Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Autonomous'

English Word: autonomous

Key Russian Translations:

• автономный [ɐftɐˈnomnɨj] - [Formal, General Use]
• самостоятельный [səməstɐˈjatʲɪlnɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Often for Individuals or Actions]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

автономный: [ɐftɐˈnomnɨj]

Note on автономный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'о' is pronounced as a reduced 'a' sound due to Russian vowel reduction.

самостоятельный: [səməstɐˈjatʲɪlnɨj]

Note on самостоятельный: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'т' sound before 'я'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Independent in Governance or Function (e.g., regions, systems)

Translation(s) & Context:

• автономный - Used for entities like regions, organizations, or devices that operate independently.

Usage Examples:

• Этот регион является автономным и имеет собственное правительство.

  This region is autonomous and has its own government.

• Устройство работает в автономном режиме.

  The device operates in autonomous mode.

• Автономные системы управления становятся всё более популярными.

  Autonomous control systems are becoming increasingly popular.

2. Self-Reliant or Independent in Behavior (e.g., individuals)

Translation(s) & Context:

• самостоятельный - Often refers to personal independence or self-reliance in actions or decisions.

Usage Examples:

• Она очень самостоятельная и сама принимает решения.

  She is very autonomous and makes decisions on her own.

• Дети должны становиться более самостоятельными с возрастом.

  Children should become more autonomous as they grow older.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

автономный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules based on gender, number, and case.

самостоятельный (Adjective): Follows similar adjective declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for автономный:

• независимый (more general term for 'independent')
• самодостаточный (implies self-sufficiency)

Synonyms for самостоятельный:

• независимый (broader term for independence)
• самобытный (implies originality or uniqueness)

Antonyms:

• зависимый (dependent)
• подчинённый (subordinate)

Related Phrases:

• автономная республика - Autonomous republic (refers to a self-governing region within a country).
• автономный режим - Autonomous mode (used for devices or systems).
• самостоятельная жизнь - Independent life (refers to living on one’s own terms).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use 'автономный' when referring to systems, regions, or technical independence. Use 'самостоятельный' for personal independence or self-reliance.

• Register: Both terms can be used in formal and semi-formal contexts, but 'самостоятельный' is more versatile in informal speech when describing people.

• Collocation: 'автономный' often pairs with technical or political terms (e.g., 'автономная система'), while 'самостоятельный' pairs with personal attributes (e.g., 'самостоятельный человек').

Common Errors:

• Mixing up translations: English speakers often use 'автономный' for personal independence, which sounds unnatural. Correct: 'Она самостоятельная' (She is autonomous/independent); Incorrect: 'Она автономная' (sounds like she is a self-governing entity).

• Declension errors: Failing to adjust adjective endings based on gender or case. Correct: 'автономная республика' (feminine); Incorrect: 'автономный республика'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of 'автономный' is often associated with political or administrative independence, such as in the context of autonomous republics within the Russian Federation (e.g., Tatarstan). Meanwhile, 'самостоятельный' carries a positive connotation of personal maturity and responsibility, often emphasized in upbringing.

Related Concepts:

• независимость (independence)
• свобода (freedom)
• самоуправление (self-governance)