Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'specially'

English Word: specially

Key Russian Translations:

• специально /spʲɪˈt͡sɨlʲnə/ - [Adverb, Formal/Informal, Used in general contexts to indicate something done for a specific purpose]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in everyday Russian conversation and writing, but not as frequent as basic adverbs like "очень").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of adverbial forms and contextual usage in sentences).

Pronunciation (Russian):

специально: /spʲɪˈt͡sɨlʲnə/

Note on специально: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tsɨlʲ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 's' sound (/spʲ/). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: For a specific purpose or in a particular way (e.g., especially or specifically)

Translation(s) & Context:

• специально - Used in formal and informal contexts when emphasizing that something is done deliberately for a particular reason, such as in instructions or descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Я специально выбрал этот маршрут, чтобы избежать пробок. (Ya spetsial'no vybral etot marshrut, chtoby izbezhat probok.)

  I specially chose this route to avoid traffic jams.

• Эта книга специально написана для начинающих. (Eta kniga spetsial'no napisana dlya nachinayushchikh.)

  This book is specially written for beginners.

• Он специально приехал рано, чтобы застать нас дома. (On spetsial'no priehal rano, chtoby zastat' nas doma.)

  He came specially early to catch us at home.

• Для этого блюда специально используют свежие ингредиенты. (Dlya etogo blyuda spetsial'no ispol'zuyut svezhie ingredienty.)

  For this dish, they specially use fresh ingredients.

• Мы специально организовали встречу в парке, чтобы насладиться погодой. (My spetsial'no organizovali vstrechu v parke, chtoby naslazhditsya pogodoy.)

  We specially organized the meeting in the park to enjoy the weather.

Meaning 2: In a special manner (if applicable, e.g., emphasizing uniqueness)

Translation(s) & Context:

• специально - Often used in contexts where something is tailored or customized, similar to "especially" in English.

Usage Examples:

• Эта услуга специально предназначена для VIP-клиентов. (Eta usluga spetsial'no prednaznachena dlya VIP-klientov.)

  This service is specially intended for VIP clients.

• Она специально подготовила презентацию, чтобы впечатлить аудиторию. (Ona spetsial'no podgotovila prezentatsiyu, chtoby vpechatlit' auditoriyu.)

  She specially prepared the presentation to impress the audience.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Специально is an adverb in Russian and does not undergo typical inflection for gender, number, or case, as adverbs generally remain unchanged. However, it can be modified by context or emphasis.

For example:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • особенно (osobenno) - Especially, with a nuance of exceptionality; used when highlighting something outstanding.
  • конкретно (konkretno) - Specifically, more focused on details; often in formal or technical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • случайно (sluchayno) - Accidentally, implying the opposite of deliberate action.
  • общо (obshcho) - Generally, suggesting a broad rather than specific approach.

Related Phrases:

• специально для (spetsial'no dlya) - Specially for; used in contexts like preparing something tailored to someone, e.g., "This was specially for you."
• специально подготовленный (spetsial'no podgotovlennyy) - Specially prepared; refers to items or events customized for a purpose.
• делать что-то специально (delat' chto-to spetsial'no) - To do something specially; a common phrase for intentional actions.

Usage Notes:

Специально directly corresponds to the English "specially" when indicating purpose or specificity, but it can also overlap with "especially" in emotional or emphatic contexts. Use it in formal writing, such as reports or instructions, and informal speech alike. Be cautious with word order in Russian sentences, as специально often precedes the verb for emphasis. When choosing between translations like специально and особенно, opt for специально if the focus is on intentionality rather than comparison.

• Grammar note: As an adverb, it doesn't change form, making it straightforward for learners, but ensure it's placed correctly for natural flow.
• Context tip: In business or technical Russian, специально is preferred for precision, while in casual talk, it might be softened with other words.

Common Errors:

One common mistake is confusing специально with особенно, leading learners to use особенно when meaning "for a specific purpose." For example:

• Incorrect: Я особенно выбрал этот цвет. (This implies "I especially chose this color," suggesting it's outstanding, not intentional.)
• Correct: Я специально выбрал этот цвет. (This means "I specially chose this color," emphasizing purpose.)
• Explanation: The error often stems from direct translation without considering nuance; always check the context for intentionality versus exceptionality.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "specially" (специально) often ties into the value of personalization and effort, such as in hospitality where hosts might prepare something "specially for guests" to show care. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on relationships and deliberate actions in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• уникально (unikal'no) - Uniquely
• преднамеренно (prednamerenno) - Deliberately
• индивидуально (individual'no) - Individually