Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cautious'

English Word: Cautious

Key Russian Translations:

• осторожный [ɐˈstorəʐnɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Adjective]
• предосторожный [prʲɪdɐˈstorəʐnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

осторожный: [ɐˈstorəʐnɨj]

Note on осторожный: Pay attention to the stress on the second syllable and the soft 'ж' sound, which is similar to the 's' in "measure".

предосторожный: [prʲɪdɐˈstorəʐnɨj]

Note on предосторожный: The prefix 'предо-' adds a nuance of precaution; stress falls on the fourth syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Careful to Avoid Danger or Risk

Translation(s) & Context:

• осторожный - Commonly used in everyday contexts to describe someone who is careful or wary.
• предосторожный - Often used in formal contexts or to emphasize precautionary measures.

Usage Examples:

• Будь осторожен на дороге, там много машин.

  Be cautious on the road; there are many cars.

• Она всегда очень осторожна с незнакомцами.

  She is always very cautious with strangers.

• Мы приняли предосторожные меры перед поездкой.

  We took precautionary measures before the trip.

• Его предосторожный подход спас нас от ошибки.

  His cautious approach saved us from a mistake.

• Осторожное обращение с огнем предотвращает пожары.

  Cautious handling of fire prevents fires.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

осторожный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case in Russian grammar.

Note: Other cases (Accusative, Instrumental, Prepositional) follow standard adjective declension rules.

предосторожный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as осторожный. Refer to standard Russian grammar for full forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for осторожный:

• внимательный (attentive, careful)
• бдительный (vigilant)

Note: "внимательный" often implies attention to detail, while "бдительный" may suggest alertness to danger.

Antonyms for осторожный:

• безрассудный (reckless)
• неосторожный (careless)

Related Phrases:

• осторожно обращаться - to handle with care (used for objects or sensitive matters)
• предосторожные меры - precautionary measures (formal contexts like safety protocols)
• быть осторожным с деньгами - to be cautious with money (financial caution)

Usage Notes:

• "осторожный" is the more common and versatile term, suitable for most informal and semi-formal contexts to describe a cautious person or behavior.
• "предосторожный" often appears in formal writing or speech and is more specific to actions or measures taken as precautions.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in gender, number, and case when using these words in Russian sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "предосторожный" in casual speech. Incorrect: "Я предосторожный человек." Correct: "Я осторожный человек." (I am a cautious person.) Explanation: "предосторожный" is rarely used to describe a person directly; it is more appropriate for measures or actions.
• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement. Incorrect: "Она осторожный." Correct: "Она осторожная." Explanation: Adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "осторожный" (cautious) is often seen as a positive trait, especially in personal interactions and decision-making. Russians may value caution as a sign of wisdom or foresight, particularly in uncertain situations.

Related Concepts:

• бдительность (vigilance)
• предусмотрительность (foresight)
• безопасность (safety)