Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Competence'

English Word: Competence

Key Russian Translations:

• компетентность [kəmpʲɪˈtʲentnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Abstract Ability]
• компетенция [kəmpʲɪˈtʲentsɪjə] - [Formal, Specific Jurisdiction or Skill]
• способность [spəˈsobnəsʲtʲ] - [Neutral, General Ability]

Frequency: Medium (used in formal and professional contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by term)

Pronunciation (Russian):

компетентность: [kəmpʲɪˈtʲentnəsʲtʲ]

Note on компетентность: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "тн" cluster can be challenging for non-native speakers.

компетенция: [kəmpʲɪˈtʲentsɪjə]

Note on компетенция: Stress on the third syllable. The ending "ция" is common in formal Russian nouns.

способность: [spəˈsobnəsʲtʲ]

Note on способность: Stress on the second syllable. Softer "с" sound before "п".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Ability or Skill to Perform Tasks

Translation(s) & Context:

• компетентность - Used for general proficiency or expertise in a field (formal contexts).
• способность - Refers to inherent or general ability, less formal than компетентность.

Usage Examples:

• Его компетентность в этой области не вызывает сомнений.

  His competence in this field is beyond doubt.

• Она проявила способность быстро решать проблемы.

  She demonstrated the ability to solve problems quickly.

• Компетентность врача спасла жизнь пациента.

  The doctor’s competence saved the patient’s life.

2. Legal or Official Authority

Translation(s) & Context:

• компетенция - Refers to jurisdiction or scope of authority (highly formal, often legal or administrative).

Usage Examples:

• Это вне компетенции нашего отдела.

  This is outside the competence of our department.

• Суд определил компетенцию данного органа.

  The court defined the competence of this body.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

компетентность (feminine noun): Regular declension for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

Case	Singular
Nominative	компетентность
Genitive	компетентности
Dative	компетентности
Accusative	компетентность
Instrumental	компетентностью
Prepositional	компетентности

компетенция (feminine noun): Similar regular declension for feminine nouns ending in -ия.

способность (feminine noun): Follows similar patterns to компетентность.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for компетентность/компетенция:

• профессионализм (professionalism)
• квалификация (qualification)

Synonyms for способность:

• умение (skill)
• дар (gift/talent)

Antonyms:

• некомпетентность (incompetence)
• неспособность (inability)

Note: некомпетентность is a direct antonym for компетентность, while неспособность pairs with способность.

Related Phrases:

• проявить компетентность - to demonstrate competence (often in professional settings).
• в рамках компетенции - within the scope of competence (legal or administrative context).
• способность к обучению - ability to learn (educational context).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "компетентность" for general expertise, "компетенция" for specific authority or jurisdiction, and "способность" for inherent ability or capacity.
• Formality: "компетентность" and "компетенция" are more formal and often used in written or professional contexts, while "способность" is more neutral and versatile.
• Collocations: Pay attention to common pairings, e.g., "компетенция органа" (competence of a body) vs. "способность решать" (ability to solve).

Common Errors:

• Mixing up компетентность and компетенция: English speakers often use them interchangeably, but "компетенция" is specifically tied to authority. Incorrect: "Его компетенция в математике" (should be "компетентность"). Correct: "Его компетентность в математике".
• Overusing способность: While it means "ability," it’s not always a direct substitute for "competence" in professional contexts. Incorrect: "способность суда" (should be "компетенция").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian professional and legal contexts, the concept of "компетенция" (jurisdiction or authority) is highly emphasized, reflecting a cultural focus on clearly defined roles and responsibilities in bureaucratic systems. Using the wrong term in formal settings can lead to misunderstandings.

Related Concepts:

• профессионализм (professionalism)
• авторитет (authority)
• знание (knowledge)