Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sharply'

English Word: sharply

Key Russian Translations:

• резко [ˈrɛz.kə] - [Informal, Common; used for sudden or abrupt actions]

Frequency: High (резко is commonly used in everyday Russian speech and writing for describing abrupt changes.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adverb usage and basic sentence structure, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

резко: [ˈrɛz.kə]

Note on резко: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'з' is pronounced as a voiced 'z' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers used to similar sounds in words like "zoo." Variations in regional accents may soften the 'к' in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: In a sharp or abrupt manner, often referring to sudden movements, turns, or changes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• резко - Used in contexts involving quick, unexpected actions, such as in driving, emotions, or decisions (e.g., Informal settings like casual conversations).

Usage Examples:

• Он повернул руль резко, чтобы избежать столкновения.

  He turned the wheel sharply to avoid a collision.

• Её тон стал резким, когда она услышала новости.

  Her tone became sharp when she heard the news.

• Цены на рынке выросли резко за последнюю неделю.

  Prices in the market rose sharply over the last week.

• Ветер подул резко, заставив деревья качаться.

  The wind blew sharply, making the trees sway.

Meaning 2: In a pointed or critical manner, such as in speech or criticism.

Translation(s) & Context:

• резко - Applied in interpersonal contexts, like arguments or critiques, often with an emotional edge (e.g., Informal or semi-formal dialogues).

Usage Examples:

• Она ответила резким отказом на его предложение.

  She responded with a sharp refusal to his proposal.

• Критик отозвался о фильме резко, указав на его недостатки.

  The critic spoke sharply about the film, pointing out its flaws.

• В переговорах он выразил своё несогласие резко.

  In the negotiations, he expressed his disagreement sharply.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

резко is an adverb in Russian and does not undergo typical inflections like nouns or adjectives. Adverbs like this remain unchanged across genders, numbers, or cases. For example:

Note: If the word were part of a more complex phrase, surrounding words might inflect, but резко itself remains static.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • внезапно (vnezapno) - Suddenly; used for completely unexpected events, with a nuance of surprise.
  • быстро (bistro) - Quickly; implies speed but less emphasis on abruptness.
• Antonyms:
  • плавно (plavno) - Smoothly; indicates gradual or fluid actions.
  • медленно (medlenno) - Slowly; contrasts with the speed implied in sharply.

Related Phrases:

• Резкий поворот (Sharp turn) - A sudden change in direction, often used in driving or metaphorical contexts.
• Резкий контраст (Sharp contrast) - A stark difference between two things, highlighting opposites.
• Говорить резко (To speak sharply) - To talk in a blunt or critical manner, common in arguments.

Usage Notes:

резко directly corresponds to the English adverb "sharply" in contexts of abruptness or criticism, but it's more versatile in Russian for emphasizing suddenness. Use it in informal settings to convey intensity; in formal writing, pair it with context to avoid sounding harsh. For example, if "sharply" means critically, резко works well, but if it means precisely (e.g., a sharp knife), consider остро instead. When choosing among translations, opt for резко for dynamic actions and ensure it modifies the correct verb for grammatical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing резко with the adjective резкий (sharp), leading to incorrect sentence structure, e.g., saying "Он резко машину" instead of "Он повернул машину резко" (He turned the car sharply).

  Correct: Он повернул машину резко. Explanation: резко is an adverb and must modify a verb; using it as an adjective changes the meaning entirely.

• Error: Overusing резко in formal contexts, making speech sound too abrupt, e.g., translating "He spoke sharply" as "Он говорил резко" in a professional email, which might offend.

  Correct: Use softer alternatives like "Он высказался прямо" in formal settings. Explanation: Russian culture values indirectness in formal communication, so adjust based on audience.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like резко can reflect the directness often found in everyday interactions, especially in urban settings like Moscow. However, it may carry a connotation of emotional intensity, tied to Russia's expressive communication style, where abruptness is common in debates but could be seen as rude in polite society.

Related Concepts:

• быстро (quickly)
• внезапно (suddenly)
• плавно (smoothly)