Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'considerate'

English Word: considerate

Key Russian Translations:

• внимательный [vnʲɪˈmatʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal/Informal, General Use]
• заботливый [zɐˈbotlʲɪvɨj] - [Informal, Emotional Context]
• учтивый [ʊˈt͡ɕtʲɪvɨj] - [Formal, Polite Context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in interpersonal contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "внимательный" and "заботливый"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "учтивый"

Pronunciation (Russian):

внимательный: [vnʲɪˈmatʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on внимательный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "в" is pronounced softly before "н".

заботливый: [zɐˈbotlʲɪvɨj]

Note on заботливый: Stress on the second syllable. The "л" is palatalized (soft).

учтивый: [ʊˈt͡ɕtʲɪvɨj]

Note on учтивый: Stress on the second syllable. Less common in everyday speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Thoughtful and attentive to others' needs

Translation(s) & Context:

• внимательный - Used for someone who pays attention to details or others' feelings.
• заботливый - Implies care and concern, often in a personal or familial context.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень внимательный к своим друзьям.

  He is very considerate of his friends.

• Она всегда была заботливой сестрой.

  She has always been a caring sister.

• Будь внимателен к её чувствам.

  Be considerate of her feelings.

2. Polite and respectful in behavior

Translation(s) & Context:

• учтивый - Used in formal settings to describe polite or courteous behavior.

Usage Examples:

• Он был очень учтив с гостями.

  He was very courteous with the guests.

• Её учтивый тон произвёл хорошее впечатление.

  Her polite tone made a good impression.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

внимательный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	внимательный	внимательная	внимательное	внимательные
Genitive	внимательного	внимательной	внимательного	внимательных

заботливый (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "внимательный".

учтивый (Adjective): Also declines like other adjectives, though less frequently used in plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• деликатный (delicate, tactful)
• вежливый (polite)

Note: "вежливый" is more general for politeness, while "деликатный" emphasizes tact.

Antonyms:

• невнимательный (inattentive)
• грубый (rude)

Related Phrases:

• быть внимательным к деталям - to be attentive to details
• заботливые руки - caring hands (often used metaphorically for someone nurturing)
• учтивое обращение - courteous treatment

Usage Notes:

• "внимательный" is the most versatile translation for "considerate", suitable for most contexts involving thoughtfulness.
• "заботливый" carries a warmer, more emotional tone and is often used in personal relationships.
• "учтивый" is more formal and less common in casual speech, reserved for polite or respectful behavior.
• Pay attention to adjective agreement in Russian; the form changes based on the noun it modifies.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "заботливый" in formal contexts. Incorrect: "Он был заботливым на собрании." (He was caring at the meeting.) Correct: "Он был внимательным на собрании." (He was considerate at the meeting.) Explanation: "заботливый" implies personal care, not suitable for professional settings.
• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement. Incorrect: "Она внимательный." Correct: "Она внимательная." Explanation: Adjectives must match the gender of the noun.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "внимательный" or "заботливый" is highly valued, especially in close relationships. Small gestures of thoughtfulness, like remembering someone's preferences, are often seen as a sign of deep respect and care.

Related Concepts:

• вежливость (politeness)
• доброта (kindness)
• чуткость (sensitivity)