Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Decisive'

English Word: decisive

Key Russian Translations:

• решительный [rʲɪˈʂɨtʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Used for personal traits or actions]
• решающий [rʲɪˈʂajʊʂɨj] - [Formal, Often used for critical moments or outcomes]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both spoken and written contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate, varies slightly by context and translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

решительный: [rʲɪˈʂɨtʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on решительный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'ш' sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English 'sh'.

решающий: [rʲɪˈʂajʊʂɨj]

Note on решающий: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'ш' sound before 'у'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Determined or resolute (personal characteristic)

Translation(s) & Context:

• решительный - Used to describe a person who makes firm decisions or acts with determination.

Usage Examples:

• Он был очень решительный в своих действиях.

  He was very decisive in his actions.

• Её решительный характер помог ей добиться успеха.

  Her decisive character helped her achieve success.

• Нам нужен решительный лидер в этой ситуации.

  We need a decisive leader in this situation.

2. Conclusive or critical (event or factor)

Translation(s) & Context:

• решающий - Refers to something that determines the outcome or is critical to a result.

Usage Examples:

• Это был решающий момент в игре.

  This was the decisive moment in the game.

• Его голос стал решающим на собрании.

  His vote became decisive at the meeting.

• Решающий фактор — это качество подготовки.

  The decisive factor is the quality of preparation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

решительный (adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case like most Russian adjectives.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	решительный	решительная	решительное	решительные
Genitive	решительного	решительной	решительного	решительных

решающий (adjective/participle): Also declines as an adjective, often used as a present active participle of "решать" (to decide).

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	решающий	решающая	решающее	решающие
Genitive	решающего	решающей	решающего	решающих

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for решительный:

• твёрдый (firm)
• смелый (bold)

Note: "твёрдый" emphasizes firmness, while "смелый" leans toward bravery.

Synonyms for решающий:

• ключевой (key)
• критический (critical)

Antonyms for решительный:

• нерешительный (indecisive)
• колеблющийся (hesitant)

Related Phrases:

• решительный шаг - A decisive step (a bold or firm action)
• решающий удар - A decisive blow (a critical or final hit, often metaphorical)
• в решающий момент - At the decisive moment (at a critical time)

Usage Notes:

• решительный is primarily used for describing a person's character or actions, focusing on determination or resoluteness. It is more personal and behavioral.

• решающий is used for situations, events, or factors that determine an outcome. It often implies a pivotal or conclusive role.

• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not interchangeable despite overlapping meanings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "решительный" to describe a critical moment (e.g., *решительный момент*).

  Correct Usage: Use "решающий момент" (decisive moment) instead. "решительный" applies to people or actions, not abstract concepts like moments.

• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation (e.g., stressing the first syllable of "решительный").

  Correct Usage: Stress falls on the second syllable: [rʲɪˈʂɨtʲɪlʲnɨj]. Incorrect stress can change the meaning or sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "решительный" (decisive) is often seen as a positive trait, especially in leadership or crisis situations. However, excessive decisiveness without thoughtfulness may be perceived as impulsiveness, so balance is valued.

Related Concepts:

• твёрдость (firmness)
• уверенность (confidence)
• решение (decision)