Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sensible'

English Word: sensible

Key Russian Translations:

• разумный (/rɐˈzumnɨj/) - [Formal, commonly used in intellectual or decision-making contexts]
• чувствительный (/tɕʉstvʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj/) - [Informal, often in emotional or sensory contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in everyday Russian conversation, literature, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; learners at this level can handle the adjective forms with practice, though nuances may require B2 for full mastery. For 'разумный', it's slightly easier; for 'чувствительный', it might edge toward B2 due to emotional connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

разумный: /rɐˈzumnɨj/

Note on разумный: The stress falls on the second syllable ('zumn-'), which is a common feature in Russian adjectives. Be mindful of the soft 'n' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

чувствительный: /tɕʉstvʲɪˈtʲelʲnɨj/

Note on чувствительный: This word has a palatalized 't' sound (/tɕ/), similar to the 'ch' in 'church', and the vowel in the first syllable is rounded. Pronunciation varies slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

First meaning: Reasonable, practical, or wise in decision-making

Translation(s) & Context:

• разумный - Used in formal or professional contexts, such as advising on logical choices or describing prudent behavior.

Usage Examples:

• Его решение было разумным, учитывая обстоятельства.

  His decision was sensible, considering the circumstances.

• Разумный подход к инвестициям поможет избежать рисков.

  A sensible approach to investments will help avoid risks.

• В разумном мире люди бы слушали советы экспертов.

  In a sensible world, people would listen to expert advice.

• Она выбрала разумный вариант, несмотря на давление.

  She chose the sensible option despite the pressure.

Second meaning: Sensitive, able to perceive or feel

Translation(s) & Context:

• чувствительный - Applied in informal or emotional contexts, such as describing someone who is emotionally responsive or equipment that detects changes.

Usage Examples:

• Этот инструмент очень чувствительный к изменениям температуры.

  This instrument is very sensible to temperature changes.

• Она чувствительная натура и легко обижается.

  She is a sensible nature and gets offended easily.

• Чувствительный детектор помог обнаружить проблему.

  The sensible detector helped identify the issue.

• В чувствительном разговоре нужно быть осторожным.

  In a sensible conversation, one must be careful.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'разумный' and 'чувствительный' are adjectives in Russian, which typically inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for first-declension adjectives.

For 'разумный' (an example of a regular adjective):

For 'чувствительный', it follows the same pattern as above, e.g., Nominative: чувствительный (masc.), чувствительная (fem.), etc. These adjectives do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for разумный: благоразумный (more formal, implying prudence), практичный (practical)
• Synonyms for чувствительный: восприимчивый (receptive), эмоциональный (emotional)
• Antonyms for разумный: неразумный (unreasonable), глупый (foolish)
• Antonyms for чувствительный: нечувствительный (insensitive), равнодушный (indifferent)

Related Phrases:

• Разумный выбор - A sensible choice; often used in decision-making scenarios to emphasize logic over emotion.
• Чувствительный момент - A sensible moment; refers to a delicate or emotionally charged situation that requires care.
• Быть разумным человеком - To be a sensible person; a phrase highlighting wise behavior in daily life.

Usage Notes:

'Sensible' in English often aligns with 'разумный' for intellectual or practical contexts, but 'чувствительный' is better for sensory or emotional ones. In Russian, always ensure the adjective agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies—e.g., use 'разумная' for feminine nouns. 'Разумный' is preferred in formal writing or speeches, while 'чувствительный' fits casual conversations. When choosing between translations, consider the context: if it's about logic, go with 'разумный'; for emotional sensitivity, use 'чувствительный'.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'разумный' in emotional contexts, e.g., saying "Он разумный к чувствам" instead of "Он чувствительный к чувствам". Correct: Он чувствительный к чувствам. Explanation: 'Разумный' implies rationality, not emotional sensitivity, leading to confusion in meaning.
• Mistake: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "разумный книга" (incorrect) instead of "разумная книга" for a feminine noun. Correct: Ensure the ending matches the noun's gender. Explanation: Russian grammar requires this for clarity and grammaticality.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'разумный' often reflects the value placed on rationality and collectivism, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works, where sensible decisions are tied to moral and social harmony. 'Чувствительный' might evoke the emotional depth in Russian soul stereotypes, as portrayed in poetry by Pushkin, emphasizing sensitivity as a national trait.

Related Concepts:

• логичный (logical)
• практичный (practical)
• эмоциональный (emotional)