Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'different'

English Word: different

Key Russian Translations:

• разный [ˈraznɨj] - [General Use, Neutral]
• иной [ˈinoj] - [Formal, Often Literary]
• другой [druˈgoj] - [Common, Conversational, Often Implies 'Other']

Frequency: High (especially "другой" and "разный")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "иной" may be B2 due to formal usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

разный: [ˈraznɨj]

Note on разный: Stress on the first syllable; the final 'ы' sounds like a short 'i'.

иной: [ˈinoj]

Note on иной: Stress on the first syllable; often used in written or formal contexts.

другой: [druˈgoj]

Note on другой: Stress on the second syllable; widely used in spoken language.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Not the same (Distinct)

Translation(s) & Context:

• разный - Used to describe things that vary or are diverse (e.g., different types or kinds).
• другой - Often implies 'another' or 'other' in addition to 'different' (e.g., a different person).

Usage Examples:

• У нас разные вкусы в музыке.

  We have different tastes in music.

• Это совсем другой человек.

  This is a completely different person.

• Они выбрали разные пути в жизни.

  They chose different paths in life.

2. Unusual or Unique (Standing Out)

Translation(s) & Context:

• иной - Used in formal or literary contexts to mean 'different' as in 'unique' or 'otherworldly'.

Usage Examples:

• У него иной взгляд на мир.

  He has a different (unique) view of the world.

• Это иная реальность.

  This is a different (alternative) reality.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

разный (Adjective): Declines based on gender, number, and case. Follows standard adjective declension rules in Russian.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	разный	разная	разное	разные
Genitive	разного	разной	разного	разных
Dative	разному	разной	разному	разным

иной (Adjective): Similar declension to "разный," often used in formal contexts. Commonly appears in nominative or genitive cases.

другой (Adjective): Declines like "разный." Frequently used as a standalone pronoun meaning 'the other one.'

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "разный" and "другой":

• различный (varied, diverse)
• отличающийся (distinct, differing)

Note: "различный" is more formal than "разный."

Antonyms for "разный" and "другой":

• одинаковый (same, identical)
• тот же (the same)

Related Phrases:

• разные люди - different people (used to describe a variety of individuals)
• другая сторона - the other side (often metaphorical, e.g., another perspective)
• в иной раз - another time (formal, meaning 'on another occasion')

Usage Notes:

• "разный" is the most neutral and versatile term for 'different,' suitable for describing variety or diversity in everyday contexts.
• "другой" often carries the nuance of 'other' or 'another,' and is frequently used in spoken Russian. It can sometimes replace 'different' when context implies distinction.
• "иной" is more formal and often appears in literature or philosophical discussions. It may imply a deeper or more abstract difference.
• Be mindful of adjective agreement in Russian; the form must match the noun in gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "другой" when "разный" is more appropriate. For example, saying "У нас другой вкус" (We have another taste) instead of "У нас разный вкус" (We have different tastes). Explanation: "другой" implies replacement or substitution, while "разный" emphasizes variety.
• Error: Failing to decline adjectives correctly. For instance, using "разный" with a feminine noun instead of "разная." Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the noun they modify.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of 'difference' (especially through "другой") can sometimes carry a nuanced implication of 'otherness,' which may reflect historical or social attitudes toward diversity. For example, "другой" can be used to subtly distance or distinguish someone or something from the norm in conversation.

Related Concepts:

• отличие (distinction)
• различие (difference, variation)
• разнообразие (diversity)