Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'respectable'

English Word: respectable

Key Russian Translations:

• уважаемый [u.vɐ.ˈʐa.jɪ.mɨj] - [Formal, used for people or titles]
• приличный [ˈprʲɪlʲ.ʲɪt͡ɕ.nɨj] - [Informal, used for behavior, appearance, or standards]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations, formal writing, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic adjectives).

Difficulty: B1 Intermediate (requires understanding of adjective inflections and contextual nuances; 'уважаемый' may be slightly more advanced due to its formal connotations).

Pronunciation (Russian):

уважаемый: [u.vɐ.ˈʐa.jɪ.mɨj]

приличный: [ˈprʲɪlʲ.ʲɪt͡ɕ.nɨj]

Note on уважаемый: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the 'ж' sound, which is a voiced palatal fricative, often challenging for English speakers.

Note on приличный: The 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative; pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Worthy of respect or admiration (e.g., referring to a person's character or status)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уважаемый - Used in formal contexts, such as addressing someone politely or describing esteemed individuals.
• приличный - Less common for this meaning; typically for general decency, but can imply respectability in informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда был уважаемым членом общества. (He was always a respectable member of society.)

  English: He was always a respectable member of society. (This example shows the adjective in a formal, descriptive context.)

• В этом районе живут уважаемые люди с хорошей репутацией. (In this neighborhood, respectable people with good reputations live.)

  English: In this neighborhood, respectable people with good reputations live. (Illustrates plural usage and social context.)

• Её уважаемый отец известен своими благотворительными делами. (Her respectable father is known for his charitable works.)

  English: Her respectable father is known for his charitable works. (Demonstrates familial and attributive use.)

• Уважаемый гость, пожалуйста, присядьте. (Respectable guest, please have a seat.)

  English: Respectable guest, please have a seat. (Used in polite, interactive dialogue.)

Meaning 2: Decent or presentable in appearance or quality (e.g., referring to objects or standards)

Translation(s) & Context:

• приличный - Commonly used for this meaning, especially in everyday contexts like clothing or living conditions.
• уважаемый - Rarely used; might imply a higher level of esteem.

Usage Examples:

• Его приличная одежда произвела хорошее впечатление. (His respectable clothing made a good impression.)

  English: His respectable clothing made a good impression. (Shows adjective modifying a noun in a social setting.)

• В приличном доме всегда есть порядок. (In a respectable house, there is always order.)

  English: In a respectable house, there is always order. (Illustrates use with locations and expectations.)

• Она выбрала приличный ресторан для ужина. (She chose a respectable restaurant for dinner.)

  English: She chose a respectable restaurant for dinner. (Demonstrates decision-making in daily life.)

• Приличные манеры важны в обществе. (Respectable manners are important in society.)

  English: Respectable manners are important in society. (Emphasizes behavioral aspects.)

• Это приличное предложение, но я подумаю. (This is a respectable offer, but I'll think about it.)

  English: This is a respectable offer, but I'll think about it. (Used in negotiations or evaluations.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'уважаемый' and 'приличный' are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify.

These adjectives follow the standard first-declension pattern for hard-stem adjectives. They do not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • достойный (dostoynyy) - Similar to 'уважаемый', but emphasizes worthiness; often used in moral contexts.
  • пристойный (pristoynyy) - Close to 'приличный', implying decency without strong formality.
• Antonyms:
  • неприличный (neprilichnyy) - Directly opposite to 'приличный', meaning indecent.
  • неуважаемый (neuvazhaemyy) - Opposite to 'уважаемый', though less common, implying disrespect.

Related Phrases:

• Уважаемый господин - (Respectable sir; a formal address in business or official letters.)
• Приличный доход - (Respectable income; refers to a sufficient or admirable salary.)
• Вести приличную жизнь - (To lead a respectable life; implies living morally and decently.)

Usage Notes:

'Уважаемый' is typically used for people and carries a formal tone, similar to 'respected' in English, especially in titles or addresses. In contrast, 'приличный' is more versatile and aligns with 'respectable' in terms of appearance or behavior, but avoid using it interchangeably in highly formal contexts. When choosing between translations, consider the context: opt for 'уважаемый' for personal respect and 'приличный' for general standards. Grammatically, always ensure adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'уважаемый' in informal settings, e.g., saying "уважаемый друг" for a casual friend. Correct: Use 'приличный' or a neutral term like 'хороший'. Explanation: 'Уважаемый' implies high formality and can sound overly polite or sarcastic in casual speech.

• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "уважаемый женщина" instead of "уважаемая женщина". Correct: "Уважаемая женщина". Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; this is a common mistake for English speakers used to invariable adjectives.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'уважаемый' reflect the importance of respect and hierarchy, especially in professional and social interactions. For instance, it's common in Russia to use such titles in emails or speeches to show deference, which aligns with cultural values of collectivism and respect for elders or authority figures.

Related Concepts:

• достойность (dostoynost') - Worthiness
• репутация (reputatsiya) - Reputation
• мораль (moral') - Morality