Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'faithful'

English Word: faithful

Key Russian Translations:

• верный [ˈvʲɛrnɨj] - [Formal, commonly used in contexts of loyalty or reliability]
• преданный [prʲɪˈdanːɨj] - [Informal, emotional contexts, such as in relationships]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in everyday Russian conversation, literature, and media, but not as frequently as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should grasp basic adjective usage, but nuances in context may require further practice. For 'верный', it's B1; for 'преданный', it's B2 due to its emotional connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

верный: [ˈvʲɛrnɨj]

преданный: [prʲɪˈdanːɨj]

Note on верный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ы' sound can be tricky for English speakers, similar to a short 'i' in 'bit'. Be aware of palatalization in spoken Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Loyal or devoted, especially in personal relationships (e.g., a faithful friend or partner)

Translation(s) & Context:

• верный - Used in formal or neutral contexts, such as describing reliable people or animals.
• преданный - Applied in emotional or informal settings, emphasizing deep commitment.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда был верным другом в трудные времена.

  He was always a faithful friend in difficult times.

• Её преданный муж поддерживал её во всех начинаниях.

  Her faithful husband supported her in all her endeavors.

• В этой истории верный пёс спас хозяина от опасности.

  In this story, the faithful dog saved the owner from danger.

• Преданный сотрудник не ушёл с работы, несмотря на проблемы.

  The faithful employee didn't leave the job despite the problems.

Meaning 2: Accurate or true to the original, such as in translations or representations (e.g., a faithful adaptation of a book)

Translation(s) & Context:

• верный - Common in intellectual or artistic contexts, implying precision.

Usage Examples:

• Эта экранизация является верным отражением книги.

  This film adaptation is a faithful reflection of the book.

• Переводчик сделал верный перевод, сохранив все нюансы.

  The translator made a faithful translation, preserving all nuances.

• В музее выставлена верная копия древнего артефакта.

  In the museum, there is a faithful copy of an ancient artifact.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'верный' and 'преданный' are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern of agreement with nouns. 'Верный' is a regular adjective, while 'преданный' follows similar rules but may vary slightly in poetic or literary use.

For 'преданный', the inflections are similar: преданный (masc.), преданная (fem.), etc. These adjectives do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • надежный [nɐˈdʲeʐnɨj] - More emphasis on reliability in practical contexts.
  • лояльный [lɐˈjalʲnɨj] - Used in formal or professional settings, implying allegiance.
• Antonyms:
  • неверный [nʲɪˈvʲɛrnɨj] - Directly opposite, meaning unfaithful or inaccurate.
  • предательский [prʲɪdɐˈtʲɛrskʲɪj] - Implies betrayal, often in emotional contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Верный друг - A faithful friend; used to describe a reliable companion in everyday life.
• Преданный делу - Faithful to the cause; common in motivational or professional contexts.
• Верная копия - A faithful copy; often in artistic or technical discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Верный' is the most direct translation for 'faithful' in neutral contexts, while 'преданный' adds an emotional layer, making it suitable for personal relationships. In Russian, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which differs from English. For example, use 'верный' in formal writing or when emphasizing reliability, but choose 'преданный' for heartfelt expressions. Be cautious with context: 'верный' can also mean 'accurate' in non-personal scenarios, guiding your selection based on the English word's intent.

• Grammar note: Always ensure adjective-noun agreement to avoid basic errors.
• Context tip: In Russian culture, these words often carry a sense of moral integrity, so they may sound more profound than in casual English usage.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'верный' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "верный женщина" instead of "верная женщина".
  Correct: The adjective must agree: "верная женщина" (faithful woman).
  Explanation: Russian requires gender agreement, which English speakers often overlook.
• Mistake: Confusing 'верный' with 'преданный' in formal contexts, e.g., using 'преданный' in a business report.
  Correct: Opt for 'верный' for neutrality; 'преданный' is better for emotional narratives.
  Explanation: This can make the language sound overly dramatic or inappropriate for the setting.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'верный' and 'преданный' often evoke themes of loyalty in literature and history, such as in stories of Cossacks or Soviet-era narratives where faithfulness to the motherland is idealized. This reflects a cultural emphasis on collective duty and personal integrity, which may not directly translate to individualistic English contexts.

Related Concepts:

• лояльный
• надежный
• верность (faithfulness as a noun)