Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'company'

English Word: company

Key Russian Translations:

• компания [kɐmˈpanʲɪjə] - [General, Neutral]
• фирма [ˈfʲirmə] - [Business Context, Formal]
• общество [ɐbˈʂːestvə] - [Legal Entity, Formal]

Frequency: High (commonly used across various contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context and translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

компания: [kɐmˈpanʲɪjə]

Note on компания: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'я' sound is a soft vowel, pronounced with a 'y' glide.

фирма: [ˈfʲirmə]

Note on фирма: Stress on the first syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly.

общество: [ɐbˈʂːestvə]

Note on общество: Stress on the second syllable. The 'щ' is a soft 'shch' sound, unique to Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Business or Organization

Translation(s) & Context:

• компания - Used for general reference to a business or group of people working together.
• фирма - Refers specifically to a business entity, often in formal or professional contexts.
• общество - Used in legal or formal contexts, often for associations or corporations (e.g., ООО - limited liability company).

Usage Examples:

• Эта компания производит автомобили.

  This company manufactures cars.

• Я работаю в крупной фирме.

  I work at a large firm.

• Общество с ограниченной ответственностью зарегистрировано в Москве.

  The limited liability company is registered in Moscow.

2. Group of People (Social Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• компания - Refers to a group of friends or people spending time together.

Usage Examples:

• Мы собрались большой компанией на выходных.

  We gathered as a big company over the weekend.

• Мне нравится твоя компания.

  I enjoy your company.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

компания (feminine noun, 1st declension):

фирма (feminine noun, 1st declension): Follows a similar declension pattern to "компания."

общество (neuter noun, 2nd declension): Follows standard neuter noun declension rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for компания (business):

• фирма
• предприятие
• организация

Note: "предприятие" often implies a larger or industrial entity, while "организация" is more generic.

Antonyms for компания (business):

• частное лицо (private individual)

Related Phrases:

• крупная компания - a large company
• фирма-поставщик - a supplier firm
• дружеская компания - a friendly group/company of people
• общество с ограниченной ответственностью (ООО) - limited liability company

Usage Notes:

• "Компания" is the most versatile translation, suitable for both business and social contexts. However, it may sound informal in highly professional settings.
• "Фирма" is strictly business-oriented and implies a commercial entity. Use it in formal or professional discussions.
• "Общество" is often used in legal terminology and is less common in everyday speech unless referring to specific structures like "ООО."
• When translating "company" as a social group, only "компания" is appropriate.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "фирма" to refer to a group of friends.
  Incorrect: Мы были хорошей фирмой.
  Correct: Мы были хорошей компанией.
  Explanation: "Фирма" is strictly for business entities, not social groups.
• Error: Overusing "общество" in casual contexts.
  Incorrect: Я работаю в обществе.
  Correct: Я работаю в компании.
  Explanation: "Общество" sounds overly formal or legalistic in everyday conversation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "компания" as a social group carries a warm, informal tone, often associated with gatherings of friends or family. In business contexts, specifying the type of company (e.g., ООО for limited liability) is common in formal documentation or discussions, reflecting the importance of legal structures in Russian business culture.

Related Concepts:

• предприятие (enterprise)
• корпорация (corporation)
• бизнес (business)
• коллектив (team/collective)