Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Balance'

English Word: Balance

Key Russian Translations:

• баланс [bɐˈlans] - [Formal, Neutral]
• равновесие [rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often used for physical or emotional balance]
• остаток [ɐˈstatək] - [Formal, Used in financial contexts for remaining amount]

Frequency: High (especially "баланс" in financial and general contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner-Intermediate for "баланс"; B2 for nuanced uses of "равновесие" and "остаток")

Pronunciation (Russian):

баланс: [bɐˈlans]

Note on баланс: Stress on the second syllable; pronunciation mirrors the borrowed form from French/English.

равновесие: [rɐvnɐˈvʲesʲɪjə]

Note on равновесие: Stress on the third syllable; soften the 'в' sound before 'е'.

остаток: [ɐˈstatək]

Note on остаток: Stress on the second syllable; clear and straightforward pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Financial Balance (e.g., account balance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• баланс - Commonly used for bank account balance or financial statements.
• остаток - Refers to the remaining amount after transactions or deductions.

Usage Examples:

• Проверьте баланс на вашем счёте.

  Check the balance on your account.

• Остаток на карте составляет 500 рублей.

  The remaining balance on the card is 500 rubles.

• Баланс между доходами и расходами важен.

  The balance between income and expenses is important.

2. Physical or Emotional Balance (e.g., stability)

Translation(s) & Context:

• равновесие - Used for physical balance (e.g., standing) or emotional/mental balance.

Usage Examples:

• Он потерял равновесие и упал.

  He lost his balance and fell.

• Ей нужно найти внутреннее равновесие.

  She needs to find inner balance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

баланс (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

Note: No plural form in common usage for this meaning.

равновесие (Noun, Neuter, Inanimate):

Note: Rarely used in plural.

остаток (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate): Follows standard second declension rules for masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for баланс:

• соотношение (ratio, proportion)
• равенство (equality, in specific contexts)

Note: "соотношение" often implies a comparative balance, while "равенство" is rarer and more abstract.

Antonyms for баланс/равновесие:

• дисбаланс (imbalance)
• неравновесие (instability)

Related Phrases:

• держать баланс - "to maintain balance" (financial or metaphorical)
• нарушить равновесие - "to disrupt the balance" (physical or emotional)
• остаток средств - "remaining funds" (financial context)

Usage Notes:

• "баланс" is the most versatile and widely used translation for "balance," especially in financial and general contexts. It’s the safest choice for learners.
• "равновесие" is specific to physical stability or emotional harmony and cannot be used for financial balance.
• "остаток" is strictly for "remaining balance" in financial or quantitative contexts; it doesn’t imply equilibrium.
• Be mindful of context when choosing the correct translation, as direct substitution can lead to errors.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "равновесие" for financial balance. Incorrect: "Проверь равновесие на счёте." Correct: "Проверь баланс на счёте." (Explanation: "равновесие" refers to physical/emotional balance, not money.)
• Error: Using "остаток" for general balance. Incorrect: "Остаток между работой и жизнью." Correct: "Баланс между работой и жизнью." (Explanation: "остаток" only means "remainder," not equilibrium.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "равновесие" (balance) often carries a deeper philosophical or emotional connotation, especially in discussions of mental well-being or harmony in life. It’s frequently used in literature and proverbs to signify inner peace.

Related Concepts:

• гармония (harmony)
• стабильность (stability)
• уравновешенность (equanimity)