Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Deliberately'

English Word: deliberately

Key Russian Translations:

• намеренно [nɐˈmʲerʲɪnə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• специально [spʲɪtsɨˈalʲnə] - [Informal, Conversational]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

намеренно: [nɐˈmʲerʲɪnə]

Note on намеренно: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

специально: [spʲɪtsɨˈalʲnə]

Note on специально: Stress on the third syllable. The 'ц' is a sharp, unaspirated sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Intentionally, with purpose

Translation(s) & Context:

• намеренно - Used in formal or neutral contexts to indicate deliberate intent.
• специально - Often used in conversational settings, can imply a specific purpose.

Usage Examples:

• Он намеренно опоздал на встречу.

  He deliberately arrived late to the meeting.

• Я специально оставил дверь открытой.

  I deliberately left the door open.

• Она намеренно игнорировала его звонки.

  She deliberately ignored his calls.

• Мы специально выбрали это место для отдыха.

  We deliberately chose this place for vacation.

• Ты намеренно скрыл правду?

  Did you deliberately hide the truth?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

намеренно: This is an adverb derived from the adjective "намеренный" (intentional). As an adverb, it does not inflect and remains unchanged regardless of context.

специально: This is also an adverb, derived from the adjective "специальный" (special). Like "намеренно," it does not inflect and remains the same in all contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• умышленно (more formal, often legal context)
• осознанно (with awareness, conscious intent)

Antonyms:

• случайно (accidentally)
• невольно (unintentionally)

Related Phrases:

• намеренно сделать что-то - to do something deliberately
• специально для кого-то - deliberately for someone (e.g., made or done specifically)
• намеренно вводить в заблуждение - to deliberately mislead

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "намеренно" in formal or written contexts, or when emphasizing intent in a serious tone. Use "специально" in casual speech or when the deliberate action has a specific purpose or target.
• Collocation: "Специально" often pairs with verbs like "сделать" (to do) or "приехать" (to come), while "намеренно" is more common with actions implying intent like "скрыть" (to hide) or "игнорировать" (to ignore).
• Register: "Намеренно" can sound slightly more serious or accusatory, while "специально" may feel lighter or neutral.

Common Errors:

• Mixing up formality: English speakers might use "специально" in formal writing, which can sound too casual. Correct: Use "намеренно" in formal contexts. Incorrect: "Он специально нарушил правила" in a legal document (should be "намеренно").
• Overusing "специально": Learners often overuse "специально" for any deliberate action, missing the nuance of intent with "намеренно." Correct: "Она намеренно солгала" (She deliberately lied). Incorrect: "Она специально солгала" (implies a specific reason, which may not fit).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, directly stating intent with words like "намеренно" can sometimes carry a stronger implication of blame or accusation compared to English "deliberately." It’s often softened in polite conversation unless the intent is clearly negative or needs emphasis.

Related Concepts:

• умысел (intent, malice)
• цель (goal, purpose)
• осознанность (awareness, mindfulness)