Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Adulthood'

English Word: Adulthood

Key Russian Translations:

• взрослость [ˈvzrɐsləsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Abstract]
• совершеннолетие [səvʲɪrʂɨnːəˈlʲetʲɪjə] - [Formal, Legal Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "взрослость"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "совершеннолетие"

Pronunciation (Russian):

взрослость: [ˈvzrɐsləsʲtʲ]

Note on взрослость: Stress falls on the first syllable, and the soft 'л' sound can be challenging for non-native speakers.

совершеннолетие: [səvʲɪrʂɨnːəˈlʲetʲɪjə]

Note on совершеннолетие: Pay attention to the doubled 'н' and stress on the fourth syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General State of Being an Adult (Abstract Concept)

Translation(s) & Context:

• взрослость - Used to describe the general concept or state of being an adult, often in philosophical or emotional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Взрослость приносит как свободу, так и ответственность.

  Adulthood brings both freedom and responsibility.

• Он достиг взрослости, но всё ещё чувствует себя ребёнком.

  He has reached adulthood, but still feels like a child.

• Взрослость — это не только возраст, но и мышление.

  Adulthood is not just about age, but also about mindset.

2. Legal Age of Majority

Translation(s) & Context:

• совершеннолетие - Refers specifically to reaching the legal age of majority (18 in Russia), often used in formal or legal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В России совершеннолетие наступает в 18 лет.

  In Russia, adulthood (legal majority) begins at 18 years old.

• После достижения совершеннолетия он получил право голосовать.

  After reaching adulthood, he gained the right to vote.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

взрослость (Noun, Feminine, 3rd Declension):

Case	Singular
Nominative	взрослость
Genitive	взрослости
Dative	взрослости
Accusative	взрослость
Instrumental	взрослостью
Prepositional	о взрослости

Note: This noun does not have a plural form as it represents an abstract concept.

совершеннолетие (Noun, Neuter, 2nd Declension):

Case	Singular
Nominative	совершеннолетие
Genitive	совершеннолетия
Dative	совершеннолетию
Accusative	совершеннолетие
Instrumental	совершеннолетием
Prepositional	о совершеннолетии

Note: Like "взрослость," this noun is typically used in the singular form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for взрослость:

• зрелость (maturity, often emotional or intellectual)

Synonyms for совершеннолетие:

• полнолетие (full legal age, interchangeable in legal contexts)

Antonyms:

• детство (childhood)
• несовершеннолетие (minority, legal term)

Related Phrases:

• достичь взрослости - To reach adulthood (general maturity).
• достичь совершеннолетия - To come of age (legal majority).
• взрослость ума - Maturity of mind (intellectual adulthood).

Usage Notes:

• "Взрослость" is more abstract and can refer to emotional or psychological maturity, while "совершеннолетие" strictly pertains to the legal age of majority.
• Use "взрослость" in informal or reflective discussions about growing up, and reserve "совершеннолетие" for formal or legal contexts.
• Be mindful of the context, as directly translating "adulthood" to either term without considering the situation can lead to misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "взрослость" in legal contexts. Incorrect: "Он достиг взрослости и теперь может подписывать контракты." Correct: "Он достиг совершеннолетия и теперь может подписывать контракты." (Explanation: Legal contexts require "совершеннолетие.")
• Error: Mispronouncing "совершеннолетие" by stressing the wrong syllable. Stress should be on "ле" ([lʲetʲ]), not on "со" or "ве."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, reaching "совершеннолетие" (legal adulthood at 18) is a significant milestone, often celebrated with family gatherings and the acknowledgment of new rights and responsibilities, such as voting or entering into contracts. The concept of "взрослость," however, may carry deeper connotations of personal growth and responsibility beyond just age.

Related Concepts:

• зрелость (maturity)
• ответственность (responsibility)
• самостоятельность (independence)