Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Confidential'

English Word: Confidential

Key Russian Translations:

• конфиденциальный [kənfʲɪdʲɪnt͡sɨˈalʲnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• секретный [sʲɪˈkrʲetnɨj] - [Formal/Neutral, Adjective, Often used in official contexts]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

конфиденциальный: [kənfʲɪdʲɪnt͡sɨˈalʲnɨj]

Note on конфиденциальный: Stress falls on the fourth syllable. The "ц" is pronounced as a soft "ts" sound.

секретный: [sʲɪˈkrʲetnɨj]

Note on секретный: Stress on the second syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Private or restricted information (not to be shared)

Translation(s) & Context:

• конфиденциальный - Used for personal or sensitive information, often in formal or business settings.
• секретный - Often used for classified or official secrets, slightly stronger connotation of secrecy.

Usage Examples:

• Эта информация является конфиденциальной.

  This information is confidential.

• Пожалуйста, держите эти данные в конфиденциальности.

  Please keep this data confidential.

• Это секретный документ, доступ ограничен.

  This is a confidential document; access is restricted.

• Секретные материалы не должны покидать офис.

  Confidential materials must not leave the office.

• Конфиденциальные переговоры прошли успешно.

  Confidential negotiations were successful.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

конфиденциальный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case. Below is the declension table for singular forms.

секретный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above for adjectives.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for конфиденциальный:

• секретный
• доверительный (more personal, trust-based context)

Antonyms for конфиденциальный:

• публичный (public)
• открытый (open)

Related Phrases:

• конфиденциальная информация - Confidential information
• секретная операция - Secret operation
• держать в секрете - To keep something confidential/secret

Usage Notes:

• "Конфиденциальный" is often used in formal or business contexts to describe sensitive personal or professional information, while "секретный" can imply a higher level of secrecy, often tied to official or classified matters.
• Both terms are adjectives and must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: "секретный" may sound overly formal or dramatic for everyday personal matters.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "секретный" for personal matters, e.g., saying "секретный разговор" instead of "конфиденциальный разговор" for a private conversation. Explanation: "Секретный" implies something classified or hidden on a larger scale, while "конфиденциальный" is more appropriate for private or sensitive discussions.
• Error: Failing to match the adjective's gender with the noun, e.g., "конфиденциальный информация" instead of "конфиденциальная информация." Explanation: Adjectives in Russian must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of confidentiality, especially in professional or governmental contexts, carries significant weight due to historical emphasis on secrecy during Soviet times. Using "секретный" may evoke associations with state secrets or espionage, so it should be used carefully.

Related Concepts:

• тайна (secret)
• доверие (trust)
• безопасность (security)