Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'volitional'

English Word: volitional

Key Russian Translations:

• Волевый [vɐˈlʲevɨj] - [Formal, often used in psychological or philosophical contexts]
• Добровольный [dɐbrɐˈvolʲnɨj] - [Informal, typically for voluntary actions or decisions]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in academic, psychological, and everyday discussions about human behavior)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective inflections and contextual nuances; for 'Волевый', it's B2, while 'Добровольный' is A2 for basic forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Волевый: [vɐˈlʲevɨj]

Note on Волевый: The stress falls on the second syllable ('le'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'l' sound, which is common in Russian adjectives and can be tricky for English speakers.

Добровольный: [dɐbrɐˈvolʲnɨj]

Note on Добровольный: The stress is on the third syllable ('vol'). This word often has a softer pronunciation in casual speech, with the 'l' sound varying by dialect.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to the will or volition, often describing actions or traits driven by personal intent.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Волевый - Used in formal contexts like psychology or self-improvement, to describe willful or determined behavior.
• Добровольный - Applied in everyday situations involving voluntary choices, such as participation in activities.

Usage Examples:

• Его волевой характер проявился в преодолении всех препятствий на пути к успеху.

  His volitional character was evident in overcoming all obstacles on the path to success.

• Волевые усилия необходимы для достижения долгосрочных целей.

  Volitional efforts are necessary for achieving long-term goals.

• Добровольный выбор профессии часто приводит к большей удовлетворенности работой.

  A volitional choice of profession often leads to greater job satisfaction.

• Волевые качества лидера вдохновляют команду на новые свершения.

  The volitional qualities of a leader inspire the team to new achievements.

• Добровольный отказ от вредных привычек требует сильной воли.

  A volitional refusal of bad habits requires strong will.

Meaning 2: In a more specific sense, pertaining to voluntary actions in legal or ethical contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Волевый - In legal discussions, to denote actions based on free will.
• Добровольный - Common in ethical or social contexts for uncoerced decisions.

Usage Examples:

• Волевые действия в контракте должны быть подтверждены подписью.

  Volitional actions in a contract must be confirmed by signature.

• Добровольный вклад в благотворительность всегда приветствуется.

  Volitional contributions to charity are always welcomed.

• Суд учитывает волевой аспект преступления при вынесении приговора.

  The court considers the volitional aspect of the crime when issuing a sentence.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Волевый' and 'Добровольный' are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow standard patterns with some irregularities.

For 'Волевый' (an adjective of the first declension):

For 'Добровольный', it follows a similar pattern but is more regular:

These adjectives do not change for verbs but must agree with nouns in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Сильный воли (strong-willed; more emphatic), Упорный (persistent; with a focus on endurance)
• Antonyms: Бесхарактерный (weak-willed; implies lack of resolve), Принудительный (forced; opposite of voluntary)

Related Phrases:

• Волевые качества - Volitional qualities; refers to personal traits involving determination.
• Добровольный отряд - Voluntary squad; used in contexts like military or community service.
• Волевое решение - Volitional decision; emphasizes a choice made by one's own will.

Usage Notes:

'Волевый' is the more precise translation for 'volitional' in contexts involving psychological or philosophical will, while 'Добровольный' aligns better with voluntary actions. In Russian, these words must agree grammatically with the nouns they modify, so always check gender and case. For English speakers, note that Russian culture often emphasizes 'volitional' traits in literature and education, so use 'Волевый' in formal writing. When choosing between translations, opt for 'Добровольный' in everyday or legal scenarios to avoid stiffness.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Confusing 'Волевый' with 'Добровольный' and using the latter in psychological contexts. Incorrect: "Его добровольный характер" (implies voluntary nature rather than willful). Correct: "Его волевой характер". Explanation: 'Добровольный' suggests choice without coercion, not inherent will.

• Common Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "волевой женщина" instead of "волевая женщина". Correct: Always inflect based on the noun's gender. Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun they describe, which is a frequent mistake for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'volitional' traits like those described by 'Волевый' are highly valued, especially in literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky), where characters' inner willpower often drives the narrative. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on resilience and personal strength in the face of adversity, rooted in historical contexts like the Soviet era's promotion of 'volitional' endurance.

Related Concepts:

• Мотивация
• Воля
• Самоконтроль