Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'minimum'

English Word: minimum

Key Russian Translations:

• минимум /ˈmʲinʲimʊm/ - [Formal, used in standard contexts for the lowest limit or amount]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian, especially in formal, technical, and educational contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners at this level should grasp its usage, though inflection patterns may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

минимум: /ˈmʲinʲimʊm/

Note on минимум: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "мʲ" sound involves a palatalized 'm', which can be challenging for English speakers—similar to the 'm' in "mew". Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The lowest amount, number, or limit allowed or possible

Translation(s) & Context:

• минимум - Used in contexts like minimum wage (e.g., "minimum salary" in professional or legal discussions), emphasizing constraints or baselines in Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Минимальный возраст для получения водительских прав — 18 лет.

  English Translation: The minimum age for obtaining a driver's license is 18 years.

• Русский пример: В этом рецепте используется минимум ингредиентов, чтобы сохранить простоту.

  English Translation: In this recipe, a minimum of ingredients is used to keep it simple.

• Русский пример: Компания устанавливает минимум 40 часов работы в неделю для сотрудников.

  English Translation: The company sets a minimum of 40 hours of work per week for employees.

• Русский пример: Для успешного обучения требуется минимум усилий и регулярность.

  English Translation: For successful learning, a minimum of effort and regularity is required.

• Русский пример: В бюджете учтён минимум расходов на развлечения.

  English Translation: The budget accounts for a minimum of expenses on entertainment.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Минимум" is a masculine noun in Russian and follows the standard third-declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It is indeclinable in most cases, meaning it does not change form in the plural or across cases, which is common for borrowed words like this one.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, it remains unchanged in most contexts, which simplifies its use compared to fully inflected Russian nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: минимальное количество (minimal quantity) - Often used interchangeably but implies a countable minimum; минимум необходимого (minimum necessary) - Emphasizes essentials in formal contexts.
• Antonyms: максимум (maximum) - Refers to the highest limit; избыток (excess) - Implies going beyond the minimum.

Related Phrases:

• На минимум - Meaning: To a minimum (e.g., used to reduce something to its lowest level, as in energy conservation).
• Минимум усилий - Meaning: Minimum effort (common in motivational or productivity contexts).
• Дойти до минимума - Meaning: To reach the minimum (implies hitting a low point, often in discussions of limits or thresholds).

Usage Notes:

"Минимум" directly corresponds to the English "minimum" in meaning, but it's often used in formal or technical Russian contexts, such as business, science, or law. Be mindful of its indeclinable nature; unlike many Russian nouns, it doesn't change form, which makes it easier for English learners. When choosing between translations, stick with "минимум" for precise equivalents, but in casual speech, Russians might opt for paraphrases like "наименьшее количество" for emphasis. Always consider the context: in plural scenarios, Russian may rephrase entirely since "минимум" is typically singular.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "минимум" as a fully declinable noun and incorrectly changing it in cases, e.g., saying "минимумеся" instead of "минимуме".

  Correct Usage: Use "минимуме" for prepositional case, as in "в минимуме" (in the minimum). Explanation: This word is indeclinable, so avoid unnecessary alterations based on English habits.

• Error: Confusing it with adjectives like "минимальный" (minimal), leading to incorrect phrases like "минимум дом" instead of "минимальный дом".

  Correct Usage: Use "минимум" as a noun, e.g., "дом с минимумом мебели" (a house with minimum furniture). Explanation: "Минимум" is a noun, not an adjective, so pair it appropriately with other words.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "минимум" often ties into efficiency and necessity, especially in historical contexts like Soviet-era resource management, where minimizing waste was emphasized. This reflects a broader cultural value of practicality and endurance, seen in phrases like "жить на минимуме" (living on a minimum), which can imply frugality or survival during economic hardships.

Related Concepts:

• максимум
• оптимум
• стандарт