Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contented'

English Word: Contented

Key Russian Translations:

• довольный [ˈdovolʲnɨj] - [Adjective, Neutral/Formal]
• удовлетворённый [ʊdəvlʲɪtvarʲˈonɨj] - [Adjective, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday speech and writing)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "довольный"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "удовлетворённый"

Pronunciation (Russian):

довольный: [ˈdovolʲnɨj]

Note on довольный: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "л" sound is palatalized (soft), which is a common feature in Russian.

удовлетворённый: [ʊdəvlʲɪtvarʲˈonɨj]

Note on удовлетворённый: Stress falls on the fifth syllable. This word is longer and may be challenging for beginners due to consonant clusters.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Feeling satisfied or happy with one's situation

Translation(s) & Context:

• довольный - Used in general contexts to express satisfaction or happiness with something (neutral tone).

Usage Examples:

• Он выглядит довольным после ужина.

  He looks contented after dinner.

• Я довольна своей новой работой.

  I am contented with my new job.

• Дети были довольны подарками.

  The children were contented with the gifts.

2. Feeling fulfilled or gratified (often in formal contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• удовлетворённый - Used in formal or written contexts to indicate a deeper sense of fulfillment or satisfaction.

Usage Examples:

• Мы удовлетворены результатами переговоров.

  We are contented with the results of the negotiations.

• Она чувствует себя удовлетворённой после завершения проекта.

  She feels contented after completing the project.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

довольный (Adjective): This adjective changes according to gender, number, and case, following standard Russian declension patterns for adjectives.

удовлетворённый (Adjective): Similar to "довольный," this adjective also declines based on gender, number, and case. It is a past passive participle form and follows similar patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "довольный":

• счастливый (happy)
• рад (glad) - more emotional tone

Synonyms for "удовлетворённый":

• исполненный (fulfilled) - very formal

Antonyms:

• недовольный (discontented)
• разочарованный (disappointed)

Related Phrases:

• быть довольным чем-либо - to be contented with something
• выглядеть довольным - to look contented
• чувствовать себя удовлетворённым - to feel contented (formal)

Usage Notes:

• "довольный" is the more common and versatile translation for "contented," suitable for most everyday contexts. It can describe a general state of satisfaction.
• "удовлетворённый" is more formal and often implies a deeper or more specific sense of fulfillment, often used in professional or written contexts.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian. The form of the adjective must match the gender, number, and case of the noun it describes.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "удовлетворённый" in casual speech. This can sound overly formal or awkward.
  Incorrect: Я удовлетворённый этим фильмом.
  Correct: Я доволен этим фильмом. (I am contented with this movie.)
  Explanation: Reserve "удовлетворённый" for formal or serious contexts.
• Error: Incorrect adjective agreement.
  Incorrect: Она довольный.
  Correct: Она довольна. (She is contented.)
  Explanation: The adjective must agree with the gender of the subject.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing contentment or satisfaction (especially with "довольный") is often understated compared to English. Russians may not openly express satisfaction unless prompted, as modesty is valued. Using "довольный" in a complimentary way (e.g., "Ты выглядишь довольным") can be a polite way to acknowledge someone's happiness.

Related Concepts:

• счастье (happiness)
• удовольствие (pleasure)
• удовлетворение (satisfaction)