Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flaw'

English Word: flaw

Key Russian Translations:

• недостаток [nʲɪdəˈstatək] - [Formal, Common in written and spoken contexts]
• изъян [ɪzˈjan] - [Formal, Often used in technical or literary contexts]
• ошибка [ɐˈʂɨbkə] - [Informal, Plural form possible; Used for mistakes in everyday speech]

Frequency: Medium - These translations are commonly encountered in Russian media, literature, and daily conversations, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2) - Learners at this level can grasp basic usage, but mastering nuances and inflections may require practice. For 'ошибка', it might be easier (A2) due to its straightforward application, while 'изъян' could lean towards B2 for its more abstract connotations.

Pronunciation (Russian):

недостаток: [nʲɪdəˈstatək]

Note on недостаток: The stress is on the third syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

изъян: [ɪzˈjan]

Note on изъян: The 'ъ' is a hard sign and doesn't produce a sound, but it affects the preceding consonant; practice with native audio for the precise fricative 'з'.

ошибка: [ɐˈʂɨbkə]

Note on ошибка: The 'ш' is a retroflex sound; in casual speech, it might soften, but maintain the standard pronunciation in formal settings.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An imperfection or defect in an object, system, or plan (e.g., physical or structural flaw)

Translation(s) & Context:

• недостаток - Used in formal contexts like engineering or quality control to describe a shortcoming that affects functionality.
• изъян - Applied in literary or artistic discussions to denote a blemish or inherent weakness.

Usage Examples:

• В этом устройстве есть серьезный недостаток в системе охлаждения.

  This device has a serious flaw in the cooling system.

• Изъян в дизайне здания сделал его уязвимым к землетрясениям.

  The flaw in the building's design made it vulnerable to earthquakes.

• Инженеры обнаружили изъян в конструкции моста до начала строительства.

  Engineers discovered a flaw in the bridge's construction before building began.

• Этот недостаток можно устранить простыми модификациями.

  This flaw can be fixed with simple modifications.

Meaning 2: A mistake or error in reasoning, behavior, or character (e.g., moral or logical flaw)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ошибка - Common in everyday conversations for personal or intellectual mistakes.
• недостаток - Used more abstractly for character flaws in psychological or philosophical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его основная ошибка заключалась в том, что он не учел чужое мнение.

  His main flaw was that he didn't consider others' opinions.

• В аргументации есть логический недостаток, который ослабляет ее убедительность.

  There's a logical flaw in the argument that weakens its persuasiveness.

• Ошибка в характере героя делает историю более реалистичной.

  The flaw in the hero's character makes the story more realistic.

• Такая ошибка может привести к серьезным последствиям в профессиональной среде.

  Such a flaw can lead to serious consequences in a professional setting.

• Изъян в его планах был очевиден для всех, кроме него самого.

  The flaw in his plans was obvious to everyone except himself.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns. 'Недостаток' and 'изъян' are masculine nouns, while 'ошибка' is feminine. They exhibit regular inflections based on case and number.

Note: These are regular patterns; 'изъян' may have slight irregularities in some dialects, but it remains predictable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дефект (defect; more technical)
  • погрешность (error; implies a minor inaccuracy)
• Antonyms:
  • совершенство (perfection)
  • идеал (ideal; often used in abstract contexts)

Brief note: 'Погрешность' is a synonym for 'ошибка' but is more formal and precise in scientific settings.

Related Phrases:

• Устранить недостаток - To eliminate a flaw; Used in problem-solving contexts.
• Изъян в системе - A flaw in the system; Common in discussions about technology or organizations.
• Сделать ошибку - To make a mistake; Everyday phrase for admitting errors.
• Недостатки характера - Character flaws; Often appears in psychological or literary analysis.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'недостаток' best matches 'flaw' in formal or technical English contexts, emphasizing a deficiency that can be improved. 'Ошибка' is more suitable for errors in judgment or action, similar to 'mistake' in English. Be cautious with register: 'Изъян' is less common in casual speech and carries a connotation of something inherent and harder to fix. When choosing among translations, consider the context—e.g., use 'недостаток' for objects and 'ошибка' for personal actions. Grammatically, these nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying words.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'недостаток' interchangeably with 'ошибка' without considering context. For example, an English speaker might say "Это ошибка в дизайне" when "изъян в дизайне" is more appropriate for a design flaw.

  Correct: Изъян в дизайне (flaw in design). Explanation: 'Ошибка' implies a correctable mistake, while 'изъян' suggests a deeper imperfection.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "Я вижу недостаток" instead of "Я вижу недостаток в продукте" without proper case agreement.

  Correct: Я вижу недостаток в продукте (I see a flaw in the product). Explanation: Russian requires genitive case for "in the product," so ensure proper inflection.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a 'flaw' (e.g., as in 'недостаток') often appears in literature and philosophy, reflecting themes of human imperfection, as seen in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky. It underscores the cultural value of self-improvement and resilience, where acknowledging flaws is a step toward personal growth, rather than a source of shame.

Related Concepts:

• качество (quality)
• совершенствование (improvement)
• дефектология (study of defects, in a medical context)