Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'responsible'

English Word: responsible

Key Russian Translations:

• ответственный [ɐtˈvʲɛtstvʲɪnɨj] - [Formal, used in professional or legal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday professional and educational discussions, but not as frequent in casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and formal vocabulary, suitable for learners with intermediate proficiency)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ответственный: [ɐtˈvʲɛtstvʲɪnɨj]

Note on ответственный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tsven-"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 't' sound. Practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Liable to be called to account; having an obligation to do something (adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ответственный - Used in formal contexts like work responsibilities or legal accountability, e.g., in business meetings or official documents.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда ответственный за свои действия.

  He is always responsible for his actions.

• Эта должность требует ответственного подхода.

  This position requires a responsible approach.

• Ответственный сотрудник не опаздывает на работу.

  A responsible employee does not arrive late to work.

• В семье она отвечает за ответственное воспитание детей.

  In the family, she is responsible for the responsible upbringing of the children.

Meaning 2: Involving important duties or the ability to make decisions (noun form, e.g., a responsible person)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ответственный - Often used as a noun in contexts like job titles or assignments, implying authority, e.g., in organizational settings.

Usage Examples:

• Ответственный за проект должен отчитаться на встрече.

  The person responsible for the project must report at the meeting.

• Она назначена ответственным за финансовые вопросы.

  She has been appointed responsible for financial matters.

• В компании каждый ответственный за свой отдел.

  In the company, each person is responsible for their department.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ответственный is an adjective in Russian, which means it follows standard adjective declension patterns. It is a long-form adjective and changes based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic adjective rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • надёжный (reliable; implies trustworthiness in a more general sense)
  • честный (honest; often used when responsibility involves integrity)
• Antonyms:
  • небрежный (negligent; suggests carelessness in duties)
  • безответственный (irresponsible; directly opposite in meaning)

Related Phrases:

• Ответственный за - Responsible for; e.g., used in professional contexts to assign accountability.
• Быть ответственным - To be responsible; a common phrase in discussions about duties.
• Ответственный подход - Responsible approach; implies a methodical and accountable method.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "ответственный" directly corresponds to the English "responsible" but is often more formal and tied to obligations in professional or legal settings. Unlike English, where "responsible" can be neutral, Russian usage may emphasize moral or ethical implications. When choosing between translations, opt for "ответственный" in contexts involving accountability, but be aware of gender and case agreements. For informal speech, English speakers might lean towards synonyms like "надёжный" to sound more natural.

• Grammar note: Always decline the adjective to match the noun it describes.
• Context tip: In Russian culture, being "ответственный" is highly valued, so use it positively in conversations.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "ответственный" with "ответный" (responsive or retaliatory). For example, a common mistake is saying "Он ответный" when meaning "He is responsible," which incorrectly implies a reaction. Correct usage: "Он ответственный." Another error is forgetting declensions, e.g., using "ответственный" in the wrong case, like in "Я думаю об ответственном" (correct) vs. "Я думаю об ответственный" (incorrect). Always ensure agreement with the noun for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "ответственный" is deeply tied to concepts of duty and collectivism, stemming from historical influences like Soviet-era emphasis on personal responsibility to the state. This word often carries a positive connotation, reflecting societal values of reliability in family, work, and community roles, which can help English speakers understand its frequent use in motivational or educational contexts.

Related Concepts:

• Долг (duty)
• Обязанность (obligation)
• Надёжность (reliability)