Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spacious'

English Word: spacious

Key Russian Translations:

• просторный [ˈpro.stər.nɨj] - [Formal; commonly used in descriptive contexts for physical space]
• обширный [ɐb.ˈʂɨr.nɨj] - [Formal; implies vastness, often for larger areas like landscapes]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in everyday descriptions of environments, but not as frequent as basic adjectives like "big").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective agreement, but straightforward for learners familiar with basic grammar. For 'просторный', it's B1; for 'обширный', it's also B1 due to similar structures.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

просторный: [ˈpro.stər.nɨj]

обширный: [ɐb.ˈʂɨr.nɨj]

Note on просторный: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the 'р' sound, which is a rolled 'r' in Russian, potentially challenging for English speakers.

Note on обширный: The 'ш' is a soft 'sh' sound; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Having ample space or being roomy (e.g., describing areas that are not cramped)

Translation(s) & Context:

• просторный - Used in formal or everyday contexts to describe interiors like rooms or buildings, emphasizing comfort due to space.
• обширный - Applied to larger, more expansive areas like territories or outdoor spaces, often in formal writing or descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта квартира просторная и светлая. (Eta kvartira prostornaya i svetlaya.)

  This apartment is spacious and bright. (Shows use in describing living spaces, highlighting positive attributes.)

• В просторном зале легко проводить собрания. (V prostornom zale legko provodit' sobraniya.)

  In the spacious hall, it's easy to hold meetings. (Demonstrates use in a professional or public context.)

• Обширный парк привлекает посетителей своей просторностью. (Obshirnyy park privlekayet posetiteley svoey prostornost'yu.)

  The vast park attracts visitors with its spaciousness. (Illustrates combination with other adjectives and in outdoor settings.)

• Просторный сад позволяет выращивать много цветов. (Prostornyy sad pozvolyaet vyrashchivat' mnogo tsvetov.)

  The spacious garden allows growing many flowers. (Shows use in a natural or gardening context with action verbs.)

Meaning 2: Implying expansiveness in a metaphorical sense (e.g., ideas or opportunities)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обширный - Used metaphorically for abstract concepts, like broad knowledge or extensive opportunities, in formal discussions.
• просторный - Less common metaphorically, but can apply in creative writing for ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Обширный спектр возможностей открывается перед молодыми специалистами. (Obshirnyy spektr vozmozhnostey otkryvaetsya pered molodymi spetsialistami.)

  A vast array of opportunities opens up for young professionals. (Highlights metaphorical use in career contexts.)

• Его просторные планы на будущее вдохновляют команду. (Yego prostornye plany na budushchee vdokhnovlyayut komandu.)

  His spacious plans for the future inspire the team. (Demonstrates rare metaphorical application in motivational language.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'просторный' and 'обширный' are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow the standard first-declension adjective pattern, with no irregularities.

These adjectives agree with the nouns they modify. If the word is used predicatively (e.g., after 'to be'), it still inflects accordingly.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • широкий [ʂɨ.ˈro.kʲɨj] - Broad, but more about width than overall space; used in casual contexts.
  • пространный [prɐ.ˈsʲtra.nɨj] - Expansive, often for abstract ideas; subtle difference in connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • узкий [ˈus.kʲɨj] - Narrow, implying lack of space; common in everyday language.
  • тесный [ˈtʲes.nɨj] - Cramped, emphasizing discomfort due to limited space.

Related Phrases:

• Просторный кабинет (Prostornyy kabinet) - Spacious office; used in professional settings to describe work environments.
• Обширная территория (Obshirnaya territoriya) - Vast territory; common in geographical or real estate contexts.
• Просторные возможности (Prostornye vozmozhnosti) - Ample opportunities; metaphorical phrase in motivational or educational discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Просторный' directly corresponds to 'spacious' in physical contexts and is preferred for everyday descriptions, while 'обширный' suits more formal or expansive scenarios. Always ensure the adjective agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, as Russian requires this for grammatical correctness. For English learners, note that 'просторный' can sometimes imply a sense of freedom or comfort, which isn't always explicit in English. When choosing between translations, use 'просторный' for intimate spaces and 'обширный' for larger scales to avoid misuse.

• In formal writing, pair with nouns like 'комната' (room) for 'просторный'.
• Avoid overusing in casual speech; Russians might opt for simpler words if context is clear.

Common Errors:

English learners often forget adjective agreement, e.g., saying 'просторный комната' (incorrect) instead of 'просторная комната' for a feminine noun. Correct: 'Просторная комната' – This error stems from English's lack of gender agreement; always check the noun's gender first.

Another mistake is confusing 'просторный' with 'обширный' in metaphorical uses, e.g., using 'просторный' for 'vast knowledge' when 'обширный' is more appropriate. Example of error: 'Просторный знания' (wrong); Correct: 'Обширные знания' – Explanation: 'Просторный' doesn't convey the intellectual breadth as well.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'просторный' often evoke the vastness of Russia's landscapes, symbolizing freedom and opportunity. For instance, in literature like Tolstoy's works, spacious settings reflect themes of liberation, helping English speakers appreciate the emotional depth beyond literal meanings.

Related Concepts:

• комфортный (comfortable)
• пространство (space)
• широкий (broad)