sufficiency
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sufficiency'
English Word: sufficiency
Key Russian Translations:
- достаточность [dɐˈstatətɕnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Abstract Noun]
- достаток [dɐˈstatək] - [Informal, Often Implies Material Sufficiency]
Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in academic, legal, and everyday contexts discussing resources or adequacy, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary like "enough".)
Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and basic noun inflections in Russian. For 'достаточность', it's B1; for 'достаток', it's A2 due to its simpler usage.)
Pronunciation (Russian):
достаточность: [dɐˈstatətɕnəsʲtʲ]
достаток: [dɐˈstatək]
Note on достаточность: The stress falls on the third syllable ('sta'), and the 'ч' sound is a soft palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear separation between syllables.
Audio: Play Pronunciation for достаточность (Audio file placeholder)
Audio: Play Pronunciation for достаток (Audio file placeholder)
Meanings and Usage:
The state or quality of being sufficient; adequacy in quantity or degree.
Translation(s) & Context:
- достаточность - Used in formal contexts like economics or philosophy to discuss meeting needs without excess.
- достаток - Applied in everyday informal settings, often relating to financial or personal resources.
Usage Examples:
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В экономике важна достаточность ресурсов для устойчивого развития.
In economics, the sufficiency of resources is important for sustainable development.
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Его достаток позволяет ему жить комфортно, но не роскошно.
His sufficiency allows him to live comfortably but not luxuriously.
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Обеспечение достаточности пищи — ключевой аспект продовольственной безопасности.
Ensuring the sufficiency of food is a key aspect of food security.
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В повседневной жизни мы стремимся к достатку, а не к излишествам.
In everyday life, we strive for sufficiency rather than excesses.
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Достаточность знаний помогает в успешной карьере, но требует постоянного обучения.
Sufficiency of knowledge helps in a successful career but requires continuous learning.
The amount that is enough; a sufficient quantity.
Translation(s) & Context:
- достаточность - In quantitative contexts, such as measurements or supplies.
- достаток - Less common here, but used informally for personal inventory.
Usage Examples:
-
Эта сумма обеспечивает достаточность для покрытия расходов.
This amount ensures sufficiency to cover the expenses.
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В саду есть достаток овощей, чтобы хватило на всю семью.
In the garden, there is sufficiency of vegetables to last the whole family.
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Достижение достаточности в тренировках требует дисциплины.
Achieving sufficiency in training requires discipline.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
Both 'достаточность' and 'достаток' are feminine nouns in Russian, following standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. 'Достаточность' is an abstract noun and inflects regularly, while 'достаток' is more concrete and also regular.
Case | Singular (for достаточность) | Plural (for достаточность) | Singular (for достаток) | Plural (for достаток) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nominative | достаточность | достаточности | достаток | достатки |
Genitive | достаточности | достаточностей | достатка | достатков |
Dative | достаточности | достаточностям | достатку | достаткам |
Accusative | достаточность | достаточности | достаток | достатки |
Instrumental | достаточностью | достаточностями | достатком | достатками |
Prepositional | достаточности | достаточностях | достатке | достатках |
Note: These are regular inflections. 'Достаток' does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- избыточность (izbytochnost') - More formal, implies excess but can overlap in contexts of sufficiency.
- полнота (polnota) - Used for completeness, with a subtle difference in implying wholeness.
- Antonyms:
- недостаток (nedostatok) - Directly opposite, meaning lack or deficiency.
- нехватка (nekhatka) - Informal for shortage.
Related Phrases:
- Достаточность средств - Sufficiency of funds; used in financial planning.
- Обеспечить достаток - To ensure sufficiency; common in resource management contexts.
- В пределах достаточности - Within the limits of sufficiency; implies moderation in usage.
Usage Notes:
'Достаточность' directly corresponds to the abstract sense of 'sufficiency' in English, making it ideal for formal writing or discussions. Use 'достаток' for more personal or material contexts, as it carries a connotation of contentment. Be mindful of Russian's grammatical gender and case requirements; for example, always decline the noun based on its role in the sentence. When choosing between translations, opt for 'достаточность' in academic settings and 'достаток' in casual conversations to match the appropriate register.
Common Errors:
Confusing 'достаточность' with 'достаток': Learners might use 'достаток' in formal contexts where 'достаточность' is more precise. Error: "В экономике достаток ресурсов" (incorrect). Correct: "В экономике достаточность ресурсов". Explanation: 'Достаток' implies personal wealth, while 'достаточность' fits abstract adequacy.
Forgetting noun inflections: English speakers often overlook case changes. Error: "Я думаю о достаточность" (incorrect; should be genitive). Correct: "Я думаю о достаточности". Explanation: In prepositional phrases, the noun must be in the correct case to agree with the preposition.
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, concepts like 'достаточность' and 'достаток' reflect a historical emphasis on practicality and modesty, influenced by Soviet-era resource constraints. For instance, 'достаток' often appears in literature to symbolize a humble, self-sufficient life, as seen in works by Chekhov, where personal sufficiency is valued over excess.
Related Concepts:
- избыток (excess)
- необходимость (necessity)
- ресурсы (resources)