Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gratis'

English Word: gratis

Key Russian Translations:

• бесплатно (/bʲɪsˈplatnə/) - [Formal, Adverb, Used in contexts involving services or goods provided without cost]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in commercial, educational, and service-related contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; suitable for learners with a basic grasp of Russian grammar, as it involves understanding adverbs and common economic terms.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бесплатно: /bʲɪsˈplatnə/

Note on бесплатно: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'б' sound (/bʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the soft consonant. Stress falls on the second syllable, and the ending '-но' is pronounced as a neutral vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Free of charge, without payment

Translation(s) & Context:

• бесплатно - Used in formal and informal contexts to describe something offered without cost, such as events, services, or downloads. Commonly appears in advertising or everyday conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Вход на выставку будет бесплатным для всех посетителей.

  Entry to the exhibition will be gratis for all visitors.

• Этот курс онлайн-обучения предоставляется бесплатно.

  This online training course is provided gratis.

• В кафе раздают бесплатные образцы нового десерта.

  The cafe is giving out gratis samples of the new dessert.

• Бесплатно скачать приложение можно на официальном сайте.

  You can download the app gratis from the official website.

• Концерт в парке организован бесплатно для местных жителей.

  The concert in the park is organized gratis for local residents.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бесплатно is an adverb in Russian and does not undergo typical inflections like nouns or adjectives. It remains unchanged across cases, numbers, or genders. However, it is derived from the adjective "бесплатный" (free), which does inflect. For reference:

Note: Since "бесплатно" itself is invariant, it can be used directly in sentences without modification.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: даром (darom) - Often used in informal contexts, implying something given away casually; бесплатно (besplatno) - More neutral and formal.
• бесплатно (besplatno) - As above, but can be a synonym in formal settings.
• Antonyms: платно (platno) - Meaning 'for a fee' or 'paid'; за деньги (za den'gi) - Literally 'for money', used in everyday speech.

Related Phrases:

• бесплатный вход - Free entry (Common in event promotions, implying no cost to attend).
• бесплатная доставка - Gratis delivery (Used in e-commerce for free shipping offers).
• получить бесплатно - To get something gratis (A phrase for acquiring items without payment, often in promotions).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "бесплатно" directly corresponds to "gratis" as an adverb, emphasizing that something is provided without charge. It is versatile and can be used in both formal (e.g., official documents) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations). However, choose "даром" for more colloquial or ironic contexts. Grammatically, it typically follows the verb or modifies the action, as in "получить бесплатно." Be cautious with word order in complex sentences to maintain clarity, as Russian sentence structure can be flexible.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бесплатно" interchangeably with "даром" in formal contexts. For example, an English learner might say "Я получил это даром" when a more formal equivalent is needed.

  Correct: "Я получил это бесплатно" (in professional settings). Explanation: "Даром" implies a gift or casual giveaway, while "бесплатно" is neutral and precise for 'gratis'.

• Error: Forgetting that "бесплатно" is an adverb and not inflecting it as a noun. Example of error: "Бесплатна книга" (incorrect, treating it as an adjective without agreement).

  Correct: "Книга бесплатная" (with proper adjective inflection). Explanation: Always ensure adjectives like "бесплатный" agree in gender, number, and case if used instead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "бесплатно" often ties into state-provided services like free education or healthcare, reflecting historical influences from the Soviet era. While "gratis" might imply a one-off offer in English, Russians may associate it with broader social welfare, so context can add layers of expectation or gratitude in conversations.

Related Concepts:

• скидка (skidka) - Discount
• промоакция (promoaktsiya) - Promotion
• дар (dar) - Gift