Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Backward'

English Word: backward

Key Russian Translations:

• назад [nɐˈzat] - [Adverb, General Use]
• обратный [ɐˈbratnɨj] - [Adjective, Formal/Technical]
• отсталый [ɐtˈstalɨj] - [Adjective, Often Negative/Pejorative]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context and translation)

Difficulty: A2 for "назад", B1 for "обратный", B2 for "отсталый"

Pronunciation (Russian):

назад: [nɐˈzat]

Note on назад: Stress is on the second syllable. Pronounce the "з" with a voiced sound.

обратный: [ɐˈbratnɨj]

Note on обратный: Stress on the second syllable. The final "й" is a soft consonant sound.

отсталый: [ɐtˈstalɨj]

Note on отсталый: Stress on the second syllable. Be mindful of the soft "л" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Direction (Moving or Looking Behind)

Translation(s) & Context:

• назад - Used for physical or figurative movement in the opposite direction (e.g., "go backward").

Usage Examples:

• Иди назад, там опасно.

  Go backward, it's dangerous there.

• Он посмотрел назад и увидел друга.

  He looked backward and saw his friend.

• Мы не можем двигаться назад, только вперёд.

  We can't move backward, only forward.

2. Reverse or Opposite (Abstract/Technical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обратный - Used in formal or technical contexts for "reverse" or "opposite" (e.g., "backward process").

Usage Examples:

• Это обратный процесс преобразования данных.

  This is the backward process of data transformation.

• Обратный порядок слов часто встречается в поэзии.

  Backward word order is often found in poetry.

3. Underdeveloped or Outdated (Negative Connotation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отсталый - Used to describe something or someone as outdated or underdeveloped, often pejorative.

Usage Examples:

• Это отсталый регион с плохой инфраструктурой.

  This is a backward region with poor infrastructure.

• Его взгляды считаются отсталыми.

  His views are considered backward.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

назад: This is an adverb and does not inflect. It remains unchanged regardless of context.

обратный: As an adjective, it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Declension of "обратный" (Masculine, Singular)

Case	Form
Nominative	обратный
Genitive	обратного
Dative	обратному
Accusative	обратный / обратного (animate)
Instrumental	обратным
Prepositional	обратном

Note: Feminine, neuter, and plural forms follow standard adjective declension rules.

отсталый: Similar to "обратный", it is an adjective and follows the same declension patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "назад":

• вспять
• назадний (rare)

Note: "вспять" is more literary and less common in everyday speech.

Synonyms for "обратный":

• противоположный
• инверсный (technical)

Synonyms for "отсталый":

• устаревший
• неразвитый

Antonyms:

• вперёд (for "назад")
• прямой (for "обратный")
• прогрессивный (for "отсталый")

Related Phrases:

• идти назад - To go backward (literal or figurative).
• обратный путь - Return journey or backward path.
• отсталые взгляды - Backward views or outdated opinions.

Usage Notes:

• "назад" is the most versatile and neutral term for "backward" in terms of direction or movement. Use it in most everyday contexts.
• "обратный" is more formal and often used in technical or abstract contexts. It does not imply physical movement.
• "отсталый" carries a negative connotation and should be used cautiously, as it can be offensive when describing people or cultures.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "отсталый" to mean "backward" in direction. Incorrect: "Иди отсталый!" Correct: "Иди назад!" Explanation: "отсталый" means underdeveloped, not a direction.
• Error: Misusing "обратный" for personal traits. Incorrect: "Он обратный человек." Correct: "Он отсталый человек." (if negative). Explanation: "обратный" is not used for personal characteristics.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, describing something or someone as "отсталый" (backward) can be highly sensitive, especially when referring to social or cultural development. It is often associated with criticism of outdated practices or ideologies. Use this term with care to avoid unintended offense.

Related Concepts:

• вперёд (forward)
• регресс (regression)
• прогресс (progress)