Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'easily'

English Word: easily

Key Russian Translations:

• легко [ˈlʲɛɡkə] - [Informal, Common in everyday speech]

Frequency: High (This adverb is commonly used in both spoken and written Russian across various contexts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic adverb with straightforward usage according to CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

легко: [ˈlʲɛɡkə]

Note on легко: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'л' is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian and may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'l' sound, similar to 'ly' in 'million'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Without difficulty or effort (e.g., describing actions that are simple or effortless).

Translation(s) & Context:

• легко - Used in informal and formal contexts to indicate ease, often following the verb in a sentence, such as in descriptions of tasks or abilities.

Usage Examples:

• Он легко решает математические задачи.

  He solves mathematical problems easily.

• Она легко находит общий язык с новыми людьми.

  She easily finds common ground with new people.

• Дети легко учат иностранные слова в этом возрасте.

  Children learn foreign words easily at this age.

• Мы легко добрались до горы пешком.

  We reached the mountain easily on foot.

• Компьютер легко обрабатывает большие объёмы данных.

  The computer processes large volumes of data easily.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The adverb "легко" is invariable and does not change form based on gender, number, case, or tense. It remains the same in all contexts, which is typical for many Russian adverbs derived from adjectives.

For comparison, if used in comparative or superlative forms (though not directly for "easily"), related adjectives might inflect, but "легко" itself is fixed.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: просто (simply, with a connotation of straightforwardness), без усилий (without effort, more emphatic)
• Antonyms: трудно (with difficulty, indicating challenge or effort required)

Related Phrases:

• Легко сказать (Easily said - A phrase used to imply that something is simple to suggest but hard to do in practice.)
• Делать что-то легко (To do something easily - A common construction for expressing effortless actions.)
• Легко и просто (Easily and simply - Often used in instructions or advice to emphasize simplicity.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "легко" directly corresponds to the English adverb "easily" and typically follows the verb it modifies, maintaining a natural word order. For example, use it in everyday conversations or formal writing to describe actions without difficulty. Be mindful of context: in formal settings, pair it with more precise language, while in informal speech, it's versatile. When choosing between synonyms like "просто" or "без усилий", opt for "легко" when emphasizing the absence of effort rather than simplicity of method.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "легко" with the adjective "лёгкий" (light/easy), leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, a learner might say "Он легко человек" instead of "Он легко решает проблемы".

  Correct: Он легко решает проблемы (He solves problems easily). Explanation: "Легко" is an adverb and should modify verbs, not nouns.

• Error: Overusing "легко" in situations where a more specific adverb is needed, such as translating "easily" as "быстро" (quickly) in contexts involving speed.

  Correct: Use "легко" for effortlessness, not speed. Explanation: This prevents miscommunication in contexts like physical activities.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions involving "легко" often reflect a pragmatic view of life, where acknowledging ease can contrast with the reality of challenges. For instance, the phrase "легко сказать" highlights a cultural tendency to value realism and humility, reminding speakers that words alone don't solve problems.

Related Concepts:

• быстро (quickly)
• просто (simply)
• без проблем (without problems)