Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prudence'

English Word: prudence

Key Russian Translations:

• осторожность [ɐstərɐʐnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, commonly used in contexts requiring caution or careful judgment]
• благоразумие [bləgərəzʊmʲje] - [Formal, emphasizes wise and rational behavior, often in moral or ethical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered regularly in written and spoken Russian, particularly in literature, advice, and professional discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners at this level can understand and use these words in context, though mastering nuances may require B2 for full comprehension and correct application.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

осторожность: [ɐstərɐʐnəsʲtʲ]

Note on осторожность: The stress falls on the third syllable (roʐ-), and the 'zh' sound ([ʐ]) is a voiced retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft ending due to the palatalized 'tʲ'.

благоразумие: [bləgərəzʊmʲje]

Note on благоразумие: Stress on the fourth syllable (zʊm-), with a soft 'mʲ' at the end. The initial 'bl' cluster may require practice to avoid sounding like separate syllables.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The quality of being careful and sensible in one's actions to avoid risks.

Translation(s) & Context:

• осторожность - Used in everyday and formal contexts to describe cautious behavior, such as in decision-making or safety measures.
• благоразумие - Applied in more philosophical or ethical scenarios, like wise life choices or moral prudence.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда проявляет осторожность в финансовых делах, чтобы избежать ненужных рисков.

  He always shows prudence in financial matters to avoid unnecessary risks.

• Её благоразумие помогло семье пережить трудные времена без потерь.

  Her prudence helped the family survive difficult times without losses.

• В науке осторожность необходима, чтобы не делать поспешных выводов.

  In science, prudence is necessary to avoid making hasty conclusions.

• Молодой водитель учится благоразумию на дорогах, избегая скоростной езды.

  The young driver is learning prudence on the roads by avoiding speeding.

• Осторожность в словах может предотвратить конфликты в переговорах.

  Prudence in words can prevent conflicts in negotiations.

Secondary Meaning: Practical wisdom or foresight in planning.

Translation(s) & Context:

• осторожность - In planning contexts, such as business or personal strategy.
• благоразумие - Often in long-term ethical or personal development scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Благоразумие в инвестициях требует тщательного анализа рынка.

  Prudence in investments requires a thorough analysis of the market.

• Его осторожность в планировании поездки спасла их от непогоды.

  His prudence in planning the trip saved them from bad weather.

• Осторожность в выборе друзей — ключ к стабильной жизни.

  Prudence in choosing friends is key to a stable life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are feminine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. They are inflected based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for осторожность as an example; благоразумие follows similar patterns.

For благоразумие, the inflections are identical in structure. These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners, but remember to adjust for case in sentences (e.g., "без благоразумия" for "without prudence").

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бдительность (vigilance, more focused on alertness)
  • разумность (reasonableness, emphasizing logical thinking)
  • осмотрительность (circumspection, with a nuance of thorough examination)
• Antonyms:
  • неосторожность (carelessness)
  • безрассудство (recklessness, often in risky behaviors)

Related Phrases:

• С проявлением осторожности (With prudence) - Used to indicate careful action in decision-making.
• Благоразумие прежде всего (Prudence above all) - A common saying emphasizing the priority of wise choices.
• Осторожность не помешает (Prudence won't hurt) - Advises caution in uncertain situations.

Usage Notes:

• While "prudence" directly translates to "осторожность" or "благоразумие", choose "осторожность" for practical, everyday risks and "благоразумие" for ethical or moral contexts to ensure a more precise match.
• These words are more formal in Russian, so avoid them in casual conversations; instead, use simpler terms like "внимательность" for basic caution.
• Grammatically, as feminine nouns, they require agreement in gender, number, and case with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большая осторожность" for "great prudence").
• In business or legal settings, "осторожность" is preferred for its neutrality, while "благоразумие" adds a positive, virtuous connotation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "осторожность" with "бдительность" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Он показал бдительность в деньгах" (implying vigilance rather than prudence). Correct: "Он показал осторожность в деньгах" (for careful financial decisions). Explanation: "Бдительность" focuses on watchfulness, not rational planning.
• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using nominative in genitive contexts. Incorrect: "Без осторожность" (wrong case). Correct: "Без осторожности". Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement, which English learners often overlook.
• Error: Overusing in informal speech. Incorrect: Using "благоразумие" in casual chats. Correct: Opt for simpler words like "умно". Explanation: This can make speech sound overly formal or pretentious.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "благоразумие" often carries a moral undertone, influenced by historical literature like Tolstoy's works, where prudence is linked to ethical living and avoiding excess. This reflects Russia's emphasis on collectivism and long-term wisdom over impulsive actions, especially in post-Soviet contexts where economic caution is valued.

Related Concepts:

• терпение (patience)
• самоконтроль (self-control)
• предусмотрительность (foresight)