Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'delicate'

English Word: delicate

Key Russian Translations:

• нежный [ˈnʲeʐnɨj] - [Adjective, Often used for physical softness or emotional sensitivity]
• тонкий [ˈtonkʲɪj] - [Adjective, Often used for subtle or refined qualities]
• деликатный [dʲɪlʲɪˈkatnɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, Often used in social or diplomatic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used across various contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation: "нежный" - B1, "деликатный" - B2)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нежный: [ˈnʲeʐnɨj]

Note on нежный: The "ж" sound is a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in "measure." Stress falls on the first syllable.

тонкий: [ˈtonkʲɪj]

Note on тонкий: The "о" is stressed and pronounced clearly; the "к" is palatalized before "и."

деликатный: [dʲɪlʲɪˈkatnɨj]

Note on деликатный: Stress is on the third syllable; the "л" is soft due to palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physically Fragile or Soft

Translation(s) & Context:

• нежный - Used for soft textures or gentle touch (e.g., delicate skin or fabric).

Usage Examples:

• У неё очень нежная кожа.

  She has very delicate skin.

• Этот шёлк такой нежный на ощупь.

  This silk feels so delicate to the touch.

• Он говорил с ней нежным голосом.

  He spoke to her in a delicate (gentle) voice.

2. Subtle or Refined

Translation(s) & Context:

• тонкий - Used for subtle flavors, fine details, or refined qualities.

Usage Examples:

• Вино обладает тонким ароматом.

  The wine has a delicate aroma.

• Её работа отличается тонким вкусом.

  Her work is characterized by delicate (refined) taste.

• Это был тонкий намёк на проблему.

  It was a delicate (subtle) hint at the problem.

3. Sensitive or Tactful (Social Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• деликатный - Used for situations requiring tact or careful handling.

Usage Examples:

• Это деликатный вопрос, который требует осторожности.

  This is a delicate issue that requires caution.

• Он был очень деликатен в разговоре с ней.

  He was very delicate (tactful) in his conversation with her.

• Нам нужно деликатно подойти к этой теме.

  We need to approach this topic delicately.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

нежный (Adjective): Follows regular adjective declension patterns based on gender, number, and case.

тонкий (Adjective): Similar regular declension as above, with stem changes for stress.

деликатный (Adjective): Follows regular adjective declension; no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for нежный:

• ласковый (gentle, affectionate)
• мягкий (soft, mild)

Synonyms for тонкий: "изысканный" (refined) is closer in formal contexts, while "тонкий" is more versatile.

• изысканный (refined)
• утончённый (sophisticated)

Synonyms for деликатный:

• тактичный (tactful)
• осторожный (cautious)

Antonyms:

• грубый (rough, coarse - for нежный and тонкий)
• бестактный (tactless - for деликатный)

Related Phrases:

• нежный возраст - "tender age" (used to describe young children)
• тонкий намёк - "subtle hint" (used to imply something indirectly)
• деликатная ситуация - "delicate situation" (a situation requiring tact)

Usage Notes:

• "нежный" is primarily used for physical or emotional softness and is less formal than "деликатный."
• "тонкий" often implies subtlety or refinement and should not be confused with physical thinness in all contexts (e.g., тонкий слой = thin layer, but тонкий вкус = delicate taste).
• "деликатный" is the go-to term for social sensitivity or tact and is more formal; it’s rarely used for physical fragility.
• Choose the translation based on context: physical/emotional tenderness ("нежный"), subtle qualities ("тонкий"), or tactful situations ("деликатный").

Common Errors:

1. Mixing up "нежный" and "деликатный": English speakers might use "нежный" in formal or social contexts, but it sounds overly intimate or out of place. Correct: Use "деликатный" for sensitive topics (e.g., "деликатный вопрос," not "нежный вопрос").

2. Overusing "тонкий" for physical objects: While "тонкий" can mean "thin," using it for delicate fabrics or skin is less common than "нежный." Incorrect: "тонкая кожа" (thin skin, implying weakness); Correct: "нежная кожа" (delicate skin).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "деликатность" (tactfulness) is highly valued, especially in formal or hierarchical settings. Addressing sensitive topics directly without using terms like "деликатный" to soften the approach may be seen as rude or inappropriate.

Related Concepts:

• чувствительность (sensitivity)
• изящество (grace, elegance)
• такт (tact)