Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Compact'

English Word: Compact

Key Russian Translations:

• компактный [kɐmˈpaktnɨj] - [Adjective, Formal/Neutral]
• сжатый [ˈʐatɨj] - [Adjective, Often used for abstract concepts like text or data]
• договор [dɐɡɐˈvor] - [Noun, Formal, Used in the sense of an agreement or pact]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "компактный" is more common in everyday use)

Difficulty: компактный - B1 (Intermediate); сжатый - B2 (Upper-Intermediate); договор - A2 (Elementary, as a basic term for agreement)

Pronunciation (Russian):

компактный: [kɐmˈpaktnɨj]

Note on компактный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, unrounded "i".

сжатый: [ˈʐatɨj]

Note on сжатый: The initial "сж" cluster can be tricky; "ж" is a voiced retroflex fricative, similar to the "s" in "measure".

договор: [dɐɡɐˈvor]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Small and Efficient (Physical Size)

Translation(s) & Context:

• компактный - Used for describing small, space-saving objects like cars, devices, or furniture.

Usage Examples:

• Этот компактный ноутбук легко помещается в рюкзак.

  This compact laptop easily fits into a backpack.

• У нас компактная кухня, но она очень удобная.

  We have a compact kitchen, but it’s very convenient.

• Компактный дизайн делает этот гаджет популярным.

  The compact design makes this gadget popular.

2. Condensed or Compressed (Abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сжатый - Often used for non-physical contexts like information, text, or time.

Usage Examples:

• Дайте мне сжатое описание проекта.

  Give me a compact (concise) description of the project.

• У нас сжатый график, нужно успеть всё за неделю.

  We have a compact (tight) schedule; we need to finish everything in a week.

• Текст был сжат до одной страницы.

  The text was compacted into one page.

3. Agreement or Pact (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• договор - Refers to a formal agreement or contract, often in legal or diplomatic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Страны подписали договор о сотрудничестве.

  The countries signed a compact (agreement) on cooperation.

• Этот договор был заключён много лет назад.

  This compact (treaty) was concluded many years ago.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

компактный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case. Below is a simplified table for nominative case:

сжатый (Adjective): Similar declension pattern to компактный, derived from the verb "сжать" (to compress). Often used as a past passive participle.

договор (Noun): Masculine, inanimate, declines by case and number. Below is a simplified declension table:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for компактный:

• небольшой (small)
• миниатюрный (miniature) - Often implies even smaller size.

Antonyms for компактный:

• громоздкий (bulky)
• большой (large)

Synonyms for договор:

• соглашение (agreement)
• контракт (contract) - More business-oriented.

Related Phrases:

• компактный размер - "compact size"; commonly used for products or items.
• сжатый срок - "tight (compact) deadline"; used in time-sensitive contexts.
• заключить договор - "to conclude a compact (agreement)"; formal expression for agreements.

Usage Notes:

• "Compact" as an adjective is most commonly translated as "компактный" when referring to physical objects. Use "сжатый" for abstract or metaphorical compactness, such as time or information.
• When "compact" refers to an agreement, "договор" is the appropriate translation, but it is more formal and often used in legal or diplomatic contexts.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; "компактный" and "сжатый" must match the gender, number, and case of the noun they describe.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сжатый" for physical objects. Incorrect: "сжатый телефон" (compressed phone). Correct: "компактный телефон" (compact phone). Explanation: "сжатый" is reserved for abstract compression, not physical size.
• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement. Incorrect: "компактный машина" (should be feminine "компактная"). Correct: "компактная машина". Explanation: Adjectives must agree with the noun in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "договор" (compact as agreement) carries significant cultural weight due to the historical importance of formal agreements and treaties in Russian diplomacy and governance. It often implies a binding, serious commitment, more so than in casual English usage of "compact".

Related Concepts:

• соглашение (agreement)
• контракт (contract)
• условие (condition/term)