Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'for'

English Word: for

Key Russian Translations:

• для /dlya/ - [Formal, used for purpose or recipient]
• за /za/ - [Informal, used for exchanges or in favor of something]
• ради /rɐˈdʲi/ - [Formal, used for sake or benefit]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday Russian communication)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as these prepositions are introduced early in language learning)

Pronunciation (Russian):

для: /dlya/

Note on для: The 'л' is pronounced as a soft 'l' sound, similar to the 'l' in "million" in English; stress is on the first syllable.

за: /za/

Note on за: This is a straightforward pronunciation; the 'a' sounds like the 'a' in "father," with no stress variations in most contexts.

ради: /rɐˈdʲi/

Note on ради: The 'и' at the end is a soft vowel; stress is on the second syllable, which can be tricky for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Indicating purpose or recipient (e.g., giving something to someone)

Translation(s) & Context:

• для - Used in formal contexts for specifying the intended recipient or purpose, such as in gifts or assignments.
• за - Used informally for exchanges, like buying something on behalf of someone.

Usage Examples:

• Я купил книгу для друга.

  I bought the book for my friend. (Shows 'для' in a simple gifting context.)

• Эта награда за твои усилия.

  This award is for your efforts. (Illustrates 'за' in an exchange or reward scenario.)

• Мы делаем это для общего блага.

  We are doing this for the common good. (Demonstrates 'для' in a broader purpose context.)

• Он работает за хорошую зарплату.

  He works for a good salary. (Shows 'за' in an informal motivation context.)

• Ради семьи я готов на всё.

  For the sake of my family, I'm ready for anything. (Uses 'ради' to express deep commitment.)

2. Indicating reason or in exchange for something

Translation(s) & Context:

• за - Common in contexts involving trade-offs or reasons, such as "in return for."
• ради - Used for more emotional or idealistic reasons.

Usage Examples:

• Я заплатил за билет заранее.

  I paid for the ticket in advance. (Highlights 'за' in a transactional context.)

• Ради мира люди жертвуют многим.

  For the sake of peace, people sacrifice a lot. (Emphasizes 'ради' in an abstract, motivational sense.)

• Эта работа для опыта, а не для денег.

  This job is for experience, not for money. (Contrasts 'для' with other motivations.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are prepositions, which do not inflect or change form in Russian. They remain invariable regardless of gender, number, or case of the following noun. For example:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • за - Often interchangeable with "взамен" in exchange contexts, but more casual.
  • ради - Similar to "из-за" for reasons, but implies positive motivation.
• Antonyms: от (from), против (against)

Related Phrases:

• Для чего? - For what purpose? (Used in questions to inquire about intentions.)
• За кого? - For whom? (In contexts like voting or supporting someone.)
• Ради будущего - For the future (A common phrase in motivational speeches.)

Usage Notes:

The English word "for" can translate to different Russian prepositions based on context: use "для" for purposes or recipients, "за" for exchanges or in favor of something, and "ради" for deeper, often emotional reasons. Be mindful of the genitive case that typically follows these prepositions. In formal writing, "для" is preferred, while "за" suits everyday conversation. When choosing between translations, consider the nuance: "за" implies reciprocity, whereas "для" is more neutral.

Common Errors:

• Common mistake: Confusing "для" with "в" (in). Incorrect: "Я иду в магазин для хлеба" (This implies being inside the store). Correct: "Я иду в магазин за хлебом" (for bread, meaning to buy it). Explanation: "За" is used for purposes involving acquisition, while "для" is for intended recipients.

• Another error: Overusing "ради" in casual contexts. Incorrect: "Я ем это ради вкуса" in informal speech (sounds overly dramatic). Correct: "Я ем это за вкус" or simply contextually adjust. Explanation: "Ради" is best for profound or formal expressions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases like "ради семьи" (for the family) emphasize collectivism and sacrifice, reflecting historical values from Soviet times where personal actions were often justified for the greater good. This can help English speakers understand the emotional weight behind certain uses of "for" in Russian contexts.

Related Concepts:

• из-за (because of)
• в пользу (in favor of)
• на благо (for the benefit of)