Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'slowness'

English Word: slowness

Key Russian Translations:

• медленность [mʲɪˈdlʲɛnnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Abstract noun, Used in general descriptions of speed or pace]
• замедленность [zɐmʲɪˈdlʲɛnnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Often in technical or medical contexts, e.g., slowed processes]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in discussions of movement, processes, or psychology, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Requires understanding of abstract nouns and basic inflections; for 'медленность', it's straightforward, but 'замедленность' may vary slightly in nuance for learners.

Pronunciation (Russian):

медленность: [mʲɪˈdlʲɛnnəsʲtʲ]

замедленность: [zɐmʲɪˈdlʲɛnnəsʲtʲ]

Note on медленность: The stress falls on the third syllable ('dlʲɛnnəsʲtʲ'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'л' sound; pronounce it softly as in 'luxury'.

Note on замедленность: Similar stress pattern, but the prefix 'за-' adds a slight emphasis; avoid over-emphasizing the 'з' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being slow in movement, process, or response.

Translation(s) & Context:

• медленность - Used in everyday formal contexts, such as describing traffic, learning curves, or emotional responses; appropriate for written and spoken Russian.
• замедленность - Applied in more specialized contexts, like science, medicine, or technology, to denote deliberate or pathological slowing.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Вождение с медленностью помогает избежать аварий в плохую погоду.

  English translation: Driving with slowness helps avoid accidents in bad weather.

• Русский пример: Медленность в обучении часто связана с индивидуальными особенностями.

  English translation: Slowness in learning is often linked to individual characteristics.

• Русский пример: Из-за замедленности процесса, проект был отложен на неделю.

  English translation: Due to the slowness of the process, the project was delayed by a week.

• Русский пример: В повседневной жизни медленность может быть признаком осторожности.

  English translation: In everyday life, slowness can be a sign of caution.

• Русский пример: Замедленность реакции у водителя может привести к опасным ситуациям.

  English translation: Slowness of reaction in a driver can lead to dangerous situations.

Alternative meaning: Perceived inefficiency or delay.

Translation(s) & Context:

• медленность - In informal or critical contexts, implying frustration, e.g., in bureaucracy or technology.
• замедленность - Less common here, but used in formal critiques, like in psychology for cognitive delays.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Бюрократическая медленность раздражает многих граждан.

  English translation: Bureaucratic slowness frustrates many citizens.

• Русский пример: Из-за технической замедленности сайт не загружается быстро.

  English translation: Due to technical slowness, the website doesn't load quickly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'медленность' and 'замедленность' are feminine nouns (abstract, third declension). They follow regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. 'медленность' is invariant in plural forms as it's typically used in singular for abstract concepts.

Note: These words do not change for gender or have verbal inflections, as they are nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • медлительность - Similar to 'медленность' but with a slight connotation of hesitation or reluctance.
  • замедление - More action-oriented, implying a process of slowing down.
• Antonyms:
  • быстрота - Speed or rapidity.
  • оперативность - Efficiency or promptness.

Related Phrases:

• с медленной скоростью - With slowness or at a slow speed; used in descriptions of motion.
• из-за медленности - Due to slowness; common in explanations of delays.
• замедленная реакция - Slowed reaction; often in psychological or safety contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'медленность' directly corresponds to the English 'slowness' as an abstract noun, making it ideal for formal writing or discussions. Choose 'замедленность' for contexts involving deliberate or external slowing, such as in technology. Be mindful of case inflections; for example, use the genitive form 'медленности' after prepositions like 'из-за'. This word is neutral in tone but can imply negativity in informal speech, so context matters. When selecting between translations, opt for 'медленность' for everyday use and 'замедленность' for technical precision.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse 'медленность' (a noun) with the adjective 'медленный' (slow). Incorrect: "Он медленность." (Wrong usage as an adjective.) Correct: "Он проявляет медленность." (He shows slowness.) Explanation: Always treat it as a noun and inflect properly.

• Mixing up inflections, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Из-за медленность" (Grammatical error). Correct: "Из-за медленности." Explanation: Pay attention to genitive forms in prepositional phrases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'медленность' can subtly reflect historical or societal attitudes toward time, such as in literature where it symbolizes patience or the vast Russian landscape. For instance, in works by Tolstoy, slowness often represents deep introspection, contrasting with Western efficiency-driven narratives.

Related Concepts:

• скорость
• темп
• реакция