic, or official contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Врач дал мне рекомендацию по питанию.

  The doctor gave me a recommendation about nutrition.

• Мы следуем рекомендациям экспертов.

  We follow the recommendations of experts.

3. Moral or Instructional Guidance

Translation(s) & Context:

• наставление - Often used in a formal or parental tone, implying guidance or instruction.

Usage Examples:

• Отец дал мне наставление перед отъездом.

  My father gave me guidance before I left.

• Его наставления помогли мне в жизни.

  His instructions helped me in life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

совет (noun, masculine, inanimate):

рекомендация (noun, feminine, inanimate): Declines as a regular feminine noun ending in -ия. Plural: рекомендации.

наставление (noun, neuter, inanimate): Declines as a regular neuter noun ending in -ие. Plural: наставления.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for совет:

• указание (more directive)
• подсказка (more informal, hint)

Antonyms for совет:

• запрет (prohibition)
• игнорирование (ignorance)

Related Phrases:

• дать совет - to give advice
• прислушаться к совету - to listen to advice
• следовать рекомендации - to follow a recommendation
• получить наставление - to receive guidance

Usage Notes:

• "Совет" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "advice" in Russian, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is your safest choice in most situations.
• "Рекомендация" implies a more formal or professional suggestion, often used in written or official contexts (e.g., medical or business advice).
• "Наставление" carries a tone of moral or instructional guidance, often used by elders or in serious contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

Common Errors:

• Mixing up "совет" and "рекомендация": English speakers might overuse "рекомендация" in casual contexts. Incorrect: "Дай мне рекомендацию, что посмотреть." Correct: "Дай мне совет, что посмотреть." Explanation: "Рекомендация" sounds overly formal for a casual suggestion about movies.
• Wrong case usage: Beginners often misuse cases with "совет." Incorrect: "Я последовал твой совет." Correct: "Я последовал твоему совету." Explanation: After "последовал," the noun requires the dative case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, giving and receiving advice ("совет") is often seen as a sign of care or concern, especially among close friends and family. However, unsolicited advice might be perceived as intrusive, so it’s important to gauge the situation. The concept of "наставление" is deeply rooted in traditional values of respect for elders, often associated with life lessons passed down through generations.

Related Concepts:

• помощь (help)
• поддержка (support)
• руководство (guidance)