Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Constraint'

English Word: constraint

Key Russian Translation(s):

• ограничение [ˌoɡrənʲɪˈtʲenʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• сдерживание [sʲdʲɪrˈʐɨvənʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often used in context of control or restraint]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

ограничение: [ˌoɡrənʲɪˈtʲenʲɪjə]

Note on ограничение: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'г' is pronounced as a hard 'g'.

сдерживание: [sʲdʲɪrˈʐɨvənʲɪjə]

Note on сдерживание: Stress on the second syllable. The 'ж' sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Limitation or Restriction (Physical or Abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ограничение - Used for rules, boundaries, or limits (e.g., time constraints, legal restrictions).

Usage Examples:

• У нас есть ограничение по времени на выполнение задачи.

  We have a time constraint for completing the task.

• В этой стране существуют ограничения на свободу слова.

  There are constraints on freedom of speech in this country.

• Финансовые ограничения мешают развитию проекта.

  Financial constraints hinder the project's development.

2. Control or Restraint (Often Behavioral or Emotional)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сдерживание - Used for holding back emotions, actions, or forces.

Usage Examples:

• Ему потребовалось большое сдерживание, чтобы не ответить грубо.

  It took great constraint for him not to respond rudely.

• Сдерживание агрессии — важный навык в переговорах.

  Constraint of aggression is an important skill in negotiations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ограничение (Noun, Neuter): Follows standard neuter noun declension in Russian.

сдерживание (Noun, Neuter): Follows similar neuter noun declension patterns. Derived from the verb "сдерживать" (to restrain).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for ограничение:

• предел
• рамки
• запрет

Note: "предел" often implies a boundary or limit, while "запрет" is more about prohibition.

Antonyms for ограничение:

• свобода
• разрешение

Synonyms for сдерживание:

• контроль
• удержание

Related Phrases:

• временное ограничение - Time constraint or limitation.
• сдерживание эмоций - Restraint of emotions.
• без ограничений - Without constraints or limits.

Usage Notes:

• "ограничение" is more commonly used for tangible or abstract limits (e.g., rules, laws, budgets), while "сдерживание" often refers to self-control or suppression of something (e.g., emotions, actions).
• Both words are neutral in tone and can be used in formal and informal contexts, though "сдерживание" might sound slightly more formal in everyday speech.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between the two translations, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сдерживание" for physical or legal limits (e.g., "сдерживание по времени" for "time constraint").
  Correct: Use "ограничение по времени".
  Explanation: "сдерживание" implies active control or restraint, not a static limit.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., stressing the wrong syllable in "ограничение".
  Correct: Stress on the third syllable: [ˌoɡrənʲɪˈtʲenʲɪjə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "ограничение" often appears in discussions of bureaucracy and regulations, reflecting a historical context of strict rules and limitations in various spheres of life. Understanding this nuance can help learners grasp why the word is frequently used in formal and legal contexts.

Related Concepts:

• запрет (prohibition)
• контроль (control)
• свобода (freedom)