Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'addiction'

English Word: addiction

Key Russian Translations:

• зависимость [zəvʲɪˈsʲiməsʲtʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• пристрастие [prʲɪˈstrastʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often Used for Habits or Cravings]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

зависимость: [zəvʲɪˈsʲiməsʲtʲ]

Note on зависимость: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'и' sounds like 'ee' in 'see'.

пристрастие: [prʲɪˈstrastʲɪjə]

Note on пристрастие: Stress on the second syllable. The 'я' at the end is pronounced as 'ya'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Dependency (Physical or Psychological)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зависимость - Commonly used for addiction to substances (e.g., drugs, alcohol) or behaviors (e.g., gambling).

Usage Examples:

• У него сильная зависимость от никотина.

  He has a strong addiction to nicotine.

• Игровая зависимость разрушает семьи.

  Gaming addiction destroys families.

• Она борется с зависимостью уже несколько лет.

  She has been fighting addiction for several years.

2. Strong Inclination or Habit

Translation(s) & Context:

• пристрастие - Used for a strong liking or preference, often less severe than 'зависимость'.

Usage Examples:

• У неё пристрастие к сладкому.

  She has an addiction to sweets (a strong liking).

• Его пристрастие к чтению вдохновляет.

  His addiction to reading is inspiring.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

зависимость (Noun, Feminine):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	зависимость	зависимости
Genitive	зависимости	зависимостей
Dative	зависимости	зависимостям
Accusative	зависимость	зависимости
Instrumental	зависимостью	зависимостями
Prepositional	зависимости	зависимостях

пристрастие (Noun, Neuter):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	пристрастие	пристрастия
Genitive	пристрастия	пристрастий
Dative	пристрастию	пристрастиям
Accusative	пристрастие	пристрастия
Instrumental	пристрастием	пристрастиями
Prepositional	пристрастии	пристрастиях

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for зависимость:

• подчинённость
• несвобода

Note: 'подчинённость' often implies subordination, while 'несвобода' refers to a lack of freedom.

Synonyms for пристрастие:

• склонность
• влечение

Antonyms for both:

• независимость
• свобода

Related Phrases:

• наркотическая зависимость - Drug addiction.
• пристрастие к алкоголю - Addiction to alcohol (strong inclination or habit).
• побороть зависимость - To overcome an addiction.

Usage Notes:

• 'зависимость' is the more common and formal term for addiction, especially in medical or psychological contexts. It directly corresponds to the English 'addiction' in serious contexts.
• 'пристрастие' can sometimes mean a mere preference or inclination, so it is less intense than 'зависимость'. Use it when referring to non-harmful habits or likings.
• Both nouns are often followed by the preposition 'к' (to) plus the dative case when specifying the object of addiction (e.g., зависимость к наркотикам - addiction to drugs).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'пристрастие' for severe addictions like drug dependency.
  Incorrect: У него пристрастие к наркотикам.
  Correct: У него зависимость от наркотиков.
  Explanation: 'пристрастие' is too mild for serious addictions; 'зависимость' is the appropriate term.
• Error: Incorrect preposition usage.
  Incorrect: Зависимость на алкоголе.
  Correct: Зависимость от алкоголя.
  Explanation: 'зависимость' takes 'от' (from) for substances, not 'на'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of 'зависимость' often carries a heavy stigma, especially when related to alcohol or drugs, as these issues have historically been significant social challenges. Discussions about addiction might be approached with caution or sensitivity in formal or personal settings.

Related Concepts:

• наркомания (drug addiction)
• алкоголизм (alcoholism)
• реабилитация (rehabilitation)