Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Adultery'

English Word: adultery

Key Russian Translations:

• прелюбодеяние [prʲɪlʊbɐˈdʲejənʲɪjə] - [Formal, Religious or Legal Context]
• измена [ɪzˈmʲenə] - [Informal, Commonly Used for 'Cheating' in Relationships]

Frequency: Medium (often used in specific contexts like legal, religious, or personal discussions)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "измена"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "прелюбодеяние" due to its formal and less frequent usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

прелюбодеяние: [prʲɪlʊbɐˈdʲejənʲɪjə]

Note on прелюбодеяние: Stress falls on the fourth syllable ("дей"). The word may sound archaic or overly formal to native speakers in casual conversation.

измена: [ɪzˈmʲenə]

Note on измена: Stress on the second syllable ("ме"). This word is much more common and easier to pronounce.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Infidelity in Marriage (General Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• измена - Commonly used to describe cheating or betrayal in a romantic or marital relationship.
• прелюбодеяние - Used in formal, religious, or legal contexts to denote adultery as a moral or legal transgression.

Usage Examples:

• Она узнала об измене мужа и подала на развод.

  She found out about her husband's infidelity and filed for divorce.

• Измены разрушают доверие в отношениях.

  Infidelities destroy trust in relationships.

• В древних текстах прелюбодеяние считалось тяжким грехом.

  In ancient texts, adultery was considered a grave sin.

• Суд рассматривал дело о прелюбодеянии как основание для развода.

  The court considered the case of adultery as grounds for divorce.

• Он обвинил её в измене, хотя доказательств не было.

  He accused her of cheating, even though there was no evidence.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

1. измена (Noun, Feminine):

2. прелюбодеяние (Noun, Neuter):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for измена:

• предательство (betrayal, often broader in meaning)
• неверность (infidelity, more specific to romantic contexts)

Synonyms for прелюбодеяние:

• супружеская измена (marital infidelity, more specific)

Antonyms:

• верность (loyalty, fidelity)
• преданность (devotion, faithfulness)

Related Phrases:

• совершить измену - To commit infidelity (used for betraying a partner).
• обвинить в измене - To accuse of cheating (common in personal disputes).
• грех прелюбодеяния - The sin of adultery (used in religious contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "измена" is the most common term for infidelity or cheating in modern Russian, especially in everyday conversations about relationships. It can also mean "treason" in broader contexts (e.g., измена родине - treason against the homeland), so context is key.
• "прелюбодеяние" is a formal and somewhat outdated term, often found in religious texts (e.g., the Bible) or legal discussions. It is rarely used in casual speech and may sound overly serious or archaic to native speakers.
• When choosing between the two, use "измена" for personal or informal contexts and "прелюбодеяние" only in formal, legal, or religious discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "прелюбодеяние" in casual conversation about a spouse cheating. This sounds unnatural and overly formal.
  Incorrect: Мой муж совершил прелюбодеяние.
  Correct: Мой муж совершил измену.
  Explanation: "прелюбодеяние" is reserved for specific formal contexts, while "измена" is the natural choice for personal matters.
• Error: Confusing "измена" with "изменение" (change). They sound similar but have different meanings.
  Incorrect: Это была большая изменение в наших отношениях. (Intending to say "infidelity")
  Correct: Это была большая измена в наших отношениях.
  Explanation: Double-check the word to avoid mixing up "измена" (infidelity) with "изменение" (change or alteration).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions of adultery or infidelity ("измена") can be highly emotional and are often tied to notions of trust and family honor. The concept of "прелюбодеяние" carries a strong moral and religious connotation, rooted in Orthodox Christian teachings, where it is viewed as a serious sin. Publicly accusing someone of "измена" can be seen as a grave insult, so such topics are often approached with caution in conversation.

Related Concepts:

• брак (marriage)
• развод (divorce)
• верность (fidelity)
• предательство (betrayal)