Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'several'

English Word: several

Key Russian Translations:

• несколько [nʲɪsˈkolkə] - [Neutral, used in both formal and informal contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian speech and writing, appearing frequently in both casual conversations and formal texts.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner; it is a basic quantifier that English speakers can grasp early in their Russian studies due to its straightforward correspondence with English.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

несколько: [nʲɪsˈkolkə]

Note on несколько: The pronunciation features a palatalized 'н' (nʲ), which can be challenging for beginners. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in speed may affect vowel clarity, but it's generally consistent across dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A small number greater than two but not many (indicating an imprecise quantity).

Translation(s) & Context:

• несколько - Used in contexts where you want to express a few items without specifying an exact number, such as in lists, descriptions, or general statements (e.g., in everyday conversations or formal reports).

Usage Examples:

• В шкафу лежало несколько книг. (In the closet, there were several books.)

  This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, describing a quantity in a neutral, everyday context.

• Мы встретили несколько друзей на улице. (We met several friends on the street.)

  Here, it demonstrates usage in a social context, emphasizing informal interaction.

• В отчёте указано несколько ошибок. (The report mentions several errors.)

  This illustrates its application in formal or professional settings, such as business or academic writing.

• Она приготовила несколько блюд на ужин. (She prepared several dishes for dinner.)

  This example highlights its use with countable nouns in domestic or routine scenarios.

• Несколько раз я пытался дозвониться, но никто не ответил. (Several times I tried to call, but no one answered.)

  This shows 'несколько' with frequency, in a narrative or problem-solving context.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word 'несколько' is an invariable quantifier in Russian and does not change form based on gender, number, or case. It remains the same regardless of the noun it modifies, which makes it straightforward for learners. For example:

• It does not inflect: Несколько книг (several books, genitive plural), Несколько дома (several houses, but note it pairs with nouns in their appropriate forms).

Since it is uninflected, no table is needed; this invariability is a key feature of Russian quantifiers like 'несколько'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пара (a couple; implies exactly two, with a slight nuance of closeness, often used in informal contexts).
  • кое-что (a few things; more vague and informal, emphasizing variety).
• Antonyms:
  • много (many; indicates a large quantity, contrasting with the limited sense of 'several').
  • мало (few; suggests a smaller or insufficient number).

Related Phrases:

• Несколько раз (several times) - Used to indicate repetition in actions or events.
• Несколько дней (several days) - Common in discussions of time periods, such as travel or scheduling.
• Несколько человек (several people) - Refers to a small group in social or professional contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Несколько' directly corresponds to the English 'several' as a quantifier for an imprecise but limited number. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings without restrictions. However, be cautious with word order in Russian sentences, as 'несколько' typically precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., 'несколько книг' not 'книг несколько'). When choosing between synonyms like 'пара', opt for 'несколько' if the exact number isn't two. This word doesn't require agreement with the noun's gender or case, simplifying its use for English speakers.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'несколько' with 'много': English learners might overuse 'несколько' when 'много' is more appropriate for larger quantities. Incorrect: "У меня несколько машин" when meaning "I have many cars." Correct: "У меня много машин." Explanation: 'Несколько' implies a small, specific few, while 'много' denotes abundance.

• Omitting it in contexts where it's needed: Forgetting to include 'несколько' can lead to ambiguity. Incorrect: "Я купил книги" (implying 'I bought books' without quantity). Correct: "Я купил несколько книг" (I bought several books). Explanation: Always specify if the quantity is key to the sentence's meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'несколько' often reflects a pragmatic approach to quantification, as Russians may prefer approximate numbers in casual speech to avoid over-precision, which can be seen in everyday interactions or in literature like Chekhov's stories where vague quantities add to the narrative's realism.

Related Concepts:

• много
• мало
• пара
• сколько