Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Boon'

English Word: Boon

Key Russian Translations:

• благо [ˈblaɡə] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• дар [ˈdar] - [Neutral, Often Figurative]
• польза [ˈpolʲzə] - [Neutral, Practical Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

благо: [ˈblaɡə]

Note on благо: Stress on the first syllable; the "г" is pronounced softly as [ɡ].

дар: [ˈdar]

Note on дар: A short, crisp pronunciation with stress on the single syllable.

польза: [ˈpolʲzə]

Note on польза: Stress on the first syllable; the "л" is palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A benefit or advantage (general positive thing)

Translation(s) & Context:

• благо - Often used in a broad, abstract sense for "good" or "benefit."
• польза - Emphasizes practical utility or advantage.

Usage Examples:

• Это принесло нам большое благо.

  This brought us a great benefit.

• Технологии — это благо для общества.

  Technology is a boon for society.

• Какая польза от этого решения?

  What is the benefit of this decision?

• Здоровое питание приносит пользу телу и уму.

  Healthy eating brings benefits to body and mind.

2. A gift or favor (something granted)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дар - Used when "boon" refers to a gift or talent, often with a figurative or poetic tone.

Usage Examples:

• Его талант — это настоящий дар.

  His talent is a true boon.

• Она получила этот дар от природы.

  She received this boon from nature.

• Жизнь — это драгоценный дар.

  Life is a precious boon.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

благо (noun, neuter): Declines as a neuter noun in Russian.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	благо	блага
Genitive	блага	благ
Dative	благу	благам
Accusative	благо	блага
Instrumental	благом	благами
Prepositional	о благе	о благах

дар (noun, masculine): Declines as a masculine noun.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	дар	дары
Genitive	дара	даров
Dative	дару	дарам
Accusative	дар	дары
Instrumental	даром	дарами
Prepositional	о даре	о дарах

польза (noun, feminine): Declines as a feminine noun.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	польза	— (rarely used in plural)
Genitive	пользы	—
Dative	пользе	—
Accusative	пользу	—
Instrumental	пользой	—
Prepositional	о пользе	—

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for благо:

• добро
• польза

Note: "добро" is more abstract and moral, while "польза" is practical.

Antonyms for благо:

• зло
• вред

Synonyms for дар:

• подарок
• талант

Note: "подарок" is more literal (a physical gift), while "талант" refers to ability.

Antonyms for дар:

• потеря

Related Phrases:

• во благо - "for the good/benefit" (used to indicate purpose or intention)
• дар божий - "a god-given boon/gift" (often used for talents or blessings)
• приносить пользу - "to bring benefit" (common expression for usefulness)

Usage Notes:

• "благо" is the most versatile translation for "boon" as a general benefit, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Use "дар" when "boon" refers to a gift or talent, often with a poetic or elevated tone.
• "польза" is best for practical benefits or advantages and is commonly used in everyday speech.
• Pay attention to noun cases in Russian, as they change based on grammatical role in the sentence (see inflection tables above).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дар" for practical benefits. Incorrect: "Этот инструмент — дар для работы." Correct: "Этот инструмент — благо/польза для работы." (Explanation: "дар" implies a gift or talent, not a practical tool.)
• Error: Misusing cases with "польза." Incorrect: "Я вижу польза этого." Correct: "Я вижу пользу этого." (Explanation: "польза" must take the accusative case "пользу" after "вижу.")

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "благо" often carries a moral or societal connotation, reflecting a collective good rather than just personal gain. "дар" frequently appears in religious or poetic contexts, emphasizing divine or natural gifts.

Related Concepts:

• добро (goodness)
• талант (talent)
• выгода (advantage/profit)