Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'legally'

English Word: legally

Key Russian Translations:

• законно [zɐˈkon.nə] - [Formal]
• по закону [pə zɐˈkonʊ] - [Formal, Used in legal or official contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in legal, official, and everyday discussions involving rules and regulations).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of adverbs and legal vocabulary, but not overly complex for learners with basic grammar knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

законно: [zɐˈkon.nə]

по закону: [pə zɐˈkonʊ]

Note on законно: The stress falls on the second syllable, which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'н' sound; pronounce it with a clear 'o' as in "on".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

In a manner that conforms to the law or regulations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• законно - Used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or discussions about compliance with laws.
• по закону - Applied in official settings, like court proceedings or administrative matters, to emphasize adherence to legal standards.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда действует законно в своих делах.

  He always acts legally in his affairs.

• Эта компания работает по закону, соблюдая все нормативы.

  This company operates legally, complying with all regulations.

• Законно ли это решение в свете новых поправок?

  Is this decision legally sound in light of the new amendments?

• Мы должны поступать по закону, чтобы избежать проблем.

  We must act legally to avoid any issues.

• Её действия были признаны законными судом.

  Her actions were deemed legally valid by the court.

In the context of legality or permissibility.

Translation(s) & Context:

• законно - Informal to formal, often in everyday conversations about rights and permissions.

Usage Examples:

• Можно ли законно въехать в страну без визы?

  Is it legally possible to enter the country without a visa?

• Законно ли использование этого программного обеспечения?

  Is the use of this software legally permitted?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

законно is an adverb derived from the adjective 'законный' (legal). As an adverb, it does not inflect for gender, number, or case, remaining unchanged in most contexts.

по закону is a prepositional phrase and does not inflect as a single word. However, if used with nouns, the noun 'закону' (dative case of закон) follows standard noun declension:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • законным образом (more emphatic, used for detailed legal descriptions)
  • легально (borrowed from English/French, informal and modern contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • незаконно (illegally, direct opposite in formal contexts)
  • противозаконно (unlawfully, emphasizing violation)

Related Phrases:

• по закону - According to the law; used in official or legal contexts to denote compliance.
• в соответствии с законом - In accordance with the law; a more formal phrase for regulatory adherence.
• законно и справедливо - Legally and fairly; implies both legality and equity in decisions.

Usage Notes:

законно directly corresponds to 'legally' as an adverb, indicating actions or states that align with legal standards. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or professional discussions, but can appear in everyday speech. Choose 'законно' for straightforward adverbial use, while 'по закону' is better for phrases emphasizing legal basis. Be mindful of grammar: it doesn't change form, making it easier for English learners, but ensure it pairs correctly with verbs (e.g., "действовать законно" means "to act legally"). In Russian culture, legal terminology often carries a connotation of state authority, so use it cautiously in sensitive topics.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'законно' with the noun 'закон' and using it incorrectly in sentences, e.g., saying "Законно есть" instead of "Это законно".

  Correct: "Это законно" (This is legal). Explanation: 'законно' is an adverb and should modify verbs, not stand alone as a noun.

• Error: Overusing 'по закону' in informal contexts, which can sound overly bureaucratic.

  Correct: In casual speech, use 'законно' instead, e.g., "Это законно?" rather than "По закону это?". Explanation: 'по закону' is more formal and implies a specific legal reference.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'законно' often reflect the historical emphasis on state law and bureaucracy, stemming from Soviet-era regulations. It can carry undertones of compliance with government authority, which might differ from Western legal individualism, helping users understand nuances in contexts like business or daily life in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• закон (law)
• юридический (legal)
• нормативы (regulations)