Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Careful'

English Word: careful

Key Russian Translations:

• осторожный [ɐˈstorəʐnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• внимательный [vnʲɪˈmatʲɪlnɨj] - [Neutral, Adjective, Often used for attention to detail]

Frequency: High (both translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "осторожный"); B1 (Intermediate for "внимательный" due to nuanced usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

осторожный: [ɐˈstorəʐnɨj]

Note on осторожный: Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable and the pronunciation of the "ж" sound, which is a voiced retroflex fricative unique to Russian.

внимательный: [vnʲɪˈmatʲɪlnɨj]

Note on внимательный: Stress falls on the third syllable; the soft "н" sound (indicated by ʲ) is important for correct pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Cautious or Prudent (Avoiding Risk)

Translation(s) & Context:

• осторожный - Used when describing someone who avoids risks or acts with caution, often in physical or decision-making contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Будь осторожен на дороге.

  Be careful on the road.

• Он очень осторожный человек, никогда не рискует.

  He is a very careful person, never taking risks.

• Осторожно, здесь скользко!

  Careful, it's slippery here!

2. Attentive or Thorough (Paying Attention to Detail)

Translation(s) & Context:

• внимательный - Used when describing someone who pays close attention or is meticulous, often in intellectual or emotional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Она очень внимательна к деталям.

  She is very careful with details.

• Будьте внимательны при чтении договора.

  Be careful when reading the contract.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

осторожный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension rules based on gender, number, and case.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	осторожный	осторожная	осторожное	осторожные
Genitive	осторожного	осторожной	осторожного	осторожных

внимательный (Adjective): Also follows standard adjective declension rules, similar to "осторожный."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for осторожный:

• бережный
• предусмотрительный

Note: "бережный" often implies care in handling objects, while "предусмотрительный" focuses on foresight.

Synonyms for внимательный:

• чуткий
• заботливый

Antonyms for осторожный:

• неосторожный
• безрассудный

Antonyms for внимательный:

• невнимательный
• рассеянный

Related Phrases:

• Будь осторожен! - "Be careful!" (Common warning)
• Осторожно, двери закрываются! - "Careful, the doors are closing!" (Public transport announcement)
• Внимательно слушать - "Listen carefully" (Focus on attention)

Usage Notes:

• "осторожный" is more commonly used for physical caution or prudence, while "внимательный" often relates to mental attentiveness or care in interpersonal interactions.
• Choose "осторожный" when warning someone about potential danger; use "внимательный" when advising thoroughness or focus.
• Both adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical feature in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "внимательный" instead of "осторожный" in contexts of physical danger.
  Incorrect: "Будь внимателен на дороге." (Intended: Be careful on the road.)
  Correct: "Будь осторожен на дороге."
  Explanation: "внимательный" implies mental focus, not caution against physical harm.
• Error: Failing to adjust adjective endings for gender or case.
  Incorrect: "Она осторожный."
  Correct: "Она осторожная."
  Explanation: Adjectives must match the gender of the noun; "она" (she) requires the feminine form "осторожная."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "внимательный" (attentive) is highly valued in personal relationships, often associated with showing care and respect. Phrases like "будь внимателен" (be attentive) can carry an emotional undertone, implying thoughtfulness beyond mere caution.

Related Concepts:

• безопасность (safety)
• забота (care)
• внимание (attention)