Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Brevity'

English Word: brevity

Key Russian Translations:

• краткость [ˈkrat.kəstʲ] - [Formal, Neutral]
• сжатость [ˈsʐat.əstʲ] - [Formal, Often in writing or speech]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "краткость"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "сжатость"

Pronunciation (Russian):

краткость: [ˈkrat.kəstʲ]

Note on краткость: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "р" is rolled slightly.

сжатость: [ˈsʐat.əstʲ]

Note on сжатость: The "сж" combination can be tricky; it sounds like a soft "sh" followed by "zh".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Conciseness in expression (speech or writing)

Translation(s) & Context:

• краткость - Commonly used to describe concise speech or writing, often with a positive connotation (e.g., brevity as a virtue).
• сжатость - Refers more specifically to compactness or compression, often in formal or technical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Краткость — сестра таланта.

  Brevity is the sister of talent. (A famous Russian proverb by Anton Chekhov)

• Его речь отличалась краткостью и ясностью.

  His speech was distinguished by brevity and clarity.

• Сжатость текста позволяет быстро понять суть.

  The brevity of the text allows one to quickly grasp the essence.

• В деловой переписке ценится краткость.

  Brevity is valued in business correspondence.

• Сжатость изложения — важный навык для журналистов.

  Conciseness in presentation is an important skill for journalists.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

краткость (feminine noun, 3rd declension):

сжатость (feminine noun, 3rd declension): Follows similar declension patterns as "краткость".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for краткость:

• лаконичность (more emphasis on being succinct and elegant)
• сдержанность (restraint in expression)

Antonyms for краткость:

• многословность (wordiness)
• длиннота (lengthiness)

Related Phrases:

• Краткость — сестра таланта. (Brevity is the sister of talent - a well-known proverb.)
• Говорить с краткостью. (To speak with brevity - used to describe concise communication.)
• Сжатость изложения. (Conciseness of presentation - often used in academic or professional contexts.)

Usage Notes:

• "Краткость" is the more common and versatile term for "brevity", often carrying a positive connotation of being concise and to the point. It is widely used in everyday speech and writing.
• "Сжатость" is more formal and specific, often referring to the compactness of text or speech, especially in technical or professional settings. It may not always fit casual conversations.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between these translations; "краткость" is safer for general use, while "сжатость" suits discussions of style or structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сжатость" in casual contexts where "краткость" would be more natural. For example, saying "Сжатость его ответа удивила меня" sounds overly formal and awkward. Correct: "Краткость его ответа удивила меня" (The brevity of his response surprised me).
• Error: Mispronouncing "краткость" by stressing the second syllable. Correct: Stress is on "крат" [ˈkrat.kəstʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, brevity in communication is often highly valued, especially in literature and public speaking. The proverb "Краткость — сестра таланта" (Brevity is the sister of talent), attributed to Anton Chekhov, reflects the admiration for concise and impactful expression.

Related Concepts:

• лаконичность (conciseness, succinctness)
• ясность (clarity)
• точность (precision)