Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Attention'

English Word: attention

Key Russian Translations:

• внимание [vnʲɪˈmanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Common]
• забота [zɐˈbotə] - [Informal, Emotional Concern]

Frequency: High (especially for "внимание")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "внимание"); B1 (Intermediate for "забота")

Pronunciation (Russian):

внимание: [vnʲɪˈmanʲɪjə]

Note on внимание: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "в" is pronounced softly before "н".

забота: [zɐˈbotə]

Note on забота: Stress on the second syllable. The final "а" is reduced in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Focus or Concentration

Translation(s) & Context:

• внимание - Used when referring to mental focus or alertness (e.g., in a classroom or during instructions).

Usage Examples:

• Пожалуйста, обратите внимание на правила.

  Please pay attention to the rules.

• Его внимание было полностью на книге.

  His attention was completely on the book.

• Внимание! Поезд отправляется через пять минут.

  Attention! The train departs in five minutes.

2. Care or Concern

Translation(s) & Context:

• забота - Used in contexts of emotional or personal care, often implying solicitude.

Usage Examples:

• Спасибо за вашу заботу о нас.

  Thank you for your attention (care) toward us.

• Она окружила его заботой и вниманием.

  She surrounded him with care and attention.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

внимание (neuter noun): Does not change by number (singular only). Declension follows the second declension pattern for neuter nouns.

забота (feminine noun): Regular first declension feminine noun, changes by number and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for внимание:

• концентрация (concentration, more formal)
• бдительность (vigilance, situational awareness)

Synonyms for забота:

• попечение (care, more formal or protective)
• участие (concern, emotional involvement)

Antonyms for внимание:

• невнимание (inattention)
• рассеянность (absent-mindedness)

Related Phrases:

• обратить внимание - to pay attention (used when directing focus to something specific)
• привлечь внимание - to attract attention (used for gaining notice)
• забота о ком-либо - care for someone (used in a nurturing context)

Usage Notes:

• "внимание" is the most common translation for "attention" in the sense of focus or alertness and is neutral in tone. It is often used in announcements or formal contexts.
• "забота" implies a warmer, more personal form of attention, often linked to care or concern for someone's well-being. It is less appropriate for contexts requiring focus.
• Be mindful of prepositions: "внимание к" (attention to) and "забота о" (care for) are common structures.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "забота" when meaning mental focus. Incorrect: "Обрати заботу на детали." Correct: "Обрати внимание на детали." (Pay attention to the details.)
• Error: Omitting prepositions in phrases like "внимание к" or using incorrect cases. Incorrect: "Внимание детали." Correct: "Внимание к деталям." (Attention to details.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "внимание" is often used in public announcements (e.g., "Внимание, внимание!" over loudspeakers), reflecting a direct and formal way of addressing a group. "забота," on the other hand, carries a strong connotation of familial or personal warmth, often associated with Slavic values of community and mutual care.

Related Concepts:

• интерес (interest)
• сочувствие (sympathy)
• вежливость (politeness)