Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Definitely'

English Word: definitely

Key Russian Translations:

• определённо [ˌɐprʲɪˈdʲelʲɪnə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• точно [ˈtoʧnə] - [Informal, Conversational]
• безусловно [bʲɪzʊˈslovnə] - [Formal, Emphatic]

Frequency: High (commonly used in both formal and informal contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; varies by translation: "точно" is A2, "безусловно" is B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

определённо: [ˌɐprʲɪˈdʲelʲɪnə]

Note on определённо: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ё" is always stressed and pronounced as "yo".

точно: [ˈtoʧnə]

Note on точно: Stress on the first syllable. The "ч" sounds like "ch" in "church".

безусловно: [bʲɪzʊˈslovnə]

Note on безусловно: Stress on the third syllable. The "з" is soft due to the following "у".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To express certainty or agreement (without doubt)

Translation(s) & Context:

• определённо - Used in formal or neutral contexts to confirm something with certainty.
• точно - Common in casual speech, often used to agree or confirm.
• безусловно - Used in formal settings to emphasize absolute certainty.

Usage Examples:

• Я определённо приду на встречу завтра.

  I will definitely come to the meeting tomorrow.

• Ты точно сможешь помочь мне с этим?

  Can you definitely help me with this?

• Это безусловно лучший выбор для нас.

  This is definitely the best choice for us.

• Определённо, это был незабываемый день.

  Definitely, it was an unforgettable day.

• Точно, я помню, где это находится!

  Definitely, I remember where it is!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

определённо, точно, безусловно: All three translations are adverbs and do not change form in Russian. They remain invariable regardless of the grammatical context (gender, number, case, or tense).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• несомненно (undoubtedly - more formal)
• конечно (of course - conversational)
• однозначно (unequivocally - neutral to formal)

Note: "конечно" is often softer and more conversational, while "несомненно" is highly formal.

Antonyms:

• возможно (possibly)
• сомнительно (doubtfully)

Related Phrases:

• точно так же - "definitely in the same way" (used to confirm similarity)
• безусловно да - "definitely yes" (strong affirmation)
• определённо стоит - "definitely worth it" (used to recommend or affirm value)

Usage Notes:

• "точно" is the most versatile and frequently used in everyday conversation, often interchangeable with "definitely" in informal English.
• "безусловно" carries a stronger, more formal tone, often used in written language or serious discussions to emphasize absolute certainty.
• "определённо" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is less common in rapid, casual speech compared to "точно".
• Be mindful of the context: using "безусловно" in casual settings may sound overly serious or out of place.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "безусловно" in casual conversation. Incorrect: "Ты безусловно придёшь?" (sounds overly formal). Correct: "Ты точно придёшь?" (natural and conversational).
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., saying [ˌɐprʲɪdʲeˈlʲɪnə] instead of [ˌɐprʲɪˈdʲelʲɪnə] for "определённо". Stress errors can lead to misunderstanding.
• Error: Confusing "точно" with "точный" (an adjective meaning "precise"). Incorrect: "Я точный приду." Correct: "Я точно приду."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, expressing certainty with words like "точно" is common in casual dialogue and often accompanies a nod or gesture to reinforce agreement. "безусловно" may be used in debates or formal discussions to assert an unarguable point, reflecting a cultural tendency to use strong language in intellectual or professional settings.

Related Concepts:

• конечно (of course)
• уверенность (confidence)
• согласие (agreement)