Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'decision'

English Word: decision

Key Russian Translations:

• решение [rʲɪˈʂenʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• постановление [pəstənɐˈvlʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often Legal or Official]

Frequency: High (especially "решение")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "решение"), B2 (Intermediate for "постановление")

Pronunciation (Russian):

решение: [rʲɪˈʂenʲɪjə]

Note on решение: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a soft hissing sound, distinct from English "sh".

постановление: [pəstənɐˈvlʲenʲɪjə]

Note on постановление: Stress on the fourth syllable. The "вл" cluster can be tricky for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration

Translation(s) & Context:

• решение - Used for personal or general decisions (e.g., making a choice).

Usage Examples:

• Я принял решение уйти с работы.

  I made the decision to leave my job.

• Это было трудное решение для всей семьи.

  It was a difficult decision for the whole family.

• Решение зависит от тебя.

  The decision depends on you.

2. An official or formal determination (e.g., by a court or authority)

Translation(s) & Context:

• постановление - Used in legal, governmental, or formal contexts.
• решение - Can also be used, though less formal than "постановление".

Usage Examples:

• Суд вынес постановление по этому делу.

  The court issued a decision on this case.

• Постановление правительства вступило в силу.

  The government’s decision came into effect.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

решение (neuter noun): Follows the standard neuter noun declension in Russian.

постановление (neuter noun): Follows a similar neuter noun declension pattern as "решение". Refer to a full declension table for detailed forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "решение":

• выбор (choice, in personal contexts)
• определение (determination, in some formal contexts)

Synonyms for "постановление":

• указ (decree, often governmental)
• резолюция (resolution, often in meetings or organizations)

Antonyms:

• колебание (hesitation, for "решение")
• неопределённость (uncertainty, for "решение")

Related Phrases:

• принять решение - To make a decision.
• окончательное решение - Final decision.
• постановление суда - Court decision/ruling.

Usage Notes:

• "решение" is the most common and versatile translation for "decision", suitable for both personal and formal contexts, though less official than "постановление".
• "постановление" is typically reserved for legal, governmental, or highly formal decisions and may sound out of place in casual conversation.
• Pay attention to the context when choosing between the two translations, as using "постановление" for a personal decision would sound overly formal and incorrect.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "постановление" for personal decisions. Incorrect: "Я принял постановление уйти." Correct: "Я принял решение уйти." (Explanation: "постановление" is for official rulings, not personal choices.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation of "решение". Many learners stress the first syllable, but the correct stress is on the second: [rʲɪˈʂenʲɪjə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, decision-making, especially in formal or collective settings, may carry a sense of finality and authority, reflected in the weight of terms like "постановление". Historically, Soviet-era bureaucracy emphasized formal "постановления", which still influences the term's usage in legal and governmental contexts today.

Related Concepts:

• выбор (choice)
• судьба (fate, related to life decisions)
• воля (will, in the context of decisive action)