Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Alibi'

English Word: alibi

Key Russian Translations:

• алиби [ˈalʲɪbʲɪ] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

алиби: [ˈalʲɪbʲɪ]

Note on алиби: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "и" sounds like the 'i' in "bit."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Legal or Formal Excuse (Proof of Absence)

Translation(s) & Context:

• алиби - Used in legal contexts or formal discussions to refer to evidence or a statement proving someone was elsewhere during a crime.

Usage Examples:

• У него было железное алиби на момент преступления.

  He had an ironclad alibi at the time of the crime.

• Полиция проверила его алиби и отпустила его.

  The police checked his alibi and released him.

• Её алиби подтвердил свидетель.

  Her alibi was confirmed by a witness.

• Без алиби его положение выглядит подозрительно.

  Without an alibi, his situation looks suspicious.

• Он придумал алиби, чтобы избежать наказания.

  He made up an alibi to avoid punishment.

2. Informal Excuse or Justification

Translation(s) & Context:

• алиби - Used colloquially to mean an excuse or justification for not doing something.

Usage Examples:

• Это не алиби, ты просто опоздал!

  That’s no alibi, you’re just late!

• Он всегда находит алиби, чтобы не работать.

  He always finds an alibi to avoid working.

• Не ищи алиби, признай свою ошибку.

  Don’t look for an alibi, admit your mistake.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The Russian word алиби is a neuter noun borrowed from Latin via other languages. It is indeclinable, meaning it does not change form regardless of case or number. It remains "алиби" in all grammatical contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• оправдание (justification, excuse - broader meaning)
• отговорка (excuse - more informal, often negative connotation)

Note: "оправдание" can be used in legal or moral contexts, while "отговорка" often implies a weak or unconvincing excuse.

Antonyms:

• обвинение (accusation)
• доказательство вины (proof of guilt)

Related Phrases:

• железное алиби - "ironclad alibi" (a very strong, undeniable alibi)
• придумать алиби - "to come up with an alibi" (to invent an excuse or proof of absence)
• проверить алиби - "to check an alibi" (to verify someone's claim of being elsewhere)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "алиби" directly corresponds to the English "alibi" in both legal and informal contexts. It is a loanword and retains the same core meaning.
• It can be used in formal settings (e.g., courtrooms) as well as casual conversations (e.g., excuses for tardiness), though in informal contexts, native speakers might also use "оправдание" or "отговорка" depending on the tone.
• Since "алиби" is indeclinable, it does not adapt to Russian grammatical cases, which may feel unusual to learners but is common for borrowed words.

Common Errors:

• Error: Attempting to decline "алиби" like a regular Russian noun (e.g., saying "алибей" in genitive case). Correct Usage: It remains "алиби" in all cases. For example, "У меня нет алиби" (I have no alibi), not "алибей."
• Error: Overusing "алиби" in non-legal contexts where "оправдание" would sound more natural to native speakers. Explanation: While "алиби" can mean a general excuse, it often retains a legal connotation, so for everyday excuses, consider "оправдание" or "отговорка."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of an "алиби" is often associated with detective stories, crime dramas, or legal proceedings, much like in English-speaking contexts. However, in casual speech, using "алиби" for trivial excuses can sometimes carry a playful or slightly dramatic tone, as if mimicking legal language.

Related Concepts:

• свидетель (witness)
• доказательство (evidence)
• преступление (crime)