Verborus

EN RU Dictionary

примерно Primary Russian translation

Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'roughly'

English Word: roughly

Key Russian Translations:

  • примерно [prʲɪˈmʲɛrnə] - [Informal, used for approximations]
  • грубо [ˈɡrubə] - [Informal, used for rude or harsh manner]
  • грубый [ˈɡrubɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, for describing something coarse or rough in texture]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday conversations and written language, especially in estimates and descriptions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic understanding of adverbs and adjectives, but varies by context—e.g., 'примерно' is easier for beginners, while 'грубо' as an adverb may need intermediate nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

примерно: [prʲɪˈmʲɛrnə]

грубо: [ˈɡrubə] - Stress on the first syllable; the 'у' sound is like the 'oo' in "book".

грубый: [ˈɡrubɨj] - The final 'ый' ending softens the pronunciation; note the palatalized 'б' sound.

Note on примерно: This word has a soft 'р' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers; practice the rolled 'r' for accuracy.

Note on грубо: Avoid overemphasizing the 'б' to prevent it sounding too aggressive; it's often used in emotional contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Approximately or about (as an adverb)
Translation(s) & Context:
  • примерно - Used in informal or everyday contexts for estimates, such as giving rough figures in conversations or writing.
Usage Examples:
  • Это мероприятие продлится примерно два часа.

    This event will last roughly two hours.

  • Цена примерно 500 рублей, но может варьироваться.

    The price is roughly 500 rubles, but it might vary.

  • Он заработал примерно столько же, сколько и в прошлом году.

    He earned roughly as much as he did last year.

  • Расстояние примерно 10 километров от центра города.

    The distance is roughly 10 kilometers from the city center.

Meaning: In a rude or harsh manner (as an adverb)
Translation(s) & Context:
  • грубо - Used in contexts involving criticism, confrontation, or emotional intensity, often in informal speech.
Usage Examples:
  • Он грубо ответил на мой вопрос.

    He answered my question roughly.

  • Не говори с детьми грубо, это пугает их.

    Don't speak to children roughly; it scares them.

  • Она грубо оттолкнула его руку.

    She roughly pushed his hand away.

  • В разговоре он иногда бывает грубо, но не со зла.

    In conversation, he can be roughly spoken at times, but not out of malice.

Meaning: Coarse, rough in texture (as an adjective)
Translation(s) & Context:
  • грубый - Used in formal or descriptive contexts for physical qualities, such as materials or surfaces.
Usage Examples:
  • Эта ткань слишком грубая для одежды.

    This fabric is too rough for clothing.

  • Грубый песок повредил кожу.

    The rough sand damaged the skin.

  • Дерево имеет грубую текстуру, что делает его прочным.

    The wood has a rough texture, making it durable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most translations like 'примерно' and 'грубо' are adverbs and do not inflect; they remain unchanged in all contexts. However, 'грубый' is an adjective and follows standard Russian adjective declension patterns, which are regular for most cases.

For 'грубый' (meaning "rough" as an adjective):

Case Singular Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Neuter Plural
Nominative грубый грубая гругое грубые
Genitive грубого грубой грубого грубых
Dative грубому грубой грубому грубым
Accusative грубый (animate), грубого (inanimate) грубую гругое грубые (animate), грубых (inanimate)
Instrumental грубым грубой грубым грубыми
Prepositional грубом грубой грубом грубых

Note: This is a regular hard-stem adjective; no irregularities, but pay attention to gender, number, and case agreements.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms:
    • примерно: приблизительно (priblizitel'no) - More precise in scientific contexts.
    • грубо: резко (rezko) - Sharply or abruptly.
    • грубый: шероховатый (sherokhovatyj) - For texture, implying unevenness.
  • Antonyms:
    • примерно: точно (tochno) - Exactly.
    • грубо: мягко (myagko) - Softly or gently.
    • грубый: гладкий (gladkij) - Smooth.

Related Phrases:

  • примерно говоря - Roughly speaking; used to introduce approximations in discussions.
  • грубо говоря - Roughly put; often in informal debates for blunt statements.
  • грубый материал - Rough material; refers to coarse fabrics in everyday contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Roughly' in English often corresponds to 'примерно' for estimates, but be cautious with 'грубо' as it carries a negative connotation of rudeness, which isn't always present in English usage. In Russian, 'примерно' is versatile for casual conversations, while 'грубый' as an adjective requires agreement with nouns in gender, number, and case. For multiple translations, choose based on context: use 'примерно' for numbers and 'грубо' for behavior. Avoid overusing in formal writing where more precise terms are preferred.

Common Errors:

  • Mistake: Using 'примерно' interchangeably with 'грубо' in behavioral contexts. Incorrect: Он примерно ответил. (This implies approximation, not rudeness.) Correct: Он грубо ответил. (This conveys rudeness.) Explanation: English speakers might confuse the meanings, leading to awkward phrasing; always match the adverb to the intended nuance.
  • Mistake: Failing to decline 'грубый' correctly. Incorrect: Я видел грубый дом. (Should be adjusted for case.) Correct: Я видел грубый дом (if nominative), or Я видел грубого дома (genitive). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with nouns, which is a common oversight for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'грубо' can reflect the directness often valued in interpersonal communication, stemming from historical influences like Soviet-era straightforwardness. However, in modern contexts, overuse might be seen as impolite, especially in professional settings, highlighting the importance of context in Russian social interactions.

Related Concepts:

  • точный
  • мягкий
  • шероховатый