Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'considerable'

English Word: considerable

Key Russian Translations:

• значительный [znɐˈt͡ʃʲitʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, Often used in writing or serious contexts]
• существенный [sʊˈʂːestvʲɪnɨj] - [Formal/Neutral, Often used for impact or importance]
• немалый [nʲɪˈmalɨj] - [Neutral/Informal, Often used in spoken language]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both formal and informal contexts)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

значительный: [znɐˈt͡ʃʲitʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on значительный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'ч' sound is a soft affricate, similar to 'ch' in 'church'.

существенный: [sʊˈʂːestvʲɪnɨj]

Note on существенный: Stress on the second syllable. The 'щ' sound is a long, soft 'sh'.

немалый: [nʲɪˈmalɨj]

Note on немалый: Stress on the second syllable. The 'н' is palatalized (softened).

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Large in amount, size, or extent

Translation(s) & Context:

• значительный - Often used to describe a large or notable amount (e.g., considerable effort).
• немалый - Used in spoken or less formal contexts to indicate something sizable or noteworthy.

Usage Examples:

• Он приложил значительные усилия, чтобы завершить проект.

  He made considerable efforts to complete the project.

• Мы потратили немалую сумму на ремонт.

  We spent a considerable amount on repairs.

• Это требует значительного времени.

  This requires considerable time.

2. Important or significant

Translation(s) & Context:

• существенный - Used to emphasize importance or impact (e.g., considerable influence).
• значительный - Can also apply to importance, especially in formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его вклад в науку был существенным.

  His contribution to science was considerable.

• Она оказала значительное влияние на команду.

  She had a considerable influence on the team.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

значительный (adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case, following standard Russian adjective patterns.

существенный (adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "значительный".

немалый (adjective): Also declines like a standard adjective, with the same gender/number/case agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• важный (important, significant - more general)
• крупный (large, major - often for physical size or scale)
• ощутимый (noticeable, tangible - for perceptible impact)

Antonyms:

• незначительный (insignificant, minor)
• малый (small, minor)

Related Phrases:

• значительные изменения - considerable changes (used for major transformations or reforms)
• существенная разница - considerable difference (used to highlight a meaningful distinction)
• немалая ответственность - considerable responsibility (common in spoken contexts for emphasis)

Usage Notes:

• "Значительный" is the most versatile and formal of the translations, suitable for academic or official contexts.
• "Существенный" emphasizes importance or impact and is often used when discussing differences or contributions.
• "Немалый" is more conversational and slightly less formal, often used to express surprise or emphasis on size/amount.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; the form must match the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "большой" (big) as a direct translation for "considerable". While it may work in some contexts, it lacks the nuance of importance or significance.
  Incorrect: У него большой вклад. (He has a big contribution.)
  Correct: У него существенный вклад. (He has a considerable contribution.)
• Error: Failing to adjust adjective forms for agreement.
  Incorrect: Это значительный проблема. (This is a considerable problem - wrong gender agreement.)
  Correct: Это значительная проблема.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, adjectives like "значительный" and "существенный" are often used in formal speeches or writing to underscore importance, reflecting a cultural tendency to emphasize gravitas in official or academic settings. "Немалый", on the other hand, may carry a tone of understated admiration or surprise in everyday speech.

Related Concepts:

• важность (importance)
• масштаб (scale, scope)
• весомость (weight, significance)