Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Briefly'

English Word: Briefly

Key Russian Translations:

• кратко [ˈkratkə] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• вкратце [fˈkratt͡sə] - [Neutral, Often in Summaries]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кратко: [ˈkratkə]

Note on кратко: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'o' at the end is reduced in casual speech.

вкратце: [fˈkratt͡sə]

Note on вкратце: Stress on the second syllable. The 'в' is pronounced softly before 'к'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. In a Short or Concise Manner (General Use)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кратко - Used in both spoken and written contexts to indicate brevity.
• вкратце - Often used when summarizing or giving an overview.

Usage Examples:

• Расскажи о себе кратко.

  Tell me about yourself briefly.

• Я объясню это вкратце.

  I will explain this briefly.

• Он ответил кратко и по делу.

  He replied briefly and to the point.

• Вкратце, ситуация выглядит так.

  Briefly, the situation looks like this.

• Пожалуйста, изложи свои мысли кратко.

  Please express your thoughts briefly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

кратко: This is an adverb derived from the adjective "краткий" (short). As an adverb, it does not change form based on gender, number, or case.

вкратце: This is also an adverb and does not inflect. It is a fixed form often used in specific contexts like summarizing.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• коротко
• сжато

Note: "коротко" often implies physical or temporal shortness, while "сжато" is used for concise expression, especially in writing.

Antonyms:

• подробно
• обстоятельно

Related Phrases:

• сказать вкратце - to say briefly (used when summarizing a point)
• кратко говоря - briefly speaking (a conversational filler phrase)
• изложить кратко - to present briefly (used in formal or written contexts)

Usage Notes:

• Both "кратко" and "вкратце" can be used to translate "briefly," but "вкратце" is more idiomatic when summarizing or giving an overview, especially in spoken Russian.
• "кратко" is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including formal and informal settings.
• Be mindful of word order in Russian sentences; adverbs like "кратко" often appear before or after the verb, depending on emphasis.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "коротко" instead of "кратко" when referring to concise speech or writing. "коротко" is more appropriate for physical shortness (e.g., short hair).
• Incorrect Example: Расскажи коротко. (Incorrect for "Tell briefly"; sounds odd in this context.)
• Correct Example: Расскажи кратко. (Correct for "Tell briefly.")
• Explanation: "коротко" focuses on physical or temporal length, while "кратко" relates to content brevity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian communication, brevity is often appreciated, especially in formal or professional settings. Using "кратко" or "вкратце" signals respect for the listener's time. However, in casual conversations, Russians may elaborate more, and overuse of brevity might seem abrupt or unfriendly.

Related Concepts:

• сжато (concisely)
• коротко (shortly)
• лаконично (succinctly)