Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'drawback'

English Word: drawback

Key Russian Translations:

• недостаток (nʲɪdəˈstatək) - [Formal, commonly used in written and spoken contexts]
• препятствие (prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪjə) - [Formal, often in contexts involving obstacles or barriers]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in everyday Russian, especially in discussions, articles, and business contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should grasp the concept after basic noun declensions are understood, though nuances in usage may require further practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

недостаток: nʲɪdəˈstatək

Note on недостаток: The stress falls on the third syllable ("sta"), and the initial "н" is palatalized. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting the preceding consonant's pronunciation.

препятствие: prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪjə

Note on препятствие: This word has a complex consonant cluster; practice the "преп" sound for smooth delivery. Variations in informal speech may soften the "т" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A disadvantage or negative aspect of something.

Translation(s) & Context:

• недостаток - Used in general contexts to describe flaws in products, plans, or ideas, often in formal or neutral settings.
• препятствие - Applied when the drawback acts as an obstacle, such as in legal, physical, or procedural scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Этот план имеет несколько недостатков, но он всё равно стоит рассмотрения.

  This plan has several drawbacks, but it's still worth considering.

• Главное препятствие к успеху — это недостаток финансирования.

  The main drawback to success is the lack of funding.

• В новом смартфоне недостаток батареи делает его менее привлекательным для путешественников.

  In the new smartphone, the drawback of battery life makes it less appealing for travelers.

• Несмотря на препятствия, такие как бюрократия, проект был завершён вовремя.

  Despite drawbacks like bureaucracy, the project was completed on time.

Meaning 2: A disadvantage in trade or economics, such as a tariff drawback.

Translation(s) & Context:

• недостаток - In economic contexts, used metaphorically for fiscal disadvantages.
• препятствие - Less common here, but can imply regulatory barriers.

Usage Examples:

• Таможенный недостаток может повлиять на экспортные операции.

  The drawback in customs can affect export operations.

• Одним из препятствий в международной торговле является валютный недостаток.

  One of the drawbacks in international trade is the currency disadvantage.

• Бизнесмены часто игнорируют недостатки налоговой системы.

  Businessmen often overlook the drawbacks of the tax system.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "недостаток" and "препятствие" are masculine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard third-declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender agreements.

These nouns do not have irregular inflections but must agree with adjectives and verbs in gender and number. In plural, they become: недостатки (drawbacks) and препятствия (obstacles), following standard plural patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • минус (minus) - Often used in casual lists of pros and cons.
  • дефект (defekt) - Implies a flaw or defect, more technical than недостаток.
  • проблема (problema) - A broader term for any issue, with less emphasis on permanence.
• Antonyms:
  • преимущество (preimushchestvo) - Advantage or benefit.
  • достоинство (dostoinstvo) - Merit or positive quality.

Related Phrases:

• Основной недостаток - Main drawback; used to highlight the most significant issue in a discussion.
• Преодолеть препятствие - To overcome the drawback; common in motivational or problem-solving contexts.
• Из-за недостатка ресурсов - Due to the drawback of resources; indicates a limiting factor in projects.

Usage Notes:

"Недостаток" directly corresponds to "drawback" in most neutral contexts, making it a safe choice for everyday use, while "препятствие" is better for situations involving active barriers. Be aware of the formal tone; in informal speech, Russians might opt for simpler synonyms like "минус". Always ensure the noun agrees in case with surrounding words, as Russian grammar requires. When choosing between translations, use "недостаток" for abstract disadvantages and "препятствие" for tangible obstacles.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "недостаток" with "нехватка" (shortage), as both relate to lacks. Incorrect: Using "нехватка" for a general drawback. Correct: "недостаток" for flaws, e.g., "Этот телефон имеет недостаток в дизайне" instead of "нехватка в дизайне". Explanation: "Нехватка" specifically means insufficiency of quantity, not a qualitative flaw.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun properly in sentences, e.g., saying "из-за недостаток" instead of "из-за недостатка". Correct: Always adjust for genitive case as needed. Explanation: This is a common grammatical mistake for English learners due to English's lack of cases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussing "drawbacks" like "недостаток" is common in literature and media, reflecting a realistic approach to life's imperfections. For instance, Russian proverbs often balance positives and negatives, such as in business or personal development, emphasizing resilience over avoidance.

Related Concepts:

• преимущества (advantages)
• проблемы (problems)
• дефекты (defects)