Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Diligence'

English Word: Diligence

Key Russian Translations:

• усердие [ʊˈsʲerdʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Common]
• старание [stɐˈranʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often used in context of effort]
• трудолюбие [trʊdɐˈlʲubʲɪjə] - [Formal, Emphasizes hard work]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

усердие: [ʊˈsʲerdʲɪjə]

Note on усердие: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

старание: [stɐˈranʲɪjə]

Note on старание: Stress on the second syllable; 'а' sounds are pronounced clearly.

трудолюбие: [trʊdɐˈlʲubʲɪjə]

Note on трудолюбие: Stress on the third syllable; compound word with clear separation of roots.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Careful and Persistent Effort (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• усердие - Commonly used for general diligence in work or study.
• старание - Often implies effort with a sense of trying hard, sometimes visible effort.

Usage Examples:

• Он работал с большим усердием, чтобы закончить проект.

  He worked with great diligence to finish the project.

• Её старания в учёбе были замечены учителями.

  Her diligence in studies was noticed by the teachers.

• Усердие в мелочах приводит к большим результатам.

  Diligence in small things leads to great results.

2. Hardworking Nature (Character Trait)

Translation(s) & Context:

• трудолюбие - Refers to a personal quality of being industrious or hardworking.

Usage Examples:

• Его трудолюбие вдохновляет всех вокруг.

  His diligence inspires everyone around him.

• Трудолюбие — это ключ к успеху в любой профессии.

  Diligence is the key to success in any profession.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

усердие (neuter noun):

Case	Singular
Nominative	усердие
Genitive	усердия
Dative	усердию
Accusative	усердие
Instrumental	усердием
Prepositional	об усердии

Note: No plural form; used only in singular.

старание (neuter noun): Follows similar declension pattern as усердие. Plural form exists as 'старания' (e.g., Nominative plural).

трудолюбие (neuter noun): Follows similar declension pattern; used only in singular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for усердие/старание/трудолюбие:

• рвение (zeal, enthusiasm)
• прилежание (assiduity, often in academic context)
• настойчивость (persistence)

Note: 'рвение' often implies more emotional zeal, while 'прилежание' is more academic.

Antonyms:

• лень (laziness)
• небрежность (negligence)

Related Phrases:

• с усердием работать - to work with diligence
• проявлять старание - to show diligence/effort
• отличаться трудолюбием - to be distinguished by diligence/hard work

Usage Notes:

• 'Усердие' is the most neutral and widely applicable term for 'diligence' and can be used in most contexts.
• 'Старание' often implies visible effort or trying hard, sometimes with a connotation of struggle.
• 'Трудолюбие' emphasizes a character trait of being hardworking and is more formal, often used in professional or moral contexts.
• Ensure the correct case is used based on the sentence structure, as Russian nouns decline based on grammatical role.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'усердие' with 'усилие' (effort, often physical). Example of incorrect usage: *Его усилие в учёбе* (sounds unnatural). Correct: Его усердие в учёбе.
• Error: Using 'трудолюбие' in casual contexts where 'усердие' or 'старание' would be more appropriate. Example of incorrect usage: *Я показал трудолюбие на уроке* (too formal). Correct: Я показал старание на уроке.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, diligence, especially 'трудолюбие,' is highly valued as a moral and social virtue, often tied to the historical emphasis on hard work during Soviet times. Praising someone’s diligence is a common way to express respect.

Related Concepts:

• ответственность (responsibility)
• настойчивость (persistence)
• дисциплина (discipline)