Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'thinly'

English Word: thinly

Key Russian Translations:

• тонко [ˈtonkə] - [Adverbial form, Informal/Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday descriptions, especially in cooking or descriptions of materials, but not as basic as core vocabulary)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary, per CEFR; straightforward for beginners but requires understanding of adverbial forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тонко: [ˈtonkə]

Note on тонко: The stress is on the first syllable; the 'o' sound is pronounced as a short 'o' like in "top." Be cautious of vowel reduction in unstressed positions, common in Russian speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As an adverb meaning in a thin, sparse, or fine manner (e.g., slicing, spreading, or distributing)

Translation(s) & Context:

• тонко - Used in contexts involving physical thinness, such as cutting food or describing layers; neutral in formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Он нарезал хлеб тонко, чтобы сделать сэндвичи легче.

  He sliced the bread thinly to make the sandwiches lighter.

• В рецепте указано намазать масло тонко на тост.

  The recipe specifies to spread the butter thinly on the toast.

• Девушка нанесла макияж тонко, чтобы выглядеть естественно.

  The girl applied her makeup thinly to look natural.

• В лесу деревья росли тонко, пропуская солнечный свет.

  In the forest, the trees grew thinly, allowing sunlight through.

• Художник покрыл холст краской тонко, создавая эффект прозрачности.

  The artist painted the canvas thinly, creating a transparency effect.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"тонко" is an adverb derived from the adjective "тонкий" (thin). Adverbs in Russian like this one typically do not inflect for gender, number, or case. It remains unchanged in most contexts, making it straightforward for learners.

For comparison, if referring to the root adjective "тонкий," it inflects as follows:

Since "тонко" is invariant, no further inflections apply directly.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тоненько - A diminutive form, implying even thinner or more delicate application; often used in informal contexts.
  • изящно - Meaning elegantly or finely, with a connotation of grace.
• Antonyms:
  • густо - Meaning thickly or densely, often used in opposition for spreading or layering.
  • толсто - Meaning thickly, derived from "толстый" (thick).

Related Phrases:

• тонко нарезать - To slice thinly; commonly used in cooking instructions.
• тонкий слой - A thin layer; refers to applying something sparingly in contexts like painting or coating.
• тонко распределить - To distribute thinly; useful in descriptions of resources or materials.

Usage Notes:

"тонко" directly corresponds to the English adverb "thinly" in most contexts, particularly those involving physical thinness or sparsity. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, but learners should note its neutral tone. For example, in Russian, adverbs like this often follow the verb they modify, as in "нарезать тонко." If multiple translations exist, choose "тонко" for straightforward adverbial use; opt for synonyms like "тоненько" for a more affectionate or diminutive nuance. Be aware of word order in sentences to maintain natural flow, as Russian syntax can differ from English.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "тонко" with the adjective "тонкий": Learners might incorrectly use "тонкий" as an adverb, e.g., saying "нарезать тонкий" instead of "нарезать тонко." Correct usage: "нарезать тонко" (slice thinly). Explanation: Russian adjectives must be converted to adverbs for such functions, unlike in English.

• Overusing in formal contexts: Beginners may apply "тонко" too broadly; for instance, using it in scientific descriptions where "тонкий" as an adjective is more appropriate. Correct: Use "тонко" only for adverbial actions, not nominal descriptions.

• Mispronouncing the vowel: Saying [tohn-KOH] instead of [ˈtonkə], which alters the word. Correct pronunciation: Emphasize the first syllable and reduce the unstressed vowel.

Cultural Notes:

While "тонко" itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, it reflects everyday Russian practicality, especially in culinary traditions where precise preparation (like thinly slicing ingredients) is valued in dishes such as blini or salads. In broader cultural contexts, concepts of "thinness" in Russian art or literature might symbolize fragility or minimalism, as seen in minimalist poetry or traditional crafts.

Related Concepts:

• тонкий (thin, as an adjective)
• изящный (elegant or fine)
• прозрачный (transparent, relating to thin materials)