Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'grudging'

English Word: grudging

Key Russian Translations:

• неохотный [nʲɪɐˈxotnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective]
• скупой [ˈskupoj] - [Formal, in contexts implying reluctance in giving, e.g., praise or resources]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations and literature, but not as frequent as basic adjectives like "good" or "bad").

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their declensions, though the core meaning is straightforward for learners at this level. For 'неохотный', B2; for 'скупой', B1 if focusing on basic usage).

Pronunciation (Russian):

неохотный: [nʲɪɐˈxotnɨj]

скупой: [ˈskupoj]

Note on неохотный: The stress falls on the third syllable ('xot'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'n' sound (nʲ). Pronounce it with a soft, quick 'n' as in 'new' in English.

Note on скупой: The initial 's' is soft and unaspirated; avoid over-emphasizing it like in English 'scoop'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Reluctant or unwilling (e.g., giving praise, help, or admiration with hesitation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• неохотный - Used in informal contexts to describe someone who acts reluctantly, such as in personal relationships or casual discussions.
• скупой - Applied in more formal or economic contexts, implying stinginess or reluctance in sharing resources.

Usage Examples:

• Он дал мне неохотный совет, но я ценю его всё равно.

  He gave me grudging advice, but I appreciate it nonetheless.

• Её скупой комплимент не скрывал её настоящих чувств.

  Her grudging compliment didn't hide her true feelings.

• В этой ситуации его неохотная помощь была лучше, чем ничего.

  In this situation, his grudging help was better than nothing.

• Скупой хвалебный отзыв от критика заставил актёра усомниться в успехе.

  The critic's grudging praise made the actor doubt his success.

• Неохотный поклонник фильма признал, что актёрская игра была хорошей.

  The grudging fan of the movie admitted that the acting was good.

Stingy or ungenerous (e.g., in financial or emotional contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скупой - Common in contexts involving material possessions or emotions, often with a negative connotation.
• неохотный - Less common here, but can be used for emotional stinginess.

Usage Examples:

• Его скупой подход к деньгам раздражал друзей.

  His grudging approach to money annoyed his friends.

• Неохотный в похвалах, он редко выражал одобрение.

  Grudging in his praise, he rarely expressed approval.

• Скупой жест помощи от богача не изменил ситуацию.

  The rich man's grudging act of help didn't change the situation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'неохотный' and 'скупой' are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern for most cases, but 'неохотный' is irregular in some forms due to its ending.

Note: These adjectives agree with the nouns they modify. 'Скупой' is more regular, while 'неохотный' may vary slightly in poetic or archaic usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • неохотно (reluctantly, as an adverb)
  • с неохотой (with reluctance; note: this is a phrase, often used interchangeably in emotional contexts)
  • Explanation: 'С неохотой' is more formal and implies a deeper unwillingness, while 'неохотно' is casual.
• Antonyms:
  • щедрый (generous)
  • охотный (willing, eager)

Related Phrases:

• С неохотой признавать - To grudgingly admit; used when someone reluctantly accepts a fact.
• Скупой на похвалы - Grudging with praise; common in professional or social critiques.
• Неохотный помощник - A grudging helper; implies someone who assists but without enthusiasm.

Usage Notes:

'Grudging' in English often carries a connotation of reluctance mixed with a hint of resentment, which aligns closely with 'неохотный' in Russian for emotional contexts. However, 'скупой' is better for material or financial reluctance. Use 'неохотный' in informal speech and 'скупой' in formal writing. Be cautious with gender agreement in sentences, as Russian adjectives must match the noun's case. When choosing between translations, opt for 'неохотный' for abstract reluctance and 'скупой' for tangible stinginess.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'неохотный' without proper declension, e.g., saying "неохотный человек" in the wrong case.
  Correct: In genitive, it should be "неохотного человека". Explanation: English learners often forget case endings, leading to grammatical errors; always check the noun's case.
• Mistake: Confusing 'скупой' with 'скучный' (boring), e.g., saying 'скучный' when meaning grudging.
  Correct: Use 'скупой' for reluctance; 'скучный' means dull. Explanation: These words sound similar but have different roots, so context is key to avoid mix-ups.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of 'grudging' behavior, like 'неохотный', often reflect the value placed on modesty and understatement. For instance, in literature such as Chekhov's works, characters might show grudging admiration to highlight social hierarchies or personal reservations, emphasizing the cultural norm of not being overly effusive with praise.

Related Concepts:

• ревность (jealousy)
• зависть (envy)
• небрежность (negligence)