Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Competent'

English Word: Competent

Key Russian Translations:

• компетентный [kɐmˈpʲetʲɪntnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• способный [spɐˈsobnɨj] - [Neutral, Adjective, Often used for ability]
• грамотный [ˈɡramɐtnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective, Often used for knowledge or literacy]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and professional contexts)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

компетентный: [kɐmˈpʲetʲɪntnɨj]

Note on компетентный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft 'т' sound might be challenging for non-native speakers.

способный: [spɐˈsobnɨj]

Note on способный: Stress on the second syllable. The 'о' is reduced in unstressed positions.

грамотный: [ˈɡramɐtnɨj]

Note on грамотный: Stress on the first syllable. Pay attention to the hard 'г' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Having the necessary ability or skill (General Competence)

Translation(s) & Context:

• способный - Used to describe someone's general ability or talent in a field.
• компетентный - More formal, often used in professional or official contexts to describe expertise.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень способный студент.

  He is a very competent (capable) student.

• Этот юрист компетентен в вопросах права.

  This lawyer is competent in legal matters.

• Она способна решить любую проблему.

  She is capable of solving any problem.

2. Knowledgeable or well-informed (Specific Expertise)

Translation(s) & Context:

• грамотный - Often used to describe someone knowledgeable or literate in a specific area, less formal.
• компетентный - Used in formal contexts for expertise or authority in a subject.

Usage Examples:

• Он грамотный специалист в области технологий.

  He is a competent (knowledgeable) specialist in technology.

• Мы доверяем только компетентным врачам.

  We trust only competent doctors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All translations are adjectives and follow standard Russian adjective declension rules based on gender, number, and case.

компетентный (Competent, Formal):

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	компетентный	компетентная	компетентное	компетентные
Genitive	компетентного	компетентной	компетентного	компетентных

Note: Similar declension patterns apply to способный and грамотный. Refer to Russian grammar resources for full declension tables.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• умелый (skillful)
• квалифицированный (qualified)
• знающий (knowledgeable)

Note: "умелый" emphasizes practical skills, while "квалифицированный" is often used for professional qualifications.

Antonyms:

• некомпетентный (incompetent)
• неспособный (incapable)

Related Phrases:

• компетентный орган - Competent authority (used in legal or official contexts)
• способный на многое - Capable of a lot (used to praise potential)
• грамотный подход - Competent (well-informed) approach (common in discussions of strategy)

Usage Notes:

• "компетентный" is the most direct translation for "competent" in formal and professional settings. It implies authority or expertise.
• "способный" often refers to inherent ability or potential and is more neutral in tone, suitable for general contexts.
• "грамотный" is more colloquial and often used to describe someone who is knowledgeable or "savvy" in a specific domain.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian (gender, number, case) when using these words in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "грамотный" in formal contexts. Example: *Он грамотный судья* (incorrect in formal speech).
  Correct: Он компетентный судья (He is a competent judge).
  Explanation: "грамотный" can sound too informal for official roles or titles.
• Error: Failing to adjust adjective endings. Example: *Она компетентный* (incorrect).
  Correct: Она компетентная (She is competent).
  Explanation: Adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, describing someone as "компетентный" in a professional context carries significant weight and implies a high level of trust and respect. It is often used in bureaucratic or legal settings to emphasize authority. On the other hand, "грамотный" may be used more casually to compliment someone's practical knowledge or street-smarts.

Related Concepts:

• профессионализм (professionalism)
• опыт (experience)
• знание (knowledge)