Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'inborn'

English Word: inborn

Key Russian Translations:

• врожденный [vrɐʐˈdʲen.nɨj] - [Formal; used in scientific, medical, or general descriptive contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in educational, medical, and everyday discussions about genetics or personal traits, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective declensions and abstract concepts, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar and vocabulary).

Pronunciation (Russian):

врожденный: [vrɐʐˈdʲen.nɨj]

Note on врожденный: The pronunciation features a soft 'ж' sound (as in 'measure' in English), which can be tricky for beginners. Stress falls on the third syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects, but standard Russian uses this IPA.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Innate or congenital traits (e.g., qualities present from birth)

Translation(s) & Context:

• врожденный - Used in formal contexts to describe inherent characteristics, such as genetic traits or natural abilities, often in scientific or psychological discussions.

Usage Examples:

• У него врожденный талант к музыке.

  He has an inborn talent for music. (This example shows the adjective in a nominative case, describing a personal attribute in a biographical context.)

• Врожденные дефекты могут быть обнаружены на ранних этапах.

  Inborn defects can be detected at early stages. (Here, it demonstrates the adjective in a plural context, commonly used in medical or genetic discussions.)

• Ее врожденная смелость помогла ей преодолеть трудности.

  Her inborn courage helped her overcome difficulties. (This illustrates the adjective modifying a feminine noun, highlighting emotional or psychological traits.)

• Врожденные способности ребенка развиваются с возрастом.

  A child's inborn abilities develop with age. (This example shows the adjective in a general statement about child development, emphasizing natural progression.)

• Этот навык у него врожденный, а не приобретенный.

  This skill is inborn in him, not acquired. (Contrasts inborn vs. acquired traits, useful in debates or educational settings.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"врожденный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective is regular and follows standard patterns, making it straightforward once basic declensions are learned. It does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • природный (prirodnyy) - More general, often implying something from nature; subtle difference in connotation for environmental vs. genetic origins.
  • внутренний (vnutrenniy) - Used when emphasizing internal or inherent qualities, but less specific to birth.
• Antonyms:
  • приобретенный (priobretennyy) - Acquired through experience or learning.
  • искусственный (iskusstvennyy) - Artificial or man-made, contrasting with natural inborn traits.

Related Phrases:

• врожденный талант - Inborn talent; a common phrase in discussions about natural abilities or giftedness.
• врожденные способности - Inborn abilities; often used in educational or psychological contexts to describe innate skills.
• врожденный иммунитет - Inborn immunity; a phrase from medical terminology referring to natural disease resistance.

Usage Notes:

"врожденный" directly corresponds to the English "inborn" in meaning, emphasizing traits or qualities present at birth, such as genetic predispositions. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts, like medicine or psychology, and should agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. For English speakers, remember that Russian adjectives always decline, so avoid using it in its base form incorrectly. When choosing between synonyms like "природный," opt for "врожденный" if the focus is strictly on congenital aspects rather than general naturalness.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "врожденный" with "природный": Learners might use "природный" interchangeably, but it's less precise for genetic traits. Incorrect: "Природный талант" (implies environmental influence). Correct: "Врожденный талант" (specifically innate). This error stems from overlooking subtle connotations.

• Forgetting to decline the adjective: In sentences like "У него врожденный талант," beginners might say "У него врожденный таленты" (wrong plural form). Incorrect: врожденный таленты. Correct: врожденные таленты. Always check agreement with the noun's case and number.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "врожденный" traits often ties into discussions of destiny or innate potential, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works, where characters' inborn qualities shape their fates. This reflects a broader philosophical emphasis on heredity and personal essence in Russian thought, influenced by historical contexts like the Soviet emphasis on genetics in science.

Related Concepts:

• наследственный (hereditary)
• генетический (genetic)
• прирожденный (innate, in a more poetic sense)