Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'healthy'

English Word: healthy

Key Russian Translations:

• Здоровый [zdaˈrovɨj] - [Formal, Adjective, Used in general contexts for physical or mental well-being]
• Полезный [paˈlʲeznɨj] - [Informal, Adjective, Used specifically for beneficial or nutritious items, e.g., food]

Frequency: High (This word and its variants are commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, media, and health-related discussions.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level for basic adjectives like "здоровый"; B1 for nuanced uses like "полезный" in dietary contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здоровый: [zdaˈrovɨj]

Note on Здоровый: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the soft "в" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in informal speech may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Полезный: [paˈlʲeznɨj]

Note on Полезный: The palatalized "лʲ" (soft L) is a common challenge; it sounds like a lighter "l" as in "million." In fast speech, the ending may vary slightly by region.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to physical or mental well-being (e.g., in health contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здоровый - Used in formal and everyday contexts to describe someone or something in good physical condition, such as a healthy lifestyle or body.
• Полезный - Applied in contexts emphasizing benefits, like healthy eating, but less directly tied to overall health.

Usage Examples:

• Я стараюсь вести здоровый образ жизни, чтобы оставаться в форме.

  I try to lead a healthy lifestyle to stay in shape.

• Еда должна быть не только вкусной, но и полезной для здоровья.

  Food should be not only tasty but also healthy for your health.

• Регулярные прогулки на свежем воздухе помогают поддерживать здоровый вес.

  Regular walks in the fresh air help maintain a healthy weight.

• Этот йогурт считается полезным из-за пробиотиков в составе.

  This yogurt is considered healthy because of the probiotics in it.

• Дети, которые едят здоровую пищу, реже болеют.

  Children who eat healthy food get sick less often.

Meaning 2: Referring to beneficial or nutritious aspects (e.g., in dietary or environmental contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Полезный - Common in informal settings for items that promote health, like vitamins or exercises.
• Здоровый - Used more broadly, but can overlap in contexts like healthy environments.

Usage Examples:

• Полезные продукты, такие как фрукты и овощи, должны быть в ежедневном рационе.

  Healthy products like fruits and vegetables should be in your daily diet.

• Здоровый климат в горах полезен для лёгких.

  A healthy climate in the mountains is beneficial for the lungs.

• Спортивные занятия делают тело полезным и сильным.

  Sports activities make the body healthy and strong.

• Полезный совет: пейте больше воды для поддержания здорового баланса.

  Healthy tip: drink more water to maintain a healthy balance.

• В здоровой среде люди чувствуют себя полезными обществу.

  In a healthy environment, people feel beneficial to society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "здоровый" (an adjective), it follows standard Russian adjective declension patterns, which vary by gender, number, and case. It is a first-declension adjective and changes accordingly.

For "полезный," it follows similar patterns as a first-declension adjective and inflects in the same way as above (e.g., Полезный, Полезная, etc.). No irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Крепкий (krepyy) - Stronger connotation, often used for robust health; differs from "здоровый" by implying endurance.
  • Благоприятный (blagopriyatnyy) - Favorable, used in contexts like healthy conditions, but more formal.
• Antonyms:
  • Больной (bolnoy) - Ill or sick.
  • Вредный (vrednyy) - Harmful, especially for "полезный."

Related Phrases:

• Здоровый образ жизни - A healthy lifestyle; refers to habits promoting well-being.
• Полезные привычки - Healthy habits; focuses on beneficial routines.
• Быть в здоровом теле - To be in a healthy body; implies physical fitness.

Usage Notes:

"Здоровый" directly corresponds to "healthy" in most physical and mental health contexts, but it's more commonly used as an adjective in Russian sentences. Use "полезный" for items that are beneficial rather than inherently healthy. Be mindful of gender and case agreements in Russian grammar—for example, always decline the adjective to match the noun it describes. In formal writing, "здоровый" is preferred, while "полезный" fits informal or nutritional discussions. Choose based on context: if emphasizing overall well-being, go with "здоровый."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "здоровый" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я ем здоровый еда" instead of "Я ем здоровую еду" (feminine accusative).

  Correct: Ensure the adjective agrees in gender, number, and case; explanation: Russian adjectives must inflect, unlike English, so "healthy food" becomes "здоровая еда" for feminine nouns.

• Error: Confusing "здоровый" and "полезный," e.g., using "здоровый" for food when "полезный" is more accurate.

  Correct: Use "полезный" for beneficial aspects; explanation: "Здоровый" implies general health, while "полезный" specifies utility, avoiding miscommunication in dietary contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "здоровый" often tie into traditional values of physical endurance and community health, influenced by historical contexts like rural lifestyles or Soviet-era fitness programs. For instance, maintaining a "здоровый образ жизни" is emphasized in public health campaigns, reflecting a cultural emphasis on resilience over mere appearance.

Related Concepts:

• Спортивный (sportivnyy) - Relating to sports and physical activity.
• Питание (pitaniye) - Nutrition or diet.
• Физическое здоровье (fizicheskoye zdorov'ye) - Physical health.