Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'useful'

English Word: useful

Key Russian Translations:

• полезный [pɐˈlʲeznɨj] - [Adjective, Formal, Singular Masculine]
• полезная [pɐˈlʲeznəjə] - [Adjective, Informal, Singular Feminine]
• полезное [pɐˈlʲeznəjə] - [Adjective, Neutral, Used in general or abstract contexts]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in everyday Russian conversation, literature, and media)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary, per CEFR; straightforward for beginners but requires basic adjective declension knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полезный: [pɐˈlʲeznɨj]

полезная: [pɐˈlʲeznəjə]

полезное: [pɐˈlʲeznəjə]

Note on полезный/полезная/полезное: The stress falls on the second syllable ("le"). Pay attention to the palatalized "l" sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Something that is helpful, beneficial, or practical in achieving a purpose.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полезный - Used for describing objects, ideas, or actions that provide value in formal or everyday settings, such as education or work.
• полезная - Applied to feminine nouns, e.g., in informal discussions about tools or advice.
• полезное - For neutral or abstract concepts, like general knowledge or experiences.

Usage Examples:

• Эта книга очень полезная для начинающих лингвистов. (Eta kniga ochen' poleznaya dlya nachinayushchikh lingvistov.)

  This book is very useful for beginner linguists.

• Полезный совет от друга всегда помогает в трудные моменты. (Poleznyy sovet ot druga vsegda pomogaet v trudnye momenty.)

  A useful tip from a friend always helps in difficult moments.

• Это приложение полезное, но иногда оно работает медленно. (Eto prilozheniye poleznoye, no inogda ono rabotayet medlenno.)

  This app is useful, but sometimes it runs slowly.

• В повседневной жизни полезные навыки, такие как языки, открывают новые возможности. (V povsednevnoy zhizni poleznye navyki, takie kak yazyki, otkryvayut novyye vozmozhnosti.)

  In everyday life, useful skills like languages open up new opportunities.

• Полезная информация из интернета может быть как хорошей, так и ненадёжной. (Poleznaya informatsiya iz interneta mozhet byt' kak khoroshey, tak i nenadyozhnoy.)

  Useful information from the internet can be both good and unreliable.

Meaning 2: Having practical value or utility in a specific context, such as tools or resources.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полезный - In professional or technical contexts, e.g., describing gadgets or methods.

Usage Examples:

• Этот инструмент полезный для ремонта машин. (Etot instrument poleznyy dlya remonta mashin.)

  This tool is useful for repairing cars.

• Полезное приложение для изучения русского языка. (Poleznoye prilozheniye dlya izucheniya russkogo yazyka.)

  A useful app for learning the Russian language.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Полезный" is an adjective in Russian and follows the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives. It changes based on gender, number, and case, which is a key feature of Russian grammar. There are no irregular forms for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ценный (tsennyy) - More emphasis on value; полезный (poleznyy) is neutral, while ценный implies rarity. выигрышный (vyigryshnyy) - Used in strategic contexts.
• Antonyms: бесполезный (bespoleznyy) - Directly opposite, meaning worthless or ineffective. вредный (vrednyy) - Implies harm rather than just lack of utility.

Related Phrases:

• Полезный совет (Poleznyy sovet) - A helpful piece of advice, often used in casual conversations or self-help contexts.
• Полезная информация (Poleznaya informatsiya) - Useful information, commonly in educational or professional settings.
• Быть полезным (Byt' poleznym) - To be useful, as in volunteering or daily interactions; implies a sense of contribution.

Usage Notes:

Always decline "полезный" to agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case, as Russian adjectives must. For example, it's straightforward with "useful" in English, but in Russian, context dictates the form—e.g., use "полезная" for feminine nouns like "книга" (book). Choose based on formality: "полезный" works in both formal and informal settings, but in highly formal writing, pair it with more precise synonyms like "ценный". Avoid direct word-for-word translation; focus on context to ensure natural usage.

• Grammar tip: In sentences, it often precedes the noun, e.g., "полезный инструмент".
• Selection guide: If the context emphasizes practicality, use "полезный"; for emotional or intrinsic value, consider "ценный".

Common Errors:

One common mistake is failing to decline the adjective correctly, e.g., saying "Эта книга полезный" instead of "Эта книга полезная". Correct usage: Always match the noun's gender and case. Another error is overusing it in informal speech, where English speakers might say "полезный" when a more idiomatic phrase like "выгодный" (profitable) fits better. Example of error: "Я имею полезный навык" (incorrect, as it should be "Я имею полезный навык" with proper declension if needed, but contextually rephrase to "У меня полезный навык"). Explanation: Russian requires agreement, so always check the noun's form to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of something being "useful" (полезный) is highly valued, especially in education and daily life, reflecting a pragmatic approach influenced by historical contexts like Soviet-era emphasis on practicality and resourcefulness. For instance, tools or knowledge that solve real-world problems are often praised, tying into the cultural ideal of "pol'za" (benefit), which underscores communal utility over individual whims.

Related Concepts:

• вредный (vrednyy) - Harmful
• ценный (tsennyy) - Valuable
• практичный (praktichnyy) - Practical