Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'minus'

English Word: minus

Key Russian Translations:

• минус [ˈmʲinʊs] - [General, Mathematical context]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday mathematical and technical contexts in Russian.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic loanword with straightforward pronunciation and usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

минус: [ˈmʲinʊs]

Note on минус: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'м' sound is palatalized, which is common in Russian. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting pronunciation in related forms.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The mathematical minus sign or subtraction operator.

Translation(s) & Context:

• минус - Used in mathematical equations, indicating subtraction or negative values (e.g., in formal and informal educational contexts).

Usage Examples:

• Два минус один равно один.

  Two minus one equals one.

• Температура сегодня минус пять градусов.

  The temperature today is minus five degrees.

• В уравнении минус знак указывает на вычитание.

  In the equation, the minus sign indicates subtraction.

• Его баланс в банке минус сто долларов.

  His bank balance is minus one hundred dollars.

Meaning 2: Prepositional use, implying "without" or deficiency (less common direct equivalent in Russian).

Translation(s) & Context:

• минус - In informal or metaphorical contexts, but more accurately translated as "без" for "without"; used when emphasizing lack (e.g., in casual speech or descriptions).

Usage Examples:

• Еда без соли — это минус для вкуса.

  Food without salt is a minus for taste.

• В отеле минус: нет Wi-Fi.

  In the hotel, minus: no Wi-Fi.

• Её выступление было хорошим, но с минусом в оригинальности.

  Her performance was good, but with a minus in originality.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Минус" is a masculine noun in Russian and follows the standard patterns for third-declension nouns. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in some contexts, especially in mathematical usage, where it may not change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • отрицание (otritsanije) - Emphasizes negation, often in abstract contexts.
  • вычитание (vychitaniye) - Specifically for the act of subtraction.
• Antonyms:
  • плюс (plyus) - Directly opposite, meaning "plus" or addition.
  • положительный (polozhitelʹnyj) - Meaning "positive," contrasting with negative values.

Related Phrases:

• минус бесконечности - Minus infinity; used in mathematical discussions to indicate an endless negative value.
• с минусом - With a minus; implies a drawback or negative aspect in evaluations.
• минусовая температура - Minus temperature; refers to sub-zero temperatures in weather reports.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "минус" directly corresponds to the English "minus" in mathematical contexts, making it a straightforward loanword. However, when used metaphorically for "without" or as a negative qualifier, it may overlap with "без" or other expressions. It's versatile across formal and informal settings but is most common in technical, educational, or everyday conversations. When choosing between translations, opt for "минус" in math-related scenarios and be cautious of its inflections to match the sentence case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "минус" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Два плюс один" instead of correctly inflecting in genitive contexts like "минуса баланса". Correct: "минуса баланса" (of the minus balance). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners often forget to adjust for genitive or other cases.

• Error: Confusing "минус" with "без" in prepositional uses, e.g., saying "Минус еды" instead of "Без еды". Correct: Use "без" for "without" in most cases. Explanation: While "минус" can imply deficiency, it's not a direct synonym, leading to awkward phrasing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "минус" is often used in everyday language beyond mathematics, such as in reviews or assessments (e.g., pros and cons lists), reflecting a practical approach to evaluation. It may carry a neutral connotation in formal settings but can imply criticism in informal critiques, highlighting Russia's emphasis on balanced analysis in discussions.

Related Concepts:

• плюс
• деление (division)
• умножение (multiplication)