Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intimately'

English Word: intimately

Key Russian Translations:

• интимно [inˈtimnə] - [Informal, used in contexts involving personal or emotional closeness]
• близко [ˈblizkə] - [Neutral, often for physical or relational proximity]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations about relationships, but not as ubiquitous as basic adverbs)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adverbial forms and contextual nuances, but not overly complex for learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

интимно: [inˈtimnə] (Stress on the second syllable; the 'и' is pronounced as a short 'i' sound)

близко: [ˈblizkə] (Stress on the first syllable; the 'з' is a voiced 'z' sound)

Note on интимно: This word may have slight variations in rapid speech, where the final 'о' softens; be cautious with the 'т' sound, which is a hard 't'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: In a close, personal, or emotionally connected manner

Translation(s) & Context:

• интимно - Used in informal settings to describe deep emotional interactions, such as conversations between friends or partners.
• близко - Applied in neutral contexts for physical closeness, like in descriptions of relationships or spaces.

Usage Examples:

• Они разговаривали интимно о своих секретах.

  They talked intimately about their secrets. (This example shows the word in an emotional, personal context.)

• В этой комнате мы можем поговорить интимно, без посторонних.

  In this room, we can talk intimately, without outsiders. (Illustrates usage in a private setting.)

• Она подошла близко, чтобы поделиться интимно своими мыслями.

  She came close to share her thoughts intimately. (Combines both translations to show relational proximity.)

• Близко обнимая друга, он чувствовал интимно связь.

  Hugging his friend closely, he felt an intimate connection. (Demonstrates adverbial usage in descriptive narrative.)

• Интимно шепча, она раскрыла свои чувства.

  Whispering intimately, she revealed her feelings. (Highlights the word in a subtle, emotional exchange.)

Meaning 2: In a detailed or thorough manner

Translation(s) & Context:

• интимно - Less common for this meaning; used metaphorically in formal writing to imply in-depth detail.
• близко - Not ideal for this sense; instead, words like "подробно" might be more accurate, but интимно can work in creative contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он изучил тему интимно, рассмотрев все аспекты.

  He studied the topic intimately, examining all aspects. (Shows metaphorical use for thoroughness.)

• Интимно разбирая текст, она обнаружила скрытые смыслы.

  Intimately analyzing the text, she uncovered hidden meanings. (Example in an academic or analytical context.)

• Близко, но не интимно, он описал события.

  He described the events closely but not intimately. (Contrasts the two translations for nuance.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations, "интимно" and "близко", are adverbs in Russian. Adverbs like these typically do not inflect for case, number, or gender, remaining unchanged across contexts. However:

• For "интимно" (from the adjective "интимный"), it is invariable and does not change form.
• For "близко" (from the adjective "близкий"), it can sometimes derive from related forms, but as an adverb, it remains static.

If the root word is used (e.g., "интимный" as an adjective), it would inflect. Here's a basic table for the adjective form if relevant:

Note: As adverbs, no such changes apply directly to "интимно" or "близко".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • близко (similar, but more neutral for proximity)
  • тесно (implies a tighter, more confined closeness; often used for physical spaces)
  • душевно (focuses on emotional depth, with a warmer connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • отстраненно (detached or distant)
  • поверхностно (superficially, for the detailed meaning)

Related Phrases:

• интимная беседа - An intimate conversation (used for private, heartfelt discussions).
• близко к сердцу - Close to the heart (idiomatic for something personally meaningful).
• интимные отношения - Intimate relations (refers to close personal or romantic connections).

Usage Notes:

"Интимно" directly corresponds to the English "intimately" in emotional contexts but is more commonly used for personal relationships in Russian. It carries a slightly informal tone, so avoid it in overly formal writing. When choosing between "интимно" and "близко", opt for "интимно" for emotional depth and "близко" for physical proximity. Grammatically, it functions as an adverb and can modify verbs without changes. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities, as "интимно" may imply romance in some contexts.

• In spoken Russian, pair it with verbs like "говорить" (to speak) for natural flow.
• For learners, start with simple sentences to grasp its adverbial role.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "интимно" with "интимный" (the adjective form), leading to incorrect usage. For example:

• Error: Using "интимный" as an adverb, e.g., "Они говорили интимный." (Incorrect: This treats it as an adjective.)
• Correct: "Они говорили интимно." (Proper adverb form.)
• Explanation: Russian adverbs don't inflect like adjectives; always use the base form for modification.
• Another common mistake: Overusing it in formal contexts, e.g., "В докладе интимно..." which sounds awkward. Instead, use in casual settings and opt for "подробно" for detailed meanings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "интимно" often carries connotations of privacy and emotional vulnerability, reflecting the value placed on close personal relationships. It may evoke ideas from literature like Tolstoy's works, where intimate moments highlight human connections, but be cautious as it can imply romantic undertones in modern usage.

Related Concepts:

• близкий (close, as an adjective)
• душевный (soulful or heartfelt)
• личный (personal)