Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vigilance'

English Word: vigilance

Key Russian Translations:

• бдительность /bdɪˈtɛlʲnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, often used in contexts requiring alertness or watchfulness]
• осторожность /ɐsˈtoʐnəsʲtʲ/ - [Informal, emphasizing caution rather than intense vigilance]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, news, and professional contexts, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and formal vocabulary; for 'бдительность', it's B2, while 'осторожность' is B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бдительность: /bdɪˈtɛlʲnəsʲtʲ/ (The stress is on the third syllable; note the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers)

осторожность: /ɐsˈtoʐnəsʲtʲ/ (Stress on the second syllable; the 'ж' sound is similar to the 's' in 'measure')

Note on бдительность: Be cautious with the initial 'бд' cluster, as it may feel awkward; it's pronounced quickly without a pause.

Note on осторожность: The 'ж' sound is palatalized, making it softer than in English equivalents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being watchful, alert, or cautious to detect danger or ensure safety.

Translation(s) & Context:

• бдительность - Used in formal or professional settings, such as military, security, or ethical vigilance (e.g., in contexts involving monitoring or prevention).
• осторожность - Applied in everyday situations emphasizing prudence, like driving or decision-making.

Usage Examples:

• В условиях войны солдаты должны проявлять бдительность, чтобы избежать засады.

  In wartime, soldiers must exhibit vigilance to avoid ambushes.

• Бдительность в бизнесе помогает выявить потенциальные риски заранее.

  Vigilance in business helps identify potential risks in advance.

• Осторожность на дороге может спасти жизни, особенно в плохую погоду.

  Vigilance on the road can save lives, especially in bad weather.

• Её бдительность как охранника обеспечила безопасность всей команды.

  Her vigilance as a guard ensured the safety of the entire team.

• В повседневной жизни небольшая осторожность предотвращает многие проблемы.

  In everyday life, a bit of vigilance prevents many issues.

Another meaning: The act of keeping watch or maintaining awareness in a specific context, such as ethical or moral alertness.

Translation(s) & Context:

• бдительность - In moral or ethical contexts, implying constant awareness (e.g., in legal or philosophical discussions).

Usage Examples:

• Бдительность общества необходима для борьбы с коррупцией.

  Vigilance from society is necessary to fight corruption.

• Его бдительность в работе с данными предотвратила утечку конфиденциальной информации.

  His vigilance in handling data prevented a leak of confidential information.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'бдительность' and 'осторожность' are feminine nouns (third declension in Russian). They follow standard patterns for abstract nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender.

These nouns do not change in plural forms as they are typically used in singular for abstract concepts. No irregular inflections; they follow standard feminine noun patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • внимательность (more about attention to detail, often in interpersonal contexts)
  • бережность (implies carefulness with a protective connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • неосторожность (carelessness or negligence)
  • беззаботность (recklessness or lack of concern)

Related Phrases:

• Сохранять бдительность - Maintain vigilance (used to advise ongoing alertness, e.g., in security contexts).
• Проявлять осторожность - Show caution (common in daily advice, implying preventive measures).
• Бдительность не помешает - Vigilance won't hurt (an idiomatic expression meaning it's always wise to be alert).

Usage Notes:

'Бдительность' directly corresponds to the more intense, formal aspects of 'vigilance' in English, such as in military or ethical scenarios, while 'осторожность' aligns with everyday caution. Use 'бдительность' in professional or written Russian to convey a sense of active watchfulness, but opt for 'осторожность' in informal speech to avoid sounding overly formal. Grammatically, both are feminine nouns, so they must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs. For example, when choosing between translations, select based on context: 'бдительность' for high-stakes situations and 'осторожность' for routine prudence.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'бдительность' with 'внимательность': English learners often mix these, thinking they are identical. Error: Using 'бдительность' when 'внимательность' (attention) is more appropriate, e.g., "Он проявил бдительность в разговоре" (incorrect for simple attention). Correct: "Он проявил внимательность в разговоре" – Explanation: 'Бдительность' implies alert watchfulness, not just focus.
• Misinflecting the noun: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "без бдительность" instead of "без бдительности" in genitive. Error: "Я потерял бдительность" (should be "бдительность" in accusative, but context matters). Correct: "Я утратил бдительность" – Explanation: Always check the case based on the sentence structure to ensure proper agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'бдительность' often carries connotations from Soviet-era propaganda, where it was emphasized in contexts like espionage or public safety, symbolizing collective awareness against threats. This historical baggage can add a layer of intensity to its use, making it more than just caution—it's about patriotic or communal vigilance.

Related Concepts:

• безопасность (safety)
• наблюдательность (observance)
• предупреждение (warning)