Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'temporary'

English Word: temporary

Key Russian Translations:

• временный /vrʲɪˈmʲen.nɨj/ - [Formal, Adjective, Used in contexts describing non-permanent states or conditions]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in formal writing, business, and everyday discussions about jobs, contracts, or situations, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of adjective declensions and contexts, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

временный: /vrʲɪˈmʲen.nɨj/

Note on временный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("men"), and the "ы" sound (/ɨ/) can be challenging for English speakers, as it's similar to a muffled "i". Be mindful of the palatalized "n" (/nʲ/) which affects the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Not permanent; lasting for a limited time (as an adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• временный - Used in formal or professional contexts, such as temporary employment or arrangements.

Usage Examples:

• Эта работа временная, но она помогает мне оплатить счета.

  This job is temporary, but it helps me pay the bills.

• Временные изменения в графике могут вызвать путаницу среди сотрудников.

  Temporary changes in the schedule can cause confusion among employees.

• Мы живём в временном жилье, пока не найдём постоянное.

  We're living in temporary housing until we find a permanent one.

• Временный паспорт выдают в случае потери основного документа.

  A temporary passport is issued in case of losing the main document.

• Временные меры безопасности были введены из-за погодных условий.

  Temporary security measures were introduced due to weather conditions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Временный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward once the basic declension rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кратковременный (short-term; implies a very brief duration, often used in scientific or technical contexts)
  • временноий (a less common variant, emphasizing temporality in administrative language)
• Antonyms:
  • постоянный (permanent; used for enduring or fixed states)
  • вечный (eternal; carries a more poetic or absolute connotation)

Related Phrases:

• временная работа - A temporary job; often refers to short-term employment without long-term commitment.
• временные меры - Temporary measures; used in contexts like emergency responses or policy adjustments.
• временный адрес - Temporary address; common in official documents or relocations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "временный" directly corresponds to the English "temporary" as an adjective, but always ensure it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. For example, it's more formal than casual alternatives and is preferred in written or professional settings. When choosing between synonyms like "кратковременный," opt for it if the temporality is very brief. Be cautious with contexts where English "temporary" might imply informality, as Russian usage can be neutral or formal.

• Grammar tip: Always decline the adjective correctly to avoid sounding unnatural.
• Context guide: In everyday speech, Russians might use phrases like "на время" (for a time) instead of the adjective for more fluidity.

Common Errors:

English learners often forget to decline "временный" properly. For instance, they might say "временный дом" in all cases, but incorrectly use it as "временный" in the genitive case instead of "временного дома." Correct usage: "У меня временный дом" (Nominative) vs. "Я ухожу из временного дома" (Genitive: "временного дома"). This error stems from English's lack of declensions and can make sentences grammatically incorrect. Always check the noun's case and adjust the adjective accordingly to ensure fluency.

Cultural Notes:

"Временный" doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, but in Russian society, it's frequently used in contexts like seasonal work or temporary visas, reflecting the country's history of migration and economic shifts. For example, during festivals or economic booms, temporary arrangements are common, highlighting adaptability in Russian culture.

Related Concepts:

• постоянный
• вечный
• кратковременный