Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Beneficial'

English Word: Beneficial

Key Russian Translations:

• полезный [pɐˈlʲeznɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Commonly Used]
• выгодный [vɨˈɡodnɨj] - [Formal, Often in Economic/Business Contexts]
• благотворный [bləɡɐˈtvornyj] - [Formal, Literary, Emphasizing Positive Impact]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in various contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "полезный"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "выгодный" and "благотворный"

Pronunciation (Russian):

полезный: [pɐˈlʲeznɨj]

Note on полезный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft 'l' sound (л) can be challenging for non-native speakers.

выгодный: [vɨˈɡodnɨj]

Note on выгодный: Stress on the second syllable. The 'ы' sound is distinct and often mispronounced by English speakers.

благотворный: [bləɡɐˈtvornyj]

Note on благотворный: Stress on the third syllable. The cluster of consonants can be tricky.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Helpful or Useful (General Positive Effect)

Translation(s) & Context:

• полезный - Used in everyday contexts to describe something helpful or useful (e.g., advice, food).

Usage Examples:

• Этот совет очень полезный для студентов.

  This advice is very beneficial for students.

• Полезные привычки улучшают качество жизни.

  Beneficial habits improve the quality of life.

• Ешь больше полезной еды, например, овощей.

  Eat more beneficial food, such as vegetables.

2. Advantageous (Often in Business or Strategic Contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• выгодный - Used to describe something profitable or advantageous, especially in deals or agreements.

Usage Examples:

• Это очень выгодное предложение, не упусти его.

  This is a very beneficial offer; don’t miss it.

• Мы заключили выгодный контракт с новой компанией.

  We signed a beneficial contract with the new company.

3. Having a Positive or Healing Effect (Formal/Literary)

Translation(s) & Context:

• благотворный - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a positive, often moral or spiritual, impact.

Usage Examples:

• Его слова оказали благотворное влияние на аудиторию.

  His words had a beneficial influence on the audience.

• Природа оказывает благотворное воздействие на здоровье.

  Nature has a beneficial effect on health.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

полезный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case, following standard Russian adjective patterns.

выгодный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "полезный."

благотворный (Adjective): Also declines like other adjectives, with no irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• полезный: нужный, ценный (slight nuance of necessity or value)
• выгодный: прибыльный, удобный (focus on profit or convenience)
• благотворный: целебный, спасительный (focus on healing or saving)

Antonyms:

• вредный (harmful, for полезный)
• убыточный (unprofitable, for выгодный)

Related Phrases:

• полезный совет - "helpful advice" (common expression for giving tips)
• выгодная сделка - "beneficial deal" (used in business contexts)
• благотворное влияние - "beneficial influence" (formal, often in writing)

Usage Notes:

• "полезный" is the most versatile and frequently used translation for "beneficial," suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• "выгодный" should be chosen when discussing financial or strategic advantages, as it implies a gain or profit.
• "благотворный" is more literary and formal, often used to describe moral or emotional benefits rather than practical ones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "выгодный" in non-economic contexts (e.g., "выгодная еда" for "beneficial food"). Correct: Use "полезная еда" instead. Explanation: "выгодный" implies financial benefit, not general usefulness.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., saying [ˈpɐlʲeznɨj] instead of [pɐˈlʲeznɨj]. Correct: Stress the second syllable for "полезный."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "полезный" (beneficial/useful) is often tied to practicality and health, especially in everyday advice about diet or lifestyle. Russians frequently discuss "полезные продукты" (beneficial products) when referring to healthy foods, reflecting a cultural emphasis on well-being.

Related Concepts:

• здоровый (healthy)
• практичный (practical)
• ценный (valuable)