Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'neutral'

English Word: neutral

Key Russian Translations:

• нейтральный /nejˈtralʲnɨj/ - [Adjective, Formal, Used in contexts like politics or science]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, news, and academic discussions, but less frequent in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level, as it involves understanding adjective inflections and formal contexts; suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нейтральный: /nejˈtralʲnɨj/

Note on нейтральный: The stress falls on the second syllable ("tral"), and the "й" sound at the end can be subtle; be cautious with the palatalized "л" which is a common challenge for English speakers. Regional variations may soften the vowels in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Not taking sides in a conflict or dispute (e.g., political or moral neutrality)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нейтральный - Used in formal contexts like diplomacy or ethics, where impartiality is key.

Usage Examples:

• Эта страна остается нейтральной в международных конфликтах.

  This country remains neutral in international conflicts.

• В суде судья должен быть нейтральным, чтобы обеспечить справедливость.

  In court, the judge must be neutral to ensure fairness.

• Нейтральный подход в переговорах помогает избежать эскалации.

  A neutral approach in negotiations helps avoid escalation.

• Он старается оставаться нейтральным в семейных спорах.

  He tries to remain neutral in family disputes.

• В науке нейтральный анализ данных важен для объективных выводов.

  In science, neutral analysis of data is important for objective conclusions.

Meaning 2: Lacking distinctive characteristics or color (e.g., neutral colors)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нейтральный - Applied in artistic or design contexts, emphasizing subtlety and balance.

Usage Examples:

• Интерьер комнаты оформлен в нейтральных тонах, таких как бежевый и серый.

  The room's interior is decorated in neutral tones, such as beige and gray.

• Нейтральный вкус чая позволяет добавить любые ароматизаторы.

  The neutral taste of the tea allows for adding any flavors.

• В моде нейтральные цвета идеальны для универсальных нарядов.

  In fashion, neutral colors are ideal for versatile outfits.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

нейтральный is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives. It changes based on gender, number, and case, as Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify. There are no irregular forms for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • безразличный (indifferent, but with a connotation of apathy)
  • объективный (objective, emphasizing fairness)
  • непристрастный (impartial, often in legal contexts; subtle difference: more formal than нейтральный)
• Antonyms:
  • предвзятый (biased)
  • партийный (partisan)
  • активный (active, in the sense of taking sides)

Related Phrases:

• нейтральный статус - Neutral status (e.g., in international law, referring to a country's non-alignment)
• нейтральная территория - Neutral territory (a zone not controlled by any party in conflicts)
• сохранять нейтралитет - To maintain neutrality (a common phrase in diplomatic discussions)

Usage Notes:

нейтральный directly corresponds to the English "neutral" in most contexts, but it's primarily used as an adjective and must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. In formal settings like politics or academia, it's preferred over more casual synonyms. When choosing between translations, use нейтральный for impartiality without emotional connotation, but opt for объективный if objectivity is the focus. Be mindful of grammar: English speakers often forget adjective agreement, which can lead to errors in Russian sentences.

• In spoken Russian, it may sound more natural in compound phrases like "нейтральная позиция" (neutral position).
• Avoid using it in highly emotional contexts, as Russian speakers might prefer more expressive words.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the case endings, for example, saying "в нейтральный" instead of the correct "в нейтральном" for prepositional case. Incorrect: "Я думаю о нейтральный подход" (wrong agreement). Correct: "Я думаю о нейтральном подходе" (with proper masculine singular genitive). This error stems from not applying Russian adjective-noun agreement rules, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences that can confuse native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of neutrality is often linked to historical events like Switzerland's role in World War II or Russia's own periods of non-alignment during the Cold War. The word carries a sense of pragmatism and survival, reflecting Russia's strategic diplomatic history, where maintaining neutrality has been a tool for avoiding larger conflicts.

Related Concepts:

• объективность (objectivity)
• импартикулярность (impartiality, though less common)
• баланс (balance)