Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'modest'

English Word: modest

Key Russian Translations:

• скромный [ˈskrom.nɨj] - [Formal, Adjective; used in contexts emphasizing humility or restraint]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversations, literature, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this CEFR level should grasp its basic forms and usage, though nuances in cultural context may require advanced practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скромный: [ˈskrom.nɨj]

Note on скромный: The stress falls on the first syllable, and the final 'ый' sound is a soft consonant typical in Russian adjectives. Be mindful of the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Not showy or flashy; humble in appearance, behavior, or lifestyle.

Translation(s) & Context:

• скромный - Used in formal or everyday contexts to describe someone or something that is unassuming, e.g., in personal descriptions or product reviews.

Usage Examples:

• Она всегда одевается скромно, чтобы не привлекать лишнего внимания.

  She always dresses modestly to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

• Его скромный дом отражает простоту его характера.

  His modest house reflects the simplicity of his character.

• В скромном ресторане подают вкусную, но недорогую еду.

  In the modest restaurant, they serve tasty but inexpensive food.

• Он скромно отказался от похвалы, сказав, что это заслуга команды.

  He modestly declined the praise, saying it was the team's achievement.

Meaning 2: Moderate in amount or extent; not excessive.

Translation(s) & Context:

• скромный - Applied in contexts like finances or quantities, often in a neutral or positive tone, e.g., in economic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Его скромный доход не позволяет тратить деньги на роскошь.

  His modest income doesn't allow him to spend on luxuries.

• Компания предлагает скромные скидки в конце сезона.

  The company offers modest discounts at the end of the season.

• Скромный рост экономики в этом году радует аналитиков.

  The modest economic growth this year pleases analysts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Скромный is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern of first-declension adjectives. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. The base form is masculine singular nominative. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective has regular inflections, making it straightforward for learners, but always ensure agreement with the governing noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • простой (prostoy) - More neutral, often implying simplicity without the humility connotation.
  • непритязательный (nepritjazatel'nyj) - Used for something unpretentious, with a slight formal tone.
• Antonyms:
  • тщеславный (tshcheslavnyj) - Implies vanity or ostentation.
  • роскошный (roskoshnyj) - Suggests luxury or extravagance.

Related Phrases:

• скромный образ жизни (skromnyy obraz zhizni) - A modest way of life; refers to living simply and without excess.
• скромные средства (skromnye sredstva) - Modest means; used in financial contexts to indicate limited resources.
• вести скромную жизнь (vesti skromnuyu zhizn') - To lead a modest life; a common phrase in discussions about personal values.

Usage Notes:

Скромный directly corresponds to the English "modest" in most contexts, but it's often used in Russian to convey a positive cultural value of humility, especially in social or professional settings. Be cautious with its formal tone; in informal speech, it might sound slightly outdated or overly polite. When choosing between translations, use скромный for personal traits, but consider непритязательный for objects. Grammatically, always inflect it to match the noun's case, number, and gender for correct agreement.

• In scenarios involving self-deprecation, скромный can soften statements, e.g., in job interviews.
• Avoid overusing it in casual conversations, as it may come across as insincere if not genuine.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is failing to inflect скромный correctly, such as using the base form in all cases (e.g., saying "в скромный доме" instead of "в скромном доме"). Correct usage: Always adjust for case, like "в скромном доме" (in the modest house). Another error is confusing it with synonyms; for instance, using простой when a humble connotation is needed, which might dilute the meaning. Example of error: "Он простой человек" (implying simplicity, not modesty), vs. correct: "Он скромный человек" for emphasizing humility.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, скромный carries a positive connotation tied to traditional values of modesty and restraint, often linked to historical influences like Orthodox Christianity and Soviet-era egalitarianism. It reflects an ideal of not standing out, which can contrast with more individualistic Western cultures, helping users understand why Russians might praise modesty in personal achievements.

Related Concepts:

• вежливый (vezhlivyy) - Polite
• скромность (skromnost') - Modesty (as a noun)
• простота (prostota) - Simplicity