Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'discretion'

English Word: discretion

Key Russian Translations:

• дискреция [dʲɪskʲrʲeˈtsɨjə] - [Formal, Legal context]
• осмотрительность [ɐsmɐˈtrʲɪtʲɪlnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Everyday caution]

Frequency: Low (These words are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in formal, professional, or legal texts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and formal vocabulary in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дискреция: [dʲɪskʲrʲeˈtsɨjə]

Note on дискреция: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'r' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers.

осмотрительность: [ɐsmɐˈtrʲɪtʲɪlnəsʲtʲ]

Note on осмотрительность: This word has a complex consonant cluster; practice the 'sm' and 'tr' sounds separately if needed.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The quality of behaving or speaking in a way that is careful and prudent, especially to avoid causing offense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• осмотрительность - Used in personal or social contexts to describe cautious behavior.
• дискреция - Used more in professional settings, like decision-making with judgment.

Usage Examples:

• Он проявил осмотрительность, решив не делиться конфиденциальной информацией. (He showed discretion by deciding not to share confidential information.)

  English: He showed discretion by deciding not to share confidential information.

• В этой ситуации требуется дискреция, чтобы не обидеть собеседника. (In this situation, discretion is required to not offend the interlocutor.)

  English: In this situation, discretion is required to not offend the interlocutor.

• Её осмотрительность в словах помогла избежать конфликта. (Her discretion in words helped avoid conflict.)

  English: Her discretion in words helped avoid conflict.

• Дискреция врача в отношении пациентов — это этический стандарт. (A doctor's discretion regarding patients is an ethical standard.)

  English: A doctor's discretion regarding patients is an ethical standard.

Meaning 2: The freedom or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дискреция - Common in legal or administrative contexts, implying authority to make choices.

Usage Examples:

• Судья имеет дискрецию в выборе наказания. (The judge has discretion in choosing the punishment.)

  English: The judge has discretion in choosing the punishment.

• Эта политика оставляет дискрецию менеджерам на местах. (This policy leaves discretion to managers on the ground.)

  English: This policy leaves discretion to managers on the ground.

• Дискреция в использовании ресурсов позволяет адаптироваться к изменениям. (Discretion in using resources allows for adaptation to changes.)

  English: Discretion in using resources allows for adaptation to changes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "дискреция" and "осмотрительность" are feminine nouns in Russian, following the standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns.

For "дискреция" (feminine, abstract noun):

For "осмотрительность" (similarly feminine):

These nouns do not change in gender or number irregularly, but pay attention to the endings based on case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • осторожность (caution; more general and less formal)
  • благоразумие (prudence; implies wise judgment)
• Antonyms:
  • неосторожность (carelessness)
  • опрометчивость (rashness)

Related Phrases:

• На своё усмотрение (At one's discretion; used to indicate freedom in decision-making.)
• С осмотрительностью подходить (To approach with discretion; implies careful consideration in actions.)
• Дискреционное право (Discretionary right; a legal phrase meaning the authority to decide.)

Usage Notes:

"Дискреция" is a direct borrowing from Latin via English and is primarily used in formal or legal contexts, making it a precise match for "discretion" in professional settings. In contrast, "осмотрительность" is more native to Russian and fits everyday scenarios involving personal caution. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for these nouns, e.g., in prepositional phrases. When choosing between translations, opt for "дискреция" in bureaucratic or ethical discussions and "осмотрительность" for interpersonal relations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дискреция" in informal contexts where "осмотрительность" is more appropriate. For example, saying "Он показал дискрецию в разговоре" when "осмотрительность" fits better.

  Correct: Он проявил осмотрительность в разговоре. (Explanation: "Дискреция" sounds overly formal and may confuse listeners in casual speech.)

• Error: Forgetting case changes, e.g., using nominative "дискреция" in a genitive context like "без дискреция" instead of "без дискреции".

  Correct: без дискреции. (Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "осмотрительность" reflects a traditional value of caution and wisdom, often linked to proverbs like "Семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь" (Measure seven times, cut once), emphasizing thoughtful decision-making in daily life. "Дискреция" is more influenced by Western legal traditions, highlighting the importance of individual judgment in modern professional environments.

Related Concepts:

• ответственность (responsibility)
• этика (ethics)
• самоконтроль (self-control)