Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'good'

English Word: good

Key Russian Translations:

• хороший [xɐˈroʂɨj] - [Formal, Adjective, Used in general descriptions]
• добрый [ˈdobrɨj] - [Informal, Adjective, Used for kindness or moral goodness]

Frequency: High - The word 'good' and its translations are commonly used in everyday Russian conversation and writing.

Difficulty: A2 - Beginner to elementary level, as the basic forms are straightforward, but inflections may require intermediate practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

хороший: [xɐˈroʂɨj]

Note on хороший: The 'х' sound is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'. Stress is on the third syllable.

Audio: []

добрый: [ˈdobrɨj]

Note on добрый: The 'ы' sound is a high central vowel, which can be tricky for English speakers; it's softer than a long 'i'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Positive quality or state (e.g., high standard or excellence)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хороший - Used in formal and everyday contexts to describe something of good quality, such as an object or experience.
• добрый - Less common in this meaning; typically for personal attributes, but can extend to moral goodness in narratives.

Usage Examples:

• Это хорошая книга. (This is a good book.)

  Translation: This is a good book. (Context: Describing the quality of a book in a review.)

• У него хорошая работа. (He has a good job.)

  Translation: He has a good job. (Context: Discussing career satisfaction in conversation.)

• Хороший день для прогулки. (A good day for a walk.)

  Translation: A good day for a walk. (Context: Commenting on weather in casual dialogue.)

• Это не хорошая идея. (This is not a good idea.)

  Translation: This is not a good idea. (Context: Advising against a plan in a discussion.)

Meaning 2: Morally right or kind (e.g., benevolent)

Translation(s) & Context:

• добрый - Preferred for describing kindness, especially in interpersonal relationships or stories.
• хороший - Can be used but is more neutral; often in formal or less emotional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень добрый человек. (He is a very kind person.)

  Translation: He is a very kind person. (Context: Character description in a narrative.)

• Добрый совет от друга. (A kind advice from a friend.)

  Translation: A kind advice from a friend. (Context: Expressing gratitude in a letter.)

• Хороший поступок заслуживает награды. (A good deed deserves a reward.)

  Translation: A good deed deserves a reward. (Context: Moral discussion or proverb-like statement.)

• Будь добрым к окружающим. (Be kind to those around you.)

  Translation: Be kind to those around you. (Context: Giving advice in a motivational speech.)

• Её хорошие намерения помогли многим. (Her good intentions helped many.)

  Translation: Her good intentions helped many. (Context: Reflecting on altruism in a story.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'хороший' (adjective), it follows the standard Russian adjective declension pattern, which is regular but varies by gender, number, and case.

For 'добрый', it follows a similar pattern:

These adjectives do not have irregular forms but must agree with the noun they modify.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • отличный (excellent) - Often used for higher quality, more emphatic than хороший.
  • прекрасный (wonderful) - Implies beauty or exceptional goodness.
  • замечательный (remarkable) - For something noteworthy and positive.
• Antonyms:
  • плохой (bad)
  • дурной (evil or bad, with a moral connotation)

Related Phrases:

• Хороший день (Good day) - A greeting, equivalent to "hello" in formal contexts.
• Добрый вечер (Good evening) - Standard evening greeting.
• Хорошие манеры (Good manners) - Refers to polite behavior in social settings.
• Быть в хорошем настроении (To be in a good mood) - Describes a positive emotional state.

Usage Notes:

The English word 'good' translates to 'хороший' for general positive attributes and 'добрый' for kindness. Choose 'хороший' in neutral or descriptive contexts, but 'добрый' for emotional or moral ones. Be mindful of gender agreement in Russian sentences, as adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case. In formal writing, 'хороший' is preferred over slang alternatives.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'хороший' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "хороший книга" instead of "хорошая книга".
  Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "хорошая книга". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify.
• Error: Confusing 'добрый' with 'хороший' in moral contexts, leading to understatement.
  Correct: Use 'добрый' for kindness, e.g., "Он добрый" vs. incorrect "Он хороший" for emphasis on morality. Explanation: 'Хороший' is more general and may not convey the same warmth.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'добрый' often carry a deeper connotation of heartfelt kindness, influenced by literary traditions such as those in Dostoevsky's works, where moral goodness is a central theme. 'Хороший' is more everyday and pragmatic, reflecting a practical view of quality in Soviet and post-Soviet contexts.

Related Concepts:

• лучший (best)
• полезный (useful)
• счастливый (happy)