Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Although'

English Word: although

Key Russian Translations:

• хотя [xɐˈtʲa] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• несмотря на то, что [nʲɪˈsmʲotrʲə nɐ ˈto, ʂto] - [Formal, Written]

Frequency: High (especially for "хотя")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "хотя"); B1 (Intermediate for "несмотря на то, что")

Pronunciation (Russian):

хотя: [xɐˈtʲa]

Note on хотя: The stress is on the second syllable. The initial 'х' is a guttural sound, unfamiliar to many English speakers.

несмотря на то, что: [nʲɪˈsmʲotrʲə nɐ ˈto, ʂto]

Note on несмотря на то, что: Stress falls on "смо" in "несмотря" and on "то" in the phrase. This is a longer, more formal construction.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Concession or Contrast (Introducing a contrasting idea)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хотя - Used in both spoken and written Russian to introduce a contrast, similar to "although" in English.
• несмотря на то, что - More formal, often used in written texts or formal speech to emphasize contrast.

Usage Examples:

• Хотя было холодно, мы пошли гулять.

  Although it was cold, we went for a walk.

• Хотя он очень занят, он всегда находит время для семьи.

  Although he is very busy, he always finds time for his family.

• Несмотря на то, что дождь шёл весь день, мероприятие состоялось.

  Although it rained all day, the event took place.

• Хотя я не согласен, я уважаю твою точку зрения.

  Although I don’t agree, I respect your point of view.

• Несмотря на то, что он новичок, он показал отличные результаты.

  Although he is a beginner, he showed excellent results.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

хотя: This is a conjunction and does not inflect. It remains unchanged regardless of the context or sentence structure.

несмотря на то, что: This is a fixed phrase acting as a subordinating conjunction. It does not inflect, but the verb or noun following it must agree in case and number as per standard Russian grammar rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• пусть даже
• хоть и

Note: "пусть даже" and "хоть и" are less common and often carry a slightly more emphatic or concessive tone than "хотя".

Antonyms:

• потому что (because)

Related Phrases:

• хотя бы - Means "at least" or "if only," often used in requests or wishes.
• несмотря на - Means "despite" or "in spite of," used without "то, что" when followed by a noun or pronoun.

Usage Notes:

• "Хотя" is the most versatile and commonly used translation of "although." It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and is suitable for most situations.
• "Несмотря на то, что" is more formal and often appears in written texts or speeches. It is less common in casual conversation.
• Both terms are subordinating conjunctions and introduce dependent clauses. Ensure the verb tense and subject agreement in the dependent clause align with Russian grammar rules.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "несмотря на" without "то, что" when a full clause follows. For example, saying "Несмотря на дождь шёл" instead of "Несмотря на то, что дождь шёл."
• Correction: Always include "то, что" when a full clause follows "несмотря на." Correct: "Несмотря на то, что дождь шёл."
• Error: Placing "хотя" at the end of a sentence, as might be done with "though" in English. For example, "Я устал, хотя."
• Correction: "Хотя" must introduce the dependent clause and typically appears at the beginning of the clause. Correct: "Хотя я устал, я продолжал работать."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, concessive clauses with "хотя" are often used to soften statements or show politeness, especially when expressing disagreement or contrast. This mirrors a cultural tendency to avoid direct confrontation in communication.

Related Concepts:

• несмотря на (despite)
• вопреки (contrary to)
• тем не менее (nevertheless)