Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Complementary'

English Word: complementary

Key Russian Translations:

• дополнительный [dəplʲnʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj] - [Formal, General Use]
• взаимодополняющий [vzəɪmədəplʲnʲˈæjʊʂːɪj] - [Formal, Specific Contexts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "дополнительный"; C1 (Advanced) for "взаимодополняющий"

Pronunciation (Russian):

дополнительный: [dəplʲnʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj]

Note on дополнительный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, central unrounded vowel.

взаимодополняющий: [vzəɪmədəplʲnʲˈæjʊʂːɪj]

Note on взаимодополняющий: Stress falls on the fifth syllable. The prefix "взаимо-" indicates mutual action, a common feature in Russian compound words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Adding to or Completing Something (General Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дополнительный - Used to describe something that adds to or supplements another element, often in formal or neutral contexts (e.g., complementary services).

Usage Examples:

• Мы предлагаем дополнительные услуги для клиентов.

  We offer complementary services for clients.

• Это дополнительное оборудование улучшит вашу работу.

  This complementary equipment will improve your work.

• Дополнительные материалы доступны онлайн.

  Complementary materials are available online.

2. Mutually Enhancing or Completing (Specific Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• взаимодополняющий - Used in contexts where two elements enhance or complete each other, often in academic or technical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Эти два подхода являются взаимодополняющими.

  These two approaches are complementary.

• Их навыки взаимодополняющие, что делает команду сильнее.

  Their skills are complementary, which makes the team stronger.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дополнительный (Adjective): This word follows regular adjective declension in Russian, changing based on gender, number, and case.

взаимодополняющий (Adjective): Follows similar adjective declension rules as above, with forms like взаимодополняющая (feminine), взаимодополняющее (neuter), etc.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дополнительный:

• добавочный
• прибавочный

Note: "добавочный" is often used in more informal or specific contexts like additional portions or quantities.

Antonyms for дополнительный:

• основной
• главный

Related Phrases:

• дополнительные расходы - Additional expenses; commonly used in financial contexts.
• дополнительное время - Extra time; often used in sports or work contexts.
• взаимодополняющие элементы - Complementary elements; used in academic or technical discussions.

Usage Notes:

• "дополнительный" is the more common and versatile translation for "complementary," suitable for most general contexts like services, materials, or information.
• "взаимодополняющий" is more specific and formal, often used when describing a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two elements. It is less common in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian. The form of the adjective must match the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "взаимодополняющий" in casual contexts where "дополнительный" would suffice. For example, saying "взаимодополняющие услуги" instead of "дополнительные услуги" sounds overly formal and unnatural.
• Error: Failing to adjust the adjective form for agreement. For instance, using "дополнительный" with a feminine noun like "услуга" (service) without changing it to "дополнительная."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, the concept of "complementary" as mutual enhancement (e.g., "взаимодополняющий") is often emphasized in academic or philosophical discussions, reflecting a cultural appreciation for balance and harmony in systems or relationships.

Related Concepts:

• совместимый (compatible)
• гармоничный (harmonious)
• поддерживающий (supportive)