Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flexible'

English Word: flexible

Key Russian Translations:

• гибкий [ˈɡʲibkʲɪj] - [Adjective, Formal/Informal, Used in both literal (physical) and metaphorical contexts]
• адаптируемый [ɐdɐpʲtʲɪˈrʊmɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, Typically used in professional or technical contexts, such as business or technology]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in discussions about materials, personality traits, or adaptability, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp basic adjective forms and usage, though full declension may require practice. For 'гибкий', it's B1; for 'адаптируемый', it might lean towards B2 due to its more abstract applications.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гибкий: [ˈɡʲibkʲɪj]

адаптируемый: [ɐdɐpʲtʲɪˈrʊmɨj]

Note on гибкий: The initial 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like a softer 'g' in "go". Stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Able to bend easily without breaking (Literal, physical flexibility)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гибкий - Used in contexts describing materials, objects, or physical attributes, such as in engineering or daily descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот материал очень гибкий и не ломается при сгибе.

  This material is very flexible and doesn't break when bent.

• Гибкий провод идеален для сложных установок.

  A flexible wire is ideal for complex installations.

• Йога помогает сделать тело более гибким.

  Yoga helps make the body more flexible.

• Гибкий пластик используется в современной упаковке.

  Flexible plastic is used in modern packaging.

Meaning 2: Able to adapt to new situations (Metaphorical, e.g., in personality or plans)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гибкий - Applied to people, schedules, or ideas in informal or professional settings.
• адаптируемый - More formal, often in business or educational contexts for systems or strategies.

Usage Examples:

• Ему нужен гибкий график работы, чтобы совмещать с учебой.

  He needs a flexible work schedule to combine with studies.

• Адаптируемый подход к обучению помогает в изменяющихся условиях.

  A flexible approach to learning helps in changing conditions.

• Гибкий ум позволяет быстро реагировать на проблемы.

  A flexible mind allows for quick reactions to problems.

• Эта система адаптируемая и может быть настроена под любые нужды.

  This system is flexible and can be adjusted to any needs.

• В гибком плане есть место для неожиданных изменений.

  In a flexible plan, there's room for unexpected changes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'гибкий' and 'адаптируемый' are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern of agreement with the nouns they modify.

For 'гибкий' (an adjective with a hard stem):

For 'адаптируемый', it follows a similar pattern but is less common and more formal. It is invariant in short form but fully declines in long form as above. Note: These are regular adjectives, so no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Гнущий (gnushchiy) - More specific to bending, with subtle differences in implying elasticity.
  • Эластичный (elasticchnyi) - Used in contexts emphasizing resilience, often interchangeable in physical senses.
  • Подвижный (podvizhnyi) - For metaphorical adaptability, implying movement or change.
• Antonyms:
  • Жёсткий (zhëstkii) - Rigid or stiff, contrasting physical flexibility.
  • Негибкий (negibkii) - Inflexible, directly opposing adaptability in personality or plans.

Related Phrases:

• Гибкий график - Flexible schedule; commonly used in work or education to denote adaptable timetables.
• Адаптируемый дизайн - Flexible design; refers to user-friendly, adjustable systems in technology or architecture.
• Быть гибким в решениях - To be flexible in decisions; an idiom for adapting choices in dynamic situations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'гибкий' directly corresponds to the English 'flexible' in both literal and figurative senses, making it a versatile choice for everyday use. However, 'адаптируемый' is preferred in formal or technical contexts to emphasize adaptability over physical pliability. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: always decline the adjective to match the noun's gender, number, and case. For English learners, start with 'гибкий' in simple sentences before tackling more complex usages, as overuse of 'адаптируемый' might sound overly formal in casual conversation.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'гибкий' without proper declension, e.g., saying "гибкий женщина" instead of "гибкая женщина".
  Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "гибкая женщина" (a flexible woman). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with nouns, unlike in English.
• Mistake: Confusing 'гибкий' with 'эластичный' in metaphorical contexts, leading to imprecise meaning.
  Correct: Use 'гибкий' for general adaptability; 'эластичный' for resilience under pressure. Explanation: Subtle differences can alter nuance, so context is key.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, flexibility (e.g., 'гибкий') is often valued in personal and professional life due to historical adaptability in the face of economic or political changes. For instance, during the Soviet era, people developed 'гибкий' mindsets to navigate shortages, which is reflected in modern idioms about resilience.

Related Concepts:

• Эластичность (elasticity)
• Адаптация (adaptation)
• Податливость (pliability)