Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'expensive'

English Word: expensive

Key Russian Translations:

• дорогой /dɐˈro.ɡoj/ - [Adjective, Formal/Informal, Singular]
• дорогая /dɐˈro.ɡə.jə/ - [Adjective, Formal/Informal, Feminine Singular]
• дорогое /dɐˈro.ɡə/ - [Adjective, Formal/Informal, Neuter Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, shopping contexts, and written descriptions of costs.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; involves basic adjective inflections, which can vary by gender, number, and case, making it moderately challenging for learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дорогой: /dɐˈro.ɡoj/ (Stress on the second syllable; the 'г' is pronounced as a voiced velar fricative.)

дорогая: /dɐˈro.ɡə.jə/ (Similar stress pattern; note the soft ending for feminine forms.)

Note on дорогой: The pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech, where the 'o' sounds may reduce; be cautious with the stress to avoid confusion with similar words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Costing a lot of money or more than expected

Translation(s) & Context:

• дорогой - Used in contexts describing high-priced items, services, or experiences, often in everyday or formal settings like shopping or negotiations.
• дорогая/дорогое - Applied based on the gender of the noun it modifies (e.g., for feminine or neuter nouns).

Usage Examples:

• Эта машина очень дорогая. (This car is very expensive.)

  This sentence shows the adjective in a simple declarative context, emphasizing cost in a masculine noun phrase.

• Дорогая одежда не всегда качественная. (Expensive clothing isn't always high-quality.)

  Here, it demonstrates use with a feminine noun, highlighting a comparative opinion in informal discussion.

• Путешествие в эту страну может быть дорогим. (Traveling to this country can be expensive.)

  This example illustrates the neuter form in a potential or hypothetical scenario, common in travel advice.

• Для студентов книги часто бывают дорогими. (For students, books are often expensive.)

  Shows plural usage with a general statement, reflecting real-life affordability issues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дорогой" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard first-declension adjective pattern, with some irregularities in certain forms. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariable in some adverbial uses (e.g., "дорого" as an adverb meaning "expensively"), but as an adjective, it changes as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Дорогостоящий (more formal, emphasizing high cost in official or business contexts).
  • Крутой (informal slang for "expensive" in youth culture, with a connotation of stylishness).
• Antonyms:
  • Дешёвый (cheap, basic everyday opposite).
  • Бесплатный (free, used when no cost is involved).

Related Phrases:

• Очень дорогой - Very expensive; used to intensify cost in descriptions (e.g., for luxury items).
• Дорогой подарок - Expensive gift; common in personal or holiday contexts.
• Слишком дорогой - Too expensive; expresses dissatisfaction in negotiations or shopping.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "дорогой" directly corresponds to "expensive" but must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, unlike in English. For example, use "дорогая" for feminine nouns like "одежда" (clothing). It's versatile across formal and informal settings but can carry emotional weight in phrases like "дорогой друг" (dear friend, though this is a different idiomatic use). When choosing among translations, opt for "дорогостоящий" in professional contexts for a more precise, formal tone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the masculine form "дорогой" with feminine nouns, e.g., saying "Эта машина дорогая" incorrectly as "Эта машина дорогой". Correct: "Эта машина дорогая". Explanation: Adjectives must match the noun's gender; this mistake often stems from overgeneralizing English adjective rules.

• Error: Confusing it with "дорогой" as in "dear" (e.g., in addressing someone), leading to misuse in cost-related contexts. Correct: In pricing, always use it attributively with proper inflections. Explanation: The word has multiple meanings, so context is key to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, what's considered "expensive" can vary by region and economic context; for instance, in urban areas like Moscow, items might be deemed expensive due to high living costs, while in rural areas, traditional goods hold sentimental value. Historically, post-Soviet economic shifts have influenced perceptions, making words like "дорогой" not just about price but also about status and accessibility.

Related Concepts:

• Цена (price)
• Стоимость (cost)
• Люкс (luxury)