Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'inconsequential'

English Word: inconsequential

Key Russian Translations:

• незначительный (/nʲɪzˈnatɕɪtʲɪlʲnɨj/) - [Formal, Adjective]
• неважный (/nʲɪˈvaʒnɨj/) - [Informal, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly used in everyday Russian, especially in formal writing and discussions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp the concept with some exposure to adjective declensions, though nuances may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

незначительный: /nʲɪzˈnatɕɪtʲɪlʲnɨj/

неважный: /nʲɪˈvaʒnɨj/

Note on незначительный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nat"), and the palatalized "nʲ" can be tricky for English speakers; pronounce it softly as in "new". Variations in regional accents may soften the consonants.

Note on неважный: This is generally easier to pronounce, with a clear stress on the second syllable ("važ"); avoid over-emphasizing the "zh" sound, which is like the "s" in "measure".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Not important or significant; lacking consequence.

Translation(s) & Context:

• незначительный - Used in formal contexts, such as academic or professional discussions, to describe something trivial or minor.
• неважный - Applied in informal everyday speech, like casual conversations, to downplay the importance of an issue.

Usage Examples:

• Это незначительный вопрос, который не повлияет на наше решение. (This is an inconsequential matter that won't affect our decision.)

  This is an inconsequential matter that won't affect our decision.

• В повседневной жизни такие неважные детали часто игнорируются. (In everyday life, such inconsequential details are often ignored.)

  In everyday life, such inconsequential details are often ignored.

• Не тратьте время на незначительные проблемы; сосредоточьтесь на главном. (Don't waste time on inconsequential issues; focus on the main ones.)

  Don't waste time on inconsequential issues; focus on the main ones.

• Его комментарий был неважным и не стоил внимания. (His comment was inconsequential and not worth attention.)

  His comment was inconsequential and not worth attention.

• В историческом контексте эта мелочь кажется незначительной. (In a historical context, this triviality seems inconsequential.)

  In a historical context, this triviality seems inconsequential.

Meaning 2: Lacking weight or influence; trivial in impact.

Translation(s) & Context:

• незначительный - Often used in analytical or scientific contexts to denote something with minimal impact.
• неважный - Common in personal narratives or informal debates to express that something is negligible.

Usage Examples:

• Изменения в законе были незначительными и не затронули основные права. (The changes in the law were inconsequential and didn't affect core rights.)

  The changes in the law were inconsequential and didn't affect core rights.

• Для бизнеса это неважное событие, но для семьи оно имеет значение. (For business, this is an inconsequential event, but for the family, it matters.)

  For business, this is an inconsequential event, but for the family, it matters.

• Не считайте это незначительным; иногда мелочи решают всё. (Don't consider this inconsequential; sometimes trifles decide everything.)

  Don't consider this inconsequential; sometimes trifles decide everything.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "незначительный" and "неважный" are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard declension pattern for most cases, but they can be irregular in certain forms. Below is a table outlining the key inflections for these adjectives in the nominative case; full declension applies across all six cases.

Note: These adjectives decline regularly according to Russian grammar rules. For example, in the genitive case, "незначительного" (masculine singular) becomes part of phrases like "вопрос незначительного значения" (a matter of inconsequential importance). If the adjective is used predicatively, it may not inflect as strictly.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • несущественный (nesuschestvennyy) - Similar to "insignificant," but often used for things that are not essential.
  • второстепенный (vtrostepennyy) - Implies secondary importance, commonly in hierarchical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • значительный (znachitel'nyy)
  • важный (važnyy)

Related Phrases:

• незначительные детали (neznachitel'nye detali) - Inconsequential details; often used in storytelling or analysis to refer to minor elements.
• неважные проблемы (nevažnye problemy) - Inconsequential issues; typically in casual conversation to dismiss trivial matters.
• что-то незначительное (chto-to neznachitel'noe) - Something inconsequential; a fixed phrase for downplaying an event in everyday dialogue.

Usage Notes:

"Inconsequential" directly corresponds to "незначительный" in formal settings and "неважный" in informal ones. Choose "незначительный" for written or professional contexts where precision is key, as it emphasizes a lack of significance. "Неважный" is more conversational and can convey a casual tone. Be mindful of Russian adjective agreement: always match gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, e.g., "незначительная ошибка" for a feminine noun. In sentences, it often appears in neutral or negative constructions to avoid overstating importance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "незначительный" interchangeably with "неважный" without considering context. For example, learners might say "Это неважный вопрос" in a formal report, which sounds too casual.

  Correct: Это незначительный вопрос. (Explanation: "Неважный" is better for informal speech, while "незначительный" fits formal writing to maintain a professional tone.)

• Error: Forgetting to decline the adjective, e.g., saying "незначительный дом" when it should be "незначительном доме" in the prepositional case.

  Correct: В незначительном доме. (Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; this mistake can make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "незначительный" often reflect a pragmatic approach to life, where distinguishing between what is truly important and what is not can be influenced by historical contexts like the Soviet era's emphasis on collective priorities over individual trivialities. This can help English speakers understand why Russians might quickly dismiss "inconsequential" matters in conversations to focus on broader societal or practical issues.

Related Concepts:

• значительный (significant)
• важный (important)
• второстепенный (secondary)