Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'however'

English Word: however

Key Russian Translations:

• однако [ɐdˈnakə] - [Formal; Used to introduce contrast or exceptions in written and spoken language]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, literature, and discussions, but less frequent in casual everyday speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of conjunctions and sentence structure, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

однако: [ɐdˈnakə]

Note on однако: The stress is on the second syllable ('nak-'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'a' sound. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Used to introduce a contrast, exception, or limitation in a sentence.

Translation(s) & Context:

• однако - In formal contexts, such as essays or debates, to soften a contradiction or add nuance (e.g., in academic or professional writing).

Usage Examples:

• Однако, я согласен с вашим мнением, но предлагаю альтернативу.

  However, I agree with your opinion, but I suggest an alternative.

• Он хотел пойти на прогулку, однако погода испортилась.

  He wanted to go for a walk, however the weather turned bad.

• Однако это не значит, что мы должны игнорировать проблему.

  However, this doesn't mean that we should ignore the problem.

• В книге описывается интересная история, однако концовка разочаровывает.

  The book describes an interesting story, however the ending is disappointing.

• Однако, несмотря на трудности, мы продолжим проект.

  However, despite the difficulties, we will continue the project.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

однако is an adverb and does not undergo any changes for gender, number, case, or tense. It remains invariable in all contexts, making it straightforward for learners. For example:

• Base form: однако (used in all sentences without alteration).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: впрочем (vprochem) - Often used in more casual contexts with a similar contrasting effect; тем не менее (tem ne men'she) - Emphasizes persistence despite contrast.
• Antonyms: следовательно (sledovatel'no) - Indicates consequence or logical follow-through, opposing the contrasting nature of однако.

Related Phrases:

• Однако это не так - However, this is not the case (Used to directly contradict a previous statement).
• Однако давайте подумаем - However, let's think about it (Introduces reflection in discussions).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "однако" precisely corresponds to "however" in English as a conjunction for contrast, but it is more formal and less common in everyday spoken language compared to "но" (but). Use it in written contexts or when emphasizing a polite disagreement. When choosing between translations like "однако" and "впрочем," opt for "однако" in academic or professional settings for its neutral tone. Grammatically, it typically follows a comma in complex sentences, similar to English.

Common Errors:

• Error: Placing "однако" at the end of a sentence, e.g., "Я согласен, с вашим мнением однако." (Incorrect: Я согласен, однако, с вашим мнением.)
  Correct: The word should be placed after the comma at the beginning of the contrasting clause for proper flow. This mistake often arises from direct word-for-word translation from English.
• Error: Overusing it in informal speech, which can sound overly formal or stilted. For casual conversations, native speakers might prefer "но" instead.

Cultural Notes:

"однако" reflects Russian communication styles that value nuance and indirectness in expressing disagreement, often to maintain politeness in social or professional interactions. In Russian literature and media, it's frequently used to build suspense or highlight contradictions, aligning with the cultural emphasis on depth in storytelling.

Related Concepts:

• но (no)
• впрочем (vprochem)
• тем не менее (tem ne men'she)