Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plus'

English Word: plus

Key Russian Translations:

• плюс [ˈplʲus] - [Informal, Mathematical context; also used in everyday addition]
• добавка [dɐˈbavkə] - [Formal, when meaning 'addition' or 'extra']

Frequency: Medium (Common in mathematical, scientific, and casual contexts, but less frequent in literary Russian).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level for basic uses like math; A2 for nuanced applications in phrases).

Pronunciation (Russian):

плюс: [ˈplʲus] (The stress is on the first syllable; the 'п' is pronounced with a soft 'л' sound, which may be challenging for English speakers.)

добавка: [dɐˈbavkə] (Stress on the second syllable; note the soft 'в' sound.)

Note on плюс: The 'плюс' is a borrowed word from English/French, so its pronunciation is relatively straightforward, but be aware of the palatalized 'л' which softens the sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: The mathematical symbol + or the concept of addition

Translation(s) & Context:

• плюс - Used in equations or simple addition, especially in informal or educational settings.
• добавка - Applied in contexts implying an extra amount, such as in recipes or increments, with a more formal tone.

Usage Examples:

• Два плюс два равно четыре.

  Two plus two equals four. (Basic mathematical usage in a simple sentence.)

• В рецепте добавка соли улучшит вкус.

  Adding salt as a plus will improve the taste. (Here, 'plus' means an extra ingredient in a practical context.)

• Эта модель имеет плюс в виде встроенного GPS.

  This model has the plus of a built-in GPS. (Demonstrating 'plus' as an advantage in product descriptions.)

• Плюс к зарплате, вы получите бонус.

  In addition to your salary, you'll get a bonus. (Showing 'plus' in financial or additive contexts.)

• В математике плюс обозначает суммирование чисел.

  In math, plus denotes the summation of numbers. (Illustrating formal educational usage.)

Meaning: An additional advantage or benefit

Translation(s) & Context:

• плюс - Common in informal speech for highlighting pros, such as in reviews or daily conversations.
• добавка - More formal, often in professional or technical discussions, emphasizing enhancements.

Usage Examples:

• Плюс этой книги — её доступный язык.

  The plus of this book is its accessible language. (Used to point out a strength in a review.)

• Как добавка к услуге, мы предлагаем бесплатную доставку.

  As a plus to the service, we're offering free delivery. (In a business context, emphasizing an extra feature.)

• Её опыт — большой плюс для команды.

  Her experience is a big plus for the team. (Highlighting benefits in a group setting.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Плюс" is typically an indeclinable noun in modern Russian, borrowed from English, and does not change based on case, number, or gender. It remains "плюс" in all forms.

"Добавка" is a feminine noun (from the root "добавлять" meaning "to add") and follows standard first-declension patterns. Here is a table of its inflections:

Note: If used as a verb-derived form, it may relate to "добавлять" (to add), which is a first-conjugation verb with regular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • преимущество [prʲiɪmʊˈʂɛstvə] (advantage; more formal and broader than 'plus')
  • бонус [ˈbonʊs] (bonus; implies a reward, often in business contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • минус [ˈmʲinʊs] (minus; direct opposite in mathematical or evaluative contexts)
  • недостаток [nʲɪdɐˈstatək] (disadvantage; for the advantage meaning)

Related Phrases:

• плюс-минус [ˈplʲus ˈmʲinʊs] - Meaning: Plus or minus; used in approximations, e.g., in scientific measurements.
• в качестве добавки [v kɐˈʧʲestvə dɐˈbavkʲi] - Meaning: As an addition; refers to something extra in a list or recipe.
• плюс ко всему [ˈplʲus kə ˈfsʲemʊ] - Meaning: On top of everything; indicates an additional factor in narratives.

Usage Notes:

"Плюс" directly corresponds to the English "plus" in mathematical contexts but can feel more informal in Russian everyday speech. For formal writing, opt for "добавка" when emphasizing additions or extras. Be cautious with word order; in Russian, "плюс" often precedes the item it's adding, unlike English. If multiple translations exist, choose based on context: use "плюс" for quick, math-related additions and "добавка" for tangible enhancements. Grammatically, "плюс" is invariant, making it easy for beginners, but ensure it fits the sentence's flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "плюс" as a verb, e.g., saying "Я плюс еду" instead of "Я добавляю еду". Correct: "плюс" is not a verb; use "добавлять" for "to add". Explanation: English speakers might mistakenly treat it as dynamic, but in Russian, it's static.

• Error: Overusing "плюс" in formal contexts, e.g., in academic papers. Correct: Replace with "сумма" or rephrase for precision. Explanation: "Плюс" can sound too casual; opt for synonyms to match register.

Cultural Notes:

"Плюс" as a borrowed word reflects Russia's influence from Western languages, especially in science and technology. In Russian culture, emphasizing "pluses" in personal or professional evaluations is common, as seen in job interviews or product reviews, aligning with a pragmatic approach to decision-making.

Related Concepts:

• минус
• умножение
• деление