Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'opposite'

English Word: opposite

Key Russian Translations:

• противоположный [prətʲɪvəpɐˈloʒnɨj] - [Adjective, Formal]
• напротив [nəˈprotʲɪf] - [Adverb, Informal]
• противоположность [prətʲɪvəpɐˈloʒnəsʲtʲ] - [Noun, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations and written texts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of basic Russian grammar and vocabulary; variations may differ slightly for each translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

противоположный: [prətʲɪvəpɐˈloʒnɨj]

напротив: [nəˈprotʲɪf]

противоположность: [prətʲɪvəpɐˈloʒnəsʲtʲ]

Note on противоположный: This word has stress on the third syllable ("lo"), which can be tricky for learners due to Russian's variable stress patterns; avoid over-emphasizing the first syllable.

Note on напротив: Pronounced quickly in casual speech, often with a soft "t" sound; common in spoken Russian.

Audio: Play audio for "opposite" translations [Insert audio player or link here]

Meanings and Usage:

As an adjective (e.g., describing something facing or contrary to another)

Translation(s) & Context:

• противоположный - Used in formal contexts to describe positions, directions, or ideas that are directly contrary or facing each other, such as in geography or debates.

Usage Examples:

• Два дома стоят на противоположных сторонах улицы.

  Two houses stand on opposite sides of the street.

• Его мнение противоположно моему в этом вопросе.

  His opinion is opposite to mine on this issue.

• В противоположном углу комнаты находится окно.

  In the opposite corner of the room, there is a window.

• Путешественники выбрали противоположный маршрут для разнообразия.

  The travelers chose the opposite route for variety.

As an adverb (e.g., indicating location across from something)

Translation(s) & Context:

• напротив - Commonly used in informal speech to indicate spatial opposition, such as in directions or descriptions of places.

Usage Examples:

• Магазин находится напротив школы, так что дети часто заглядывают туда.

  The store is located opposite the school, so children often drop by.

• Сядь напротив меня, чтобы мы могли поговорить.

  Sit opposite me so we can talk.

• В ресторане напротив всегда многолюдно по вечерам.

  The restaurant opposite is always crowded in the evenings.

• Он живет напротив парка и наслаждается видом каждый день.

  He lives opposite the park and enjoys the view every day.

As a noun (e.g., referring to something contrary or the opposite concept)

Translation(s) & Context:

• противоположность - Used in formal or philosophical contexts to denote a direct contrast or antithesis.

Usage Examples:

• Противоположность света и тьмы — вечная тема в литературе.

  The opposite of light and darkness is an eternal theme in literature.

• В науке противоположность теории — это практика.

  In science, the opposite of theory is practice.

• Он подчеркивает противоположность своих идей предыдущим.

  He emphasizes the opposite of his ideas to the previous ones.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "противоположный" (adjective): This is an adjective that follows standard Russian adjectival declension patterns. It changes based on gender, number, and case.

Case	Masculine Singular	Feminine Singular	Neuter Singular	Plural
Nominative	противоположный	противоположная	противоположное	противоположные
Genitive	противоположного	противоположной	противоположного	противоположных
Dative	противоположному	противоположной	противоположному	противоположным

For "напротив" (adverb): This word is invariable and does not change forms in any context.

For "противоположность" (noun, feminine): This noun follows the standard third declension for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	противоположность	противоположности
Genitive	противоположности	противоположностей

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • противный (protivnyy) - Similar but often implies more negativity; used in informal contexts.
  • обратный (obratnyy) - For "opposite" in the sense of reverse or inverted.
• Antonyms:
  • одинаковый (odnakovyy) - Meaning "same" or "identical."
  • похожий (pokhozhiy) - Meaning "similar."

Related Phrases:

• на противоположной стороне - On the opposite side; used for directions.
• в противоположность чему-либо - In contrast to something; implies a formal comparison.
• противоположные мнения - Opposite opinions; common in debates.

Usage Notes:

The English word "opposite" can translate to different Russian words based on context: use "противоположный" for adjectives, "напротив" for spatial adverbs, and "противоположность" for nouns. In formal writing, prefer "противоположный" to maintain precision. Be mindful of Russian's case system when using these words in sentences, as they often require agreement with nouns. For beginners, start with "напротив" in everyday conversations to build confidence.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "противоположный" without proper declension, e.g., saying "противоположный дом" in genitive context instead of "противоположного дома". Correct: Ensure the adjective matches the noun's case. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case, unlike English.
• Mistake: Confusing "напротив" with "против" (against), leading to phrases like "напротив идеи" meaning "opposite the idea" but interpreted as confrontation. Correct: Use "противоположный" for ideas. Explanation: "Напротив" is spatial; choose carefully based on context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "противоположность" often appear in philosophical or literary discussions, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of dialectical thinking (e.g., in Dostoevsky's works). This emphasizes contrasts in life, such as good vs. evil, which can help English speakers appreciate the depth of Russian literature and conversation.

Related Concepts:

• антоним (antonym)
• контраст (contrast)
• обратная сторона (reverse side)