Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dexterity'

English Word: Dexterity

Key Russian Translations:

• ловкость [ˈlovkəsʲtʲ] - [General, Neutral]
• снаровка [snɐˈrovkə] - [Informal, Skill-based]
• умение [uˈmʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Ability-focused]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "ловкость" and "снаровка"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "умение"

Pronunciation (Russian):

ловкость: [ˈlovkəsʲtʲ]

Note on ловкость: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "сʲ" is a soft consonant, pronounced with a slight 'y' sound.

снаровка: [snɐˈrovkə]

Note on снаровка: Stress on the second syllable; the "р" is rolled lightly.

умение: [uˈmʲenʲɪjə]

Note on умение: Stress on the second syllable; "мʲ" is softened with a 'y' glide.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical Skill or Agility

Translation(s) & Context:

• ловкость - Used for physical dexterity, such as in sports or manual tasks.
• снаровка - Often implies practical skill or knack, especially in everyday tasks.

Usage Examples:

• Его ловкость на футбольном поле впечатляет.

  His dexterity on the football field is impressive.

• Она показала удивительную ловкость, жонглируя мячами.

  She demonstrated amazing dexterity while juggling balls.

• У него есть снаровка в ремонте старых машин.

  He has a knack for repairing old cars.

2. Mental or Skillful Ability

Translation(s) & Context:

• умение - Refers to a learned ability or skill, often intellectual or professional.

Usage Examples:

• Её умение решать сложные задачи поражает коллег.

  Her ability to solve complex problems amazes her colleagues.

• Это умение приходит с опытом.

  This skill comes with experience.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ловкость (Noun, Feminine):

Case	Singular
Nominative	ловкость
Genitive	ловкости
Dative	ловкости
Accusative	ловкость
Instrumental	ловкостью
Prepositional	ловкости

снаровка (Noun, Feminine): Follows similar declension patterns as "ловкость".

умение (Noun, Neuter): Follows neuter noun declension rules, e.g., Genitive: "умения", Instrumental: "умением".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for ловкость:

• проворство
• сметливость (more mental)

Note: "проворство" emphasizes speed, while "сметливость" leans toward quick thinking.

Antonyms for ловкость:

• неуклюжесть
• неловкость

Related Phrases:

• проявить ловкость - "to show dexterity" (often in tricky situations)
• снаровка в работе - "skill in work" (practical know-how)
• умение владеть собой - "ability to control oneself" (self-control)

Usage Notes:

• "ловкость" is the most direct translation for physical dexterity and is widely used in various contexts.
• "снаровка" carries a colloquial tone and often implies a learned or intuitive skill, less formal than "ловкость".
• "умение" is broader and can refer to any skill or ability, often non-physical. Use it in formal or intellectual contexts.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "умение" for physical dexterity. Incorrect: "Его умение в спорте." Correct: "Его ловкость в спорте."
• Explanation: "умение" is better suited for abstract or intellectual skills, while "ловкость" fits physical contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "ловкость" is often praised in contexts like traditional games, sports, or craftsmanship, reflecting a value placed on physical agility and resourcefulness. The term "снаровка" may also appear in folklore or stories about clever, practical individuals.

Related Concepts:

• проворство (agility)
• мастерство (mastery)
• навык (skill)