Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Capacity'

English Word: capacity

Key Russian Translations:

• вместимость [vmʲɪsʲˈtʲiməsʲtʲ] - [Formal, often used for physical or container capacity]
• способность [spɐˈsobnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal/Neutral, often used for ability or mental capacity]
• мощность [ˈmoɕnəsʲtʲ] - [Technical, often used for machinery or power capacity]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used across contexts, especially "способность")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "вместимость" and "способность"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "мощность" due to technical context

Pronunciation (Russian):

вместимость: [vmʲɪsʲˈtʲiməsʲtʲ]

Note on вместимость: Stress falls on the third syllable. The soft "с" sound can be tricky for non-native speakers.

способность: [spɐˈsobnəsʲtʲ]

Note on способность: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft "б" and "н" sounds.

мощность: [ˈmoɕnəsʲtʲ]

Note on мощность: Stress on the first syllable. The "щ" sound is a distinct Russian sound, often challenging for learners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Capacity (e.g., space or volume)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вместимость - Used for describing the volume or space something can hold, such as a container, room, or vehicle.

Usage Examples:

• Вместимость этого зала составляет 500 человек.

  The capacity of this hall is 500 people.

• Какова вместимость багажника этой машины?

  What is the capacity of this car's trunk?

• Резервуар имеет вместимость 100 литров.

  The tank has a capacity of 100 liters.

2. Ability or Capability (e.g., mental or functional capacity)

Translation(s) & Context:

• способность - Refers to someone's ability or potential to do something, often mental or intellectual.

Usage Examples:

• У неё есть способность быстро учиться.

  She has the capacity to learn quickly.

• Его способность решать проблемы впечатляет.

  His capacity to solve problems is impressive.

• Мы должны развивать способность к критическому мышлению.

  We must develop the capacity for critical thinking.

3. Power or Output Capacity (e.g., technical or machinery)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мощность - Used in technical contexts to describe power output, such as for engines or devices.

Usage Examples:

• Мощность этого двигателя составляет 200 лошадиных сил.

  The capacity of this engine is 200 horsepower.

• Какова мощность этой электростанции?

  What is the capacity of this power plant?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

вместимость (feminine noun, 3rd declension):

Case	Singular
Nominative	вместимость
Genitive	вместимости
Dative	вместимости
Accusative	вместимость
Instrumental	вместимостью
Prepositional	вместимости

способность (feminine noun, 3rd declension): Follows a similar declension pattern to "вместимость."

мощность (feminine noun, 3rd declension): Follows a similar declension pattern to "вместимость."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "вместимость":

• объём
• ёмкость

Note: "объём" often refers to volume in a broader sense, while "ёмкость" can imply a container's capacity.

Synonyms for "способность":

• умение
• возможность

Antonyms for "способность":

• неспособность

Related Phrases:

• максимальная вместимость - maximum capacity (used for limits of space or volume)
• умственная способность - mental capacity (used in psychological or intellectual contexts)
• производственная мощность - production capacity (used in industrial or technical contexts)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "вместимость," "способность," and "мощность" depends heavily on context. "вместимость" is strictly for physical space, "способность" for abilities, and "мощность" for technical power or output.
• "способность" is the most versatile and frequently used in abstract or intellectual contexts, making it a safe choice for general discussions of capacity as ability.
• Be cautious with "мощность" as it is highly specific to technical domains and may sound out of place in non-technical conversations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "мощность" to describe a person's ability. Incorrect: "Его мощность решать проблемы." Correct: "Его способность решать проблемы." Explanation: "мощность" is reserved for machines or systems, not human abilities.
• Error: Using "вместимость" for mental capacity. Incorrect: "Её вместимость к обучению." Correct: "Её способность к обучению." Explanation: "вместимость" refers to physical space, not mental or intellectual potential.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "способность" often carries a nuanced cultural weight, especially in educational or professional contexts, where personal abilities are frequently discussed with an emphasis on development and potential. Russians may use this term in formal assessments or compliments, reflecting a cultural value placed on intellectual growth.

Related Concepts:

• талант (talent)
• потенциал (potential)
• ресурсы (resources)