Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'capability'

English Word: capability

Key Russian Translations:

• способность [spɐˈsobnɐstʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• возможность [vɐzˈmoʐnɐstʲ] - [Formal, Often used for potential or opportunity]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and academic contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

способность: [spɐˈsobnɐstʲ]

Note on способность: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "о" is reduced in unstressed positions, sounding closer to "a".

возможность: [vɐzˈmoʐnɐstʲ]

Note on возможность: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the voiced "ж" sound, which is similar to the "s" in "measure".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Ability or Skill

Translation(s) & Context:

• способность - Used to describe a person's inherent or learned ability to do something.

Usage Examples:

• У неё есть способность быстро учиться.

  She has the capability to learn quickly.

• Его способность решать проблемы впечатляет.

  His capability to solve problems is impressive.

• Эта способность развивается с опытом.

  This capability develops with experience.

2. Possibility or Potential

Translation(s) & Context:

• возможность - Refers to the potential or opportunity to do something, often in a broader or abstract sense.

Usage Examples:

• У нас есть возможность улучшить систему.

  We have the capability to improve the system.

• Эта технология даёт новые возможности.

  This technology provides new capabilities.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

способность (noun, feminine):

возможность (noun, feminine): Follows similar declension patterns to "способность".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for способность:

• умение
• талант

Note: "умение" emphasizes skill, while "талант" often implies innate talent.

Synonyms for возможность:

• шанс
• перспектива

Antonyms for способность:

• неспособность

Related Phrases:

• проявить способность - To demonstrate capability.
• иметь возможность - To have the capability/opportunity.
• технические возможности - Technical capabilities.

Usage Notes:

• "способность" is more commonly used when referring to personal skills or inherent abilities, while "возможность" is broader and often implies potential or opportunity.
• In formal writing or speech, both terms are acceptable, but context determines the choice. For example, use "возможность" when discussing resources or options.
• Be mindful of grammatical agreement, as both nouns are feminine and require corresponding adjectives and verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "способность" with "возможность" in contexts where only one fits. For example, saying "У меня есть способность поехать" (I have the capability to go) sounds unnatural; "возможность" should be used instead.

  Correct: У меня есть возможность поехать.

  Incorrect: У меня есть способность поехать.

• Error: Incorrect case usage, such as using the nominative case after prepositions like "с" (with). Always use the instrumental case for "способность" (e.g., "с способностью").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, emphasizing someone's "способность" often carries a tone of respect or admiration for their skills or talents. On the other hand, discussing "возможность" may relate to broader societal or economic opportunities, reflecting a collective perspective on potential.

Related Concepts:

• умение
• навык
• потенциал