Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tactic'

English Word: tactic

Key Russian Translations:

• тактика [ˈtaktʲɪkə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in discussions of strategy, military, or business contexts in Russian media and literature)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level, as it involves understanding noun declensions and contextual usage in everyday and professional Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тактика: [ˈtaktʲɪkə]

Note on тактика: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'т' is pronounced softly as [tʲ] due to the following 'а', which is a common feature in Russian palatalization. Be mindful of the vowel shifts in inflected forms.

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Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A plan or method to achieve a specific goal, often in a strategic context (e.g., military, business, or sports)

Translation(s) & Context:

• тактика - Used in formal or professional settings, such as military strategy or business planning, to denote a specific, tactical approach rather than a broad strategy.

Usage Examples:

• В военной тактике важна быстрая адаптация к изменениям.

  In military tactics, quick adaptation to changes is crucial.

• Компания использует новые тактики для привлечения клиентов.

  The company is using new tactics to attract customers.

• Его тактика в переговорах всегда основана на тщательном анализе.

  His tactic in negotiations is always based on thorough analysis.

• В футболе тактика команды может изменить исход матча.

  In football, a team's tactic can change the outcome of the match.

• Она применила хитрую тактику, чтобы выиграть спор.

  She applied a clever tactic to win the argument.

Secondary Meaning: A maneuver or trick in a less formal context (e.g., everyday problem-solving)

Translation(s) & Context:

• тактика - In informal contexts, it can imply a clever trick or method, but still maintains a strategic connotation; avoid in purely casual speech where simpler words like "способ" might suffice.

Usage Examples:

• Его тактика в повседневной жизни — избегать конфликтов.

  His tactic in everyday life is to avoid conflicts.

• Дети часто используют тактику, чтобы получить желаемое.

  Children often use tactics to get what they want.

• В учебе тактика повторения помогает запомнить материал.

  In studying, the tactic of repetition helps to memorize material.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тактика" is a feminine noun in Russian (from Greek origin), and it follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а. It is regularly inflected based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стратегия (strategy; more broad and long-term, often used interchangeably but with a focus on overall planning)
  • метод (method; implies a systematic approach, less strategic)
  • прием (technique; for specific actions, often in sports or crafts)
• Antonyms:
  • хаос (chaos; implies disorder and lack of planning)
  • импровизация (improvisation; spontaneous action without prior strategy)

Related Phrases:

• военная тактика - Military tactics; refers to battlefield strategies in a formal context.
• тактический план - Tactical plan; used in business or military to outline short-term actions.
• хитрая тактика - Clever tactic; implies a sneaky or intelligent maneuver in everyday situations.
• изменить тактику - To change tactics; common in discussions of adapting strategies.

Usage Notes:

"Тактика" directly corresponds to the English "tactic" as a specific, actionable plan, but it is more commonly used in formal or professional Russian than in casual conversation. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the noun to be declined based on its role in the sentence (e.g., use genitive for possession). When choosing between "тактика" and synonyms like "стратегия," opt for "тактика" for short-term, detailed methods rather than long-term goals. It pairs well with verbs like "использовать" (to use) or "применить" (to apply) in various contexts.

• In business: Often appears in reports or meetings.
• In military contexts: Highly formal and precise.
• Grammar tip: Always feminine, so adjectives must agree (e.g., "хорошая тактика" for "good tactic").

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "тактика" with "стратегия," using them interchangeably. For example:

• Error: "Моя стратегия — быстро бежать." (Incorrect if meaning a specific tactic; implies a broader plan.)
• Correct: "Моя тактика — быстро бежать." (Correct for a specific action in a situation.)
• Explanation: "Стратегия" is for overall plans, while "тактика" is for immediate, detailed steps. Another common mistake is forgetting declensions, e.g., saying "Я видел тактика" instead of "Я видел тактику" in accusative case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "тактика" often evokes historical military contexts, such as those from World War II or the Napoleonic era, where strategic maneuvering was crucial. It reflects a cultural emphasis on pragmatism and adaptability in challenging situations, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's "War and Peace," where tactics play a key role in depicting warfare.

Related Concepts:

• стратегия
• маневр
• план