Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'cheap'

English Word: cheap

Key Russian Translations:

• дешёвый [ˈdʲeʂəvɨj] - [Informal, Common]
• недорогой [nʲɪdərɐˈɡoj] - [Neutral, Formal]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дешёвый: [ˈdʲeʂəvɨj]

Note on дёшевый: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'ё' is always stressed and pronounced as 'yo'.

недорогой: [nʲɪdərɐˈɡoj]

Note on недорогой: Stress on the last syllable. The prefix 'не-' negates the meaning of 'expensive'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Low in Price (Affordable)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дешёвый - Often used in casual contexts to describe something inexpensive, sometimes with a negative connotation of poor quality.
• недорогой - More neutral and polite, used to describe something reasonably priced without implying low quality.

Usage Examples:

• Этот магазин продаёт дешёвую одежду.

  This store sells cheap clothes.

• Я купил недорогой телефон, но он работает отлично.

  I bought an inexpensive phone, but it works great.

• Дешёвые билеты быстро раскупают.

  Cheap tickets sell out quickly.

• Мы нашли недорогой ресторан с хорошей едой.

  We found an affordable restaurant with good food.

• Не покупай дешёвые игрушки, они быстро ломаются.

  Don't buy cheap toys; they break quickly.

2. Low in Quality or Value (Derogatory)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дешёвый - Used to imply poor quality or lack of value, often in a critical tone.

Usage Examples:

• Это дешёвый трюк, чтобы привлечь внимание.

  This is a cheap trick to get attention.

• Его шутки такие дешёвые, никто не смеётся.

  His jokes are so cheap, no one laughs.

• Не будь таким дешёвым, заплати за свой кофе.

  Don't be so cheap, pay for your coffee.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дешёвый (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case, typical for Russian adjectives.

недорогой (Adjective): Follows the same declension pattern as 'дешёвый' with corresponding endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дёшевый/недорогой:

• бюджетный - More formal, often used for products or services.
• экономичный - Focuses on cost-saving or efficiency.

Antonyms for дёшевый/недорогой:

• дорогой
• роскошный

Related Phrases:

• дешёвый как борщ - "Cheap as borscht" (idiom for extremely inexpensive).
• недорогой вариант - "Affordable option" (common expression for a budget-friendly choice).
• дешёвка - "Cheap stuff" or "trash" (colloquial, derogatory for low-quality items or behavior).

Usage Notes:

• While both 'дешёвый' and 'недорогой' can mean 'cheap,' 'дешёвый' often carries a negative connotation of low quality or stinginess, especially in non-literal contexts (e.g., 'cheap trick'). Use 'недорогой' in neutral or polite settings to describe affordability without judgment.
• Be mindful of tone and context when using 'дешёвый' to describe people or behavior, as it can sound insulting.
• Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. See the inflection table above for correct forms.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'дешёвый' in formal or polite contexts. Example: *Я купил дешёвый подарок для начальника.* (I bought a cheap gift for the boss.) - This sounds disrespectful.
  Correct: Use 'недорогой' instead: *Я купил недорогой подарок для начальника.* (I bought an inexpensive gift for the boss.)
• Error: Failing to match adjective endings with noun gender/case. Example: *Я вижу дешёвый машина.* (Incorrect ending for feminine 'машина').
  Correct: *Я вижу дешёвую машину.*

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, openly calling something or someone 'дешёвый' (cheap) can be seen as rude or judgmental, especially when referring to personal choices or gifts. Russians often prefer euphemisms like 'недорогой' or 'экономичный' to discuss affordability tactfully. Additionally, the concept of 'дешёвка' (cheapness in a derogatory sense) is often associated with low social status or lack of taste.

Related Concepts:

• экономия (saving money)
• скидка (discount)
• цена (price)