Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'desirable'

English Word: desirable

Key Russian Translations:

• желательный [ʐɨˈlatʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, Neutral]
• желанный [ʐɨˈlanːɨj] - [Emotional, Often Personal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

желательный: [ʐɨˈlatʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on желательный: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'ж' sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

желанный: [ʐɨˈlanːɨj]

Note on желанный: Stress on the second syllable. The doubled 'н' indicates a slightly prolonged sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Worthy of Being Desired (General/Neutral Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• желательный - Used in formal or neutral contexts, often for objects, situations, or qualities.

Usage Examples:

• Это желательное решение для всех сторон.

  This is a desirable solution for all parties.

• Желательные изменения были внесены в проект.

  Desirable changes were made to the project.

• Его присутствие на встрече желательно.

  His presence at the meeting is desirable.

2. Longed For or Wanted (Emotional/Personal Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• желанный - Used in emotional or personal contexts, often for people, outcomes, or dreams.

Usage Examples:

• Она была желанным гостем в нашем доме.

  She was a desirable (welcome) guest in our home.

• Это желанный результат после долгих усилий.

  This is a longed-for result after much effort.

• Он наконец получил желанную работу.

  He finally got the job he desired.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

желательный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension based on gender, number, and case.

желанный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above with corresponding endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for желательный:

• предпочтительный (preferred)
• нужный (needed)

Synonyms for желанный:

• долгожданный (long-awaited)
• любимый (beloved, in certain contexts)

Antonyms:

• нежелательный (undesirable)
• нежеланный (unwanted)

Related Phrases:

• желательный исход - Desirable outcome (used in formal discussions).
• желанный гость - Welcome guest (used in personal or emotional contexts).
• желательное качество - Desirable quality (used for traits or characteristics).

Usage Notes:

• While both "желательный" and "желанный" can translate to "desirable," they differ in tone and context. Use "желательный" for neutral or formal situations (e.g., desirable conditions or outcomes). Use "желанный" for more emotional or personal longing (e.g., a desired person or dream).

• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; the endings must match the noun's gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Mixing up желательный and желанный: English speakers often use these interchangeably, but "желанный" carries a more emotional tone. Incorrect: "Это желанный контракт" (sounds overly personal for a business context). Correct: "Это желательный контракт" (neutral and formal).

• Incorrect adjective agreement: Failing to adjust endings based on the noun. Incorrect: "Желательный книга" (wrong gender ending). Correct: "Желательная книга" (feminine form for 'book').

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, expressing desire or longing with "желанный" can carry a deeper emotional weight than in English, often implying a personal connection or long-held wish. This nuance is important in interpersonal communication, as it may sound more intimate or heartfelt.

Related Concepts:

• желание (desire)
• мечта (dream)
• надежда (hope)