Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'possible'

English Word: possible

Key Russian Translations:

• Возможный /vɐˈzmoʒnɨj/ - [Adjective, Formal]
• Возможно /vɐˈzmoʒnə/ - [Adverb, Informal or Neutral]

Frequency: High (This word and its forms are commonly used in everyday Russian conversations, literature, and media.)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level for basic forms; B1 for full inflection understanding, as per CEFR, due to straightforward adjective and adverb usage but requiring familiarity with Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Возможный: /vɐˈzmoʒnɨj/

Note on Возможный: The 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure' in English. Stress falls on the third syllable, which is common in Russian adjectives.

Возможно: /vɐˈzmoʒnə/

Note on Возможно: This adverb has a soft ending; the final 'о' is often reduced in casual speech. Pay attention to the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, a key feature of Russian phonetics.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Capable of happening, being done, or being true (as an adjective).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Возможный - Used in formal contexts like discussions, reports, or descriptions where feasibility is discussed, e.g., in scientific or everyday scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Это путешествие возможно только летом. (This trip is possible only in the summer.)

  English Translation: This trip is possible only in the summer.

• Возможные риски проекта должны быть учтены. (The possible risks of the project should be taken into account.)

  English Translation: The possible risks of the project should be taken into account. (Here, it shows plural usage in a professional context.)

• В этом районе возможны частые дожди. (In this area, frequent rains are possible.)

  English Translation: In this area, frequent rains are possible. (Demonstrates use with weather-related contexts.)

• Возможный исход обсуждения неизвестен. (The possible outcome of the discussion is unknown.)

  English Translation: The possible outcome of the discussion is unknown. (Illustrates abstract or future-oriented usage.)

Meaning 2: Perhaps or maybe (as an adverb expressing possibility).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Возможно - Common in informal conversations, speculations, or polite uncertainties, such as in daily chit-chat or hypothetical scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Возможно, мы встретимся завтра. (Possibly, we will meet tomorrow.)

  English Translation: Possibly, we will meet tomorrow. (Shows simple future possibility in casual dialogue.)

• Возможно, это не сработает. (It might not work.)

  English Translation: It might not work. (Used to express doubt or uncertainty in problem-solving contexts.)

• Возможно, погода улучшится к вечеру. (The weather might improve by evening.)

  English Translation: The weather might improve by evening. (Demonstrates use with conditional or predictive statements.)

• Возможно, я опоздаю на встречу. (I might be late for the meeting.)

  English Translation: I might be late for the meeting. (Illustrates personal context with potential apology.)

• Возможно, это лучший вариант. (This could be the best option.)

  English Translation: This could be the best option. (Shows comparative usage in decision-making.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'Возможный' (adjective): Russian adjectives inflect based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard first-declension pattern for hard-stem adjectives.

For 'Возможно' (adverb): This word does not inflect; it remains invariant across contexts, which makes it simpler for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Допустимый (Dopustimyj) - Similar to 'permissible', often used in legal or formal contexts with a slight connotation of allowance.
  • Реальный (Real'nyj) - Implies something more tangible or realistic, especially in practical scenarios.
• Antonyms:
  • Невозможный (Nevozmozhnyj) - Directly opposite, meaning 'impossible'.
  • Нереальный (Nereal'nyj) - Means 'unreal' or 'improbable', often in fantastical contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Возможно, что... (Possibly that...) - Used to introduce a hypothesis; English equivalent: "It's possible that...".
• Насколько это возможно (As much as possible) - In contexts of effort or limits; English: "To the extent possible".
• Это вполне возможно (This is quite possible) - Emphasizes feasibility in optimistic discussions; English: "This is entirely possible".

Usage Notes:

'Возможный' directly corresponds to the adjectival form of 'possible' in English and should be used when describing potentiality in nouns, while 'Возможно' aligns with adverbs like 'possibly' or 'maybe'. Be mindful of context: 'Возможно' is versatile for informal speech, but in formal writing, pair it with conjunctions like 'что' for clauses. When choosing between translations, opt for 'Возможный' in descriptive sentences and 'Возможно' for speculations. Russian word order can be flexible, but placing these words at the beginning often adds emphasis.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing 'Возможный' with 'Возможно' in sentences, e.g., saying "Возможно дом" instead of "Возможный дом" (meaning "Possible house").
  Correct: Use 'Возможный' as an adjective before a noun.
  Explanation: English learners often overlook Russian's grammatical gender and case requirements.
• Mistake: Overusing 'Возможно' in formal contexts, like in business reports, where 'Возможный' might be more precise.
  Correct: "Возможные варианты" instead of just "Возможно варианты".
  Explanation: This can make the sentence sound vague; always match the part of speech to the context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressions of possibility like 'Возможно' often reflect a cautious or modest communication style, especially in social interactions. For instance, Russians might use it to soften statements and avoid directness, which aligns with cultural values of humility and indirectness in conversation.

Related Concepts:

• Вероятный (Veroyatnyj) - Meaning 'probable'.
• Реалистичный (Realisticheskij) - Meaning 'realistic'.
• Нереальный (Nereal'nyj) - Meaning 'unreal' or 'impossible'.