Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'altruism'

English Word: altruism

Key Russian Translations:

• альтруизм [IPA: ɑlʲˈtruɪzm] - [Formal, Academic]

Frequency: Medium (Primarily used in academic, philosophical, and psychological contexts; not common in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; Requires familiarity with borrowed words and abstract concepts, as it is a loanword from English/French.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

альтруизм: [IPA: ɑlʲˈtruɪzm]

Note on альтруизм: The stress falls on the second syllable ("tru"). Be mindful of the soft "l" sound (palatalized), which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The principle or practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others, often in ethical, philosophical, or social contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• альтруизм - Used in formal discussions, such as philosophy or psychology, to describe selfless behavior without expectation of reward. Common in academic writing or lectures.

Usage Examples:

• Его действия были ярким примером альтруизма в повседневной жизни.

  His actions were a striking example of altruism in everyday life.

• Альтруизм часто подчеркивается в этических теориях, как в работах философов.

  Altruism is often emphasized in ethical theories, as in the works of philosophers.

• В современном обществе альтруизм может проявляться через волонтерскую работу.

  In modern society, altruism can manifest through volunteer work.

• Несмотря на эгоистичные мотивы, иногда альтруизм играет ключевую роль в социальных движениях.

  Despite selfish motives, altruism sometimes plays a key role in social movements.

• Альтруизм в психологии объясняется как инстинкт, помогающий выживанию вида.

  Altruism in psychology is explained as an instinct that aids species survival.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

альтруизм is a masculine noun (from the -изм suffix, borrowed from Western languages). It follows the standard declension pattern for third-declension masculine nouns in Russian, which is relatively regular. However, as a modern loanword, it does not have extensive inflections and remains largely unchanged in most forms.

Note: The plural forms are infrequently used, as "альтруизм" typically refers to the concept as a whole. It does not change for gender or have verbal inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • самоотверженность (self-sacrifice; more emotional and personal connotation)
  • бескорыстие (disinterestedness; emphasizes lack of self-interest in actions)
• Antonyms:
  • эгоизм (egoism; directly opposite, implying self-centered behavior)
  • корыстолюбие (self-interest; with a focus on material gain)

Related Phrases:

• Альтруизм и эгоизм - A common phrase in philosophical debates; means "Altruism and egoism" and discusses opposing behaviors.
• Принципы альтруизма - Refers to "Principles of altruism"; used in ethical or social discussions to outline selfless guidelines.
• Альтруизм в обществе - Means "Altruism in society"; often appears in sociological contexts to describe community welfare efforts.

Usage Notes:

альтруизм is a direct loanword from English/French and is primarily used in formal, academic, or intellectual settings rather than casual conversation. It corresponds closely to the English "altruism" in meaning, but English speakers should note that Russian often pairs it with broader ethical discussions influenced by historical contexts like Soviet philosophy. When choosing between synonyms like бескорыстие, opt for альтруизм in more theoretical scenarios. Grammatically, it functions as a nominative subject or object without significant alterations, but always consider the case when integrating into sentences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing альтруизм with эгоизм: English learners might misuse it by translating self-interested actions as альтруизм. Incorrect: "Его эгоизм — это альтруизм." (Wrongly equating egoism to altruism.) Correct: "Его действия — это альтруизм, а не эгоизм." Explanation: Ensure the context clearly conveys selflessness to avoid semantic overlap.

• Mispronouncing the word: Learners often stress the wrong syllable, saying [ɑlˈtruɪzm] instead of [ɑlʲˈtruɪzm]. Incorrect pronunciation: [ɑlˈtruɪzm]. Correct: [ɑlʲˈtruɪzm]. Explanation: Practice the palatalized "l" to sound natural in Russian speech.

• Overusing in informal contexts: Treating it as everyday vocabulary, e.g., in casual chats. Incorrect usage: "Мой друг показал альтруизм вчера." (In very informal settings, use бескорыстие instead.) Correct: Reserve for formal writing. Explanation: This word sounds overly academic in daily talk, potentially confusing native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, альтруизм is often linked to historical ideals of collectivism and social responsibility, stemming from Soviet-era philosophy that emphasized community over individualism. It can carry positive connotations in discussions of heroism or philanthropy, but may also be critiqued in modern contexts as idealistic or naive, reflecting ongoing debates about personal versus societal benefits.

Related Concepts:

• филантропия (philanthropy)
• гуманизм (humanism)
• самоотречение (self-denial)