Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sincerely'

English Word: sincerely

Key Russian Translations:

• искренне [ˈiskrʲɪnʲe] - [Formal, Used in written correspondence or expressions of genuine intent]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in formal writing, such as letters and official communications, but less frequent in everyday spoken Russian)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner level; straightforward adverb with basic usage, though understanding its formal context may require intermediate knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

искренне: [ˈiskrʲɪnʲe]

Note on искренне: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "рʲ" sound is a palatalized 'r', which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, flowing rhythm to convey sincerity.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Sincerely as in honestly, genuinely, or as a formal closing in correspondence

Translation(s) & Context:

• искренне - Used in formal letters, emails, or spoken expressions to indicate genuine intent or honesty, often at the end of a message.

Usage Examples:

• Искренне ваш, Иван. (Iskrenno vash, Ivan.)

  Sincerely yours, Ivan. (This example shows its use as a formal closing in business or personal letters.)

• Он говорил искренне о своих чувствах. (On govoril iskrenno o svoikh chuvstvakh.)

  He spoke sincerely about his feelings. (Here, it emphasizes genuine emotion in a conversational context.)

• Письмо заканчивается словами: «С уважением, искренне». (Pismo zakanchivaetsya slovami: «S uvazheniem, iskrenne».)

  The letter ends with the words: "With respect, sincerely." (This demonstrates its combination with other formal phrases.)

• Я ценю ваше искреннее мнение. (Ya tsenyu vashe iskrennee mnenie.)

  I appreciate your sincere opinion. (Used to highlight authenticity in feedback or advice.)

• Она улыбнулась искренне, без тени лжи. (Ona ulybnulas' iskrenno, bez teni lzhi.)

  She smiled sincerely, without a hint of deceit. (Illustrates its use in describing actions with true intent.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

искренне is an adverb in Russian, derived from the adjective "искренний" (iskrenniy, meaning sincere). As an adverb, it does not undergo inflection for case, number, gender, or tense. It remains unchanged in all contexts, which is typical for many Russian adverbs. For example:

Note: If the related adjective "искренний" is used, it inflects as a standard first-declension adjective (e.g., искренний, искренняя, искреннее for masculine, feminine, and neuter forms, respectively).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • правдиво (pravdivo) - More emphasis on truthfulness, often in factual contexts.
  • честно (chestno) - Similar to "honestly," with a broader everyday usage.
• Antonyms:
  • лживо (lzhi vo) - Implies deceit or falsehood.
  • лицемерно (litsemerno) - Suggests hypocrisy.

Related Phrases:

• С наилучшими пожеланиями, искренне (S naibluchshimi pozhelaniyami, iskrenno) - With best wishes, sincerely; A common formal closing in letters or emails.
• Искренне сожалею (Iskrenno sozhaleyu) - I sincerely regret; Used to express genuine apology in formal or personal situations.
• Говорить искренне от сердца (Govorit' iskrenno ot serdtsa) - To speak sincerely from the heart; A phrase emphasizing emotional authenticity.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "искренне" directly corresponds to "sincerely" in English, particularly in formal closings of letters or as an adverb meaning "genuinely." It is most common in written communication to convey politeness and authenticity, similar to English usage. However, in spoken Russian, it may sound overly formal, so opt for alternatives like "честно" in casual conversations. When choosing between translations, use "искренне" for emotional sincerity and ensure it aligns with the context's tone—avoid it in ironic or sarcastic settings to prevent misunderstanding. Grammatically, it functions as an adverb and modifies verbs without changing form.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "искренне" (adverb) with "искренний" (adjective): English learners often misuse "искренне" when they mean the adjective form. For example, an incorrect sentence might be: "Он искренне человек" (wrong, as it should be "Он искренний человек" meaning "He is a sincere person"). Correct usage: Use "искренне" only to modify verbs, e.g., "Он говорит искренне" (He speaks sincerely).

• Overusing in informal contexts: Beginners might say "Я искренне рад" in casual speech, which sounds stilted. A better alternative is "Я честно рад" (I'm honestly glad). Error example: "Привет, искренне!" (unnatural); Correct: Avoid it in greetings and use in formal writing instead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, using "искренне" in correspondence reflects a tradition of formal politeness and emotional depth, rooted in historical literary influences like those from 19th-century Russian literature (e.g., Dostoevsky). It conveys not just politeness but a sense of personal integrity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in relationships, which is highly valued in Russian social interactions.

Related Concepts:

• честность (chestnost) - Honesty
• правдивость (pravdivost') - Truthfulness
• искренность (iskrennost') - Sincerity (the noun form related to the adverb)