Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'impediment'

English Word: impediment

Key Russian Translations:

• препятствие [prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪjə] - [Formal, often used in legal, bureaucratic, or general contexts]
• помеха [pɐˈmʲɛxə] - [Informal, emphasizing interference or disruption in everyday situations]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in written Russian, such as in literature, news, and formal discussions, but less so in casual spoken language.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of abstract concepts and noun declensions. For 'препятствие', it's straightforward for intermediates; for 'помеха', it may vary slightly due to contextual nuances.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

препятствие: [prʲɪˈpʲætstvʲɪjə]

помеха: [pɐˈmʲɛxə]

Note on препятствие: The stress falls on the third syllable ('tsvie'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants; pronounce it with a soft 'r' and 'ts' blend. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Something that hinders progress, movement, or action (e.g., a physical or abstract obstacle).

Translation(s) & Context:

• препятствие - Used in formal or neutral contexts, such as describing legal barriers or everyday challenges.
• помеха - Applied in informal settings, like technical interruptions or minor disruptions.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу мы столкнулись с множеством препятствий, таких как поваленные деревья и глубокие ручьи.

  In the forest, we encountered numerous impediments, such as fallen trees and deep streams.

• Экономический кризис стал большой помехой для развития бизнеса в регионе.

  The economic crisis became a significant impediment to business development in the region.

• Для успешного проекта важно timely преодолеть все препятствия на пути.

  For a successful project, it's important to overcome all impediments in the way in a timely manner.

• Шум от стройки оказался помехой во время важного совещания.

  The noise from the construction turned out to be an impediment during the important meeting.

• Здоровье может стать препятствием, если не следить за ним должным образом.

  Health can become an impediment if it's not properly maintained.

Meaning 2: A speech or physical defect that obstructs normal function (e.g., in medical or personal contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• препятствие - Less common; used metaphorically in formal writing, e.g., in psychology or health discussions.
• помеха - Informal, often in everyday conversations about minor issues, but not ideal for medical contexts; prefer specialized terms like "речевой дефект" if needed.

Usage Examples:

• Его заикание было препятствием в карьере, но он преодолел его с помощью терапии.

  His stammer was an impediment in his career, but he overcame it with therapy.

• Физическая помеха, такая как хромота, не помешала ему достичь успеха.

  A physical impediment, such as a limp, did not prevent him from achieving success.

• В детстве её акцент стал помехой в общении, но со временем он исчез.

  In childhood, her accent was an impediment in communication, but it faded over time.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'препятствие' and 'помеха' are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard neuter declension patterns. 'Препятствие' is a third-declension noun with regular inflections, while 'помеха' is also regular but can vary slightly in plural forms.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them relatively easy to inflect once the pattern is learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • барьер (barrier; more physical connotation)
  • препятствие (overlaps with main term; used interchangeably in formal contexts)
  • помеха (similar to main term; emphasizes temporary interference)
• Antonyms:
  • помощь (help; directly opposes the idea of hindrance)
  • облегчение (relief; used when something removes an obstacle)

Related Phrases:

• Преодолеть препятствие - To overcome an obstacle; used in motivational or problem-solving contexts.
• Стать помехой - To become an impediment; common in everyday discussions about disruptions.
• Избежать помех - To avoid impediments; often in planning or technical scenarios.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'препятствие' is the most precise translation for 'impediment' in formal or abstract contexts, aligning closely with English usage in legal or philosophical discussions. 'Помеха' is better for informal, everyday situations, such as technical glitches. Be mindful of context: in medical scenarios, more specific terms like 'речевой дефект' might be preferred. Grammatically, both nouns require correct declension based on case, which can affect sentence structure. When choosing between translations, opt for 'препятствие' in written or professional English-Russian correspondence for accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'препятствие' with 'проблема' (problem): English learners often use 'проблема' as a direct synonym, but it implies a broader issue rather than a specific barrier. Error example: "Это проблема в моем плане" (instead of "Это препятствие в моем плане"). Correct: Use 'препятствие' for physical or obstructive meanings. Explanation: 'Проблема' is more general and doesn't capture the hindering aspect.

• Overusing 'помеха' in formal contexts: Learners might default to 'помеха' due to its simplicity, but it sounds informal. Error example: "В контракте есть помеха" (in a legal document). Correct: "В контракте есть препятствие." Explanation: 'Помеха' is better for casual speech, while 'препятствие' fits professional settings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'препятствие' often appear in literature and folklore, symbolizing life's challenges that build character, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy. This reflects a cultural emphasis on resilience and overcoming obstacles, rooted in historical events like wars and revolutions, where impediments were not just physical but symbolic of broader societal struggles.

Related Concepts:

• проблема (problem)
• барьер (barrier)
• трудность (difficulty)