Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'regular'

English Word: regular

Key Russian Translations:

• регулярный [rɪˈɡuːlərnɪj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• обычный [ɐˈbɨʧnɨj] - [Informal, Everyday use]
• постоянный [pɐstɐˈjannɨj] - [Formal, Emphasizing consistency]

Frequency: Medium (Common in daily and professional contexts, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective inflections, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

регулярный: [rɪˈɡuːlərnɪj]

Note on регулярный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("lar"), which is common in loanwords from English. Be careful with the rolled 'r' sound.

обычный: [ɐˈbɨʧnɨj]

Note on обычный: The 'ы' sound is a soft, back vowel unique to Russian; it's softer than in English 'i'.

постоянный: [pɐstɐˈjannɨj]

Note on постоянный: Double consonants like 'нн' indicate a longer pronunciation, affecting rhythm.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Consistent or recurring (e.g., happening at fixed intervals)

Translation(s) & Context:

• регулярный - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as schedules or routines.
• постоянный - Applied when emphasizing stability or permanence in informal or semi-formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я занимаюсь спортом регулярно.

  I exercise regularly. (Shows habitual action in a daily routine.)

• У нас регулярные встречи по пятницам.

  We have regular meetings on Fridays. (Demonstrates scheduled events in a professional context.)

• Регулярный осмотр автомобиля важен для безопасности.

  A regular inspection of the car is important for safety. (Illustrates preventive maintenance.)

• Постоянный дождь в этом регионе делает его влажным.

  The regular rain in this region makes it humid. (Emphasizes ongoing weather patterns.)

Meaning 2: Normal or standard (e.g., conforming to a pattern)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обычный - Common in everyday conversations for describing typical situations.
• регулярный - Used in contexts like military or formal structures for "standard" items.

Usage Examples:

• Это обычный день в моем расписании.

  This is a regular day in my schedule. (Highlights routine daily life.)

• В армии носят регулярную форму.

  In the army, they wear regular uniforms. (Refers to standard issue in a formal context.)

• Обычный кофе без добавок, пожалуйста.

  Regular coffee without additives, please. (Used in casual ordering scenarios.)

• Регулярный размер подойдет для большинства людей.

  The regular size will fit most people. (Applies to products or clothing.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Below is a table for 'регулярный' as an example; similar patterns apply to others with minor variations.

For 'обычный', the inflections follow a similar first-declension pattern but are more irregular in comparative forms. 'постоянный' is generally invariable in its root but changes endings like above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стабильный (stable) - Often used interchangeably with 'постоянный' in professional contexts.
  • нормальный (normal) - Similar to 'обычный' but with a connotation of adequacy.
• Antonyms:
  • неправильный (irregular) - Direct opposite, implying inconsistency.
  • редкий (rare) - Used when something is not regular or frequent.

Related Phrases:

• Регулярные упражнения - Regular exercises; refers to consistent physical activity for health benefits.
• Обычный рабочий день - A regular workday; describes a standard office routine.
• Постоянный доход - Steady income; implies reliable financial stability.

Usage Notes:

'Regular' in English often corresponds to 'регулярный' in Russian for scheduled or periodic meanings, but 'обычный' is better for everyday normality to avoid sounding overly formal. Choose based on context: use 'постоянный' for emphasis on endurance. Be mindful of Russian adjective agreement with nouns in gender, number, and case. For example, in informal speech, 'обычный' might be preferred over 'регулярный' to sound more natural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'регулярный' in casual contexts where 'обычный' fits better. For instance, saying "Регулярный кофе" instead of "Обычный кофе" for "regular coffee" in a cafe, which sounds too formal.

  Correct: Обычный кофе. Explanation: 'Обычный' is more idiomatic for everyday items, while 'регулярный' implies a structured routine.

• Error: Forgetting adjective inflections, e.g., saying "Я хожу в регулярный спортзал" instead of "Я хожу в регулярный спортзал" (correct, but if the noun changes, so must the adjective).

  Correct: Я хожу в регулярный зал (if 'зал' is masculine accusative). Explanation: Russian requires full agreement, unlike English, which can lead to grammatical errors for learners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'регулярный' often tie to the emphasis on routine and discipline, influenced by historical contexts such as Soviet-era schedules. For example, 'регулярные занятия' (regular classes) reflects the structured education system, highlighting the value placed on consistency in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• ежедневный (daily)
• периодический (periodic)
• стандартный (standard)