Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Capable'

English Word: capable

Key Russian Translations:

• способный [ˈsposəbnɨj] - [Formal, General Use]
• умелый [uˈmʲelɨj] - [Informal, Skill-Specific]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

способный: [ˈsposəbnɨj]

Note on способный: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, central "i".

умелый: [uˈmʲelɨj]

Note on умелый: Stress on the second syllable; the "е" is palatalized due to the soft sign effect of "л".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Having the Ability to Do Something (General Competence)

Translation(s) & Context:

• способный - Used for general ability or potential, often in formal or academic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он способный студент, который быстро учится.

  He is a capable student who learns quickly.

• Она способна решить любую проблему.

  She is capable of solving any problem.

• Мы считаем его способным лидером.

  We consider him a capable leader.

2. Skilled or Proficient in a Specific Task

Translation(s) & Context:

• умелый - Refers to practical skills or craftsmanship, often in informal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он умелый плотник, который делает красивую мебель.

  He is a capable carpenter who makes beautiful furniture.

• Умелый повар может приготовить блюдо из простых ингредиентов.

  A capable chef can prepare a dish from simple ingredients.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

способный (Adjective): This adjective declines according to Russian grammar rules for adjectives, agreeing in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

умелый (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "способный". Refer to standard adjective declension rules for full forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for способный:

• талантливый (talented, often for inherent ability)
• одарённый (gifted, stronger emphasis on natural talent)

Synonyms for умелый:

• искусный (skillful, often for artistic or intricate work)
• ловкий (dexterous, implies agility or quickness)

Antonyms for both:

• неспособный (incapable)
• неумелый (unskilled)

Related Phrases:

• способный на многое - "capable of a lot" (used to describe someone with great potential)
• умелые руки - "capable hands" (refers to someone skilled in manual work)

Usage Notes:

• способный is more commonly used for intellectual or general abilities and is suitable in formal contexts, such as describing students or professionals.
• умелый is typically reserved for practical or hands-on skills, often with a connotation of experience or craftsmanship.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; both words must match the gender, number, and case of the noun they describe.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using способный for specific manual skills. Incorrect: "Он способный чинить машины." Correct: "Он умелый в ремонте машин." (He is skilled at fixing cars.)
• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement. Incorrect: "Она способный студентка." Correct: "Она способная студентка." (She is a capable student.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, describing someone as способный often carries a tone of respect for their potential or intelligence, frequently used in educational or professional settings. On the other hand, умелый is often associated with traditional crafts or trades, reflecting admiration for hands-on expertise.

Related Concepts:

• компетентный (competent)
• квалифицированный (qualified)
• профессиональный (professional)