Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'opportunity'

English Word: opportunity

Key Russian Translations:

• возможность /vɐz.mɐʐ.nəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, commonly used in everyday and professional contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly encountered in Russian media, literature, and daily conversations, especially in business, education, and personal development discussions.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level based on CEFR; learners at this stage can grasp its basic usage, but mastering inflections requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

возможность: /vɐz.mɐʐ.nəsʲtʲ/

Note on возможность: The stress falls on the second syllable ('mo'), and the final 'ть' sound is softened. Be cautious with the 'ж' sound, which is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in "measure" but more guttural.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A favorable chance or circumstance for advancement, progress, or achievement.

Translation(s) & Context:

• возможность - Used in formal and informal contexts to describe a potential for success, such as in career or personal growth scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Это была отличная возможность для меня улучшить свои навыки.

  This was an excellent opportunity for me to improve my skills.

• В жизни иногда возникают неожиданные возможности, которые нельзя упускать.

  In life, unexpected opportunities sometimes arise that one shouldn't miss.

• Компания предоставила сотрудникам возможность пройти дополнительное обучение.

  The company provided employees with the opportunity to undergo additional training.

• Молодые люди ищут возможности для самореализации в большом городе.

  Young people seek opportunities for self-fulfillment in the big city.

• Каждый кризис несет в себе скрытую возможность для изменений.

  Every crisis carries a hidden opportunity for change.

Meaning 2: A situation that allows for a specific action or decision.

Translation(s) & Context:

• возможность - Often used in contexts involving timing, availability, or conditional scenarios, such as in planning or decision-making.

Usage Examples:

• У нас есть возможность встретиться завтра утром.

  We have the opportunity to meet tomorrow morning.

• Эта поездка предоставила мне возможность увидеть новые культуры.

  This trip gave me the opportunity to see new cultures.

• Не упусти возможность инвестировать в этот проект.

  Don't miss the opportunity to invest in this project.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Возможность" is a feminine noun (3rd declension) and undergoes regular declension based on case and number. It does not have irregular forms, but its endings change to reflect grammatical roles in sentences.

Note: This word is invariant in terms of gender and does not change for adjectives or verbs directly, but its case must agree with other elements in the sentence.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шанс (slight nuance: more informal, emphasizing luck)
  • перспектива (focuses on future potential or outlook)
  • вариант (implies an option or alternative)
• Antonyms:
  • препятствие (obstacle; used when something blocks progress)
  • ограничение (limitation; highlights restrictions)

Related Phrases:

• упустить возможность - To miss an opportunity; often used in regretful contexts.
• предоставить возможность - To provide an opportunity; common in professional or educational settings.
• использовать возможность - To take advantage of an opportunity; emphasizes proactive action.
• скрытая возможность - Hidden opportunity; refers to potential not immediately obvious.

Usage Notes:

"Возможность" directly corresponds to "opportunity" in English as a noun, but it's important to note its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "хорошая возможность" for "good opportunity"). It's versatile across formal and informal registers but is more common in written Russian or speeches. When choosing between synonyms like "шанс," opt for "возможность" in contexts requiring a broader sense of potential rather than mere chance. Grammatically, always ensure case agreement, such as in prepositional phrases (e.g., "о возможности" for "about the opportunity").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "возможность" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я думаю о возможность" instead of "Я думаю о возможности" (correct genitive case).

  Correct: "Я думаю о возможности." Explanation: In Russian, the prepositional case requires the ending "и" for this noun, unlike English where no change is needed.

• Error: Confusing it with "шанс" and using it interchangeably, e.g., translating "a lucky opportunity" as "возможность" when "шанс" might be more appropriate for emphasis on luck.

  Correct: Use "шанс" for luck-based scenarios. Explanation: While both work, "возможность" is broader and less tied to probability.

• Error: Forgetting plural forms, e.g., saying "много возможность" instead of "много возможностей."

  Correct: "Много возможностей." Explanation: Russian nouns must inflect for number, so always adjust based on context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "возможность" often ties into themes of resilience and opportunity in adversity, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works or modern motivational speeches. Historically, during periods of social change (e.g., post-Soviet era), it reflects the pursuit of personal and economic opportunities, emphasizing a cultural value on seizing moments for growth despite challenges.

Related Concepts:

• успех (success)
• неудача (failure)
• перспектива (prospect)
• развитие (development)