Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Amnesty'

English Word: Amnesty

Key Russian Translations:

• амнистия [ɐmˈnʲistʲɪjə] - [Formal, Legal Context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in legal and political contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Requires understanding of formal and legal language

Pronunciation (Russian):

амнистия: [ɐmˈnʲistʲɪjə]

Note on амнистия: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "и" is pronounced as a short "i," and the soft "т" (indicated by "ь") is a distinctive feature of Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Pardon (Legal or Political Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• амнистия - Used in formal contexts to refer to a government-issued pardon for a group of people, often for political or legal reasons.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство объявило амнистию для политических заключённых.

  The government announced an amnesty for political prisoners.

• Амнистия была приурочена к национальному празднику.

  The amnesty was timed to coincide with a national holiday.

• Многие ждали амнистии, чтобы вернуться домой.

  Many were waiting for an amnesty to return home.

• Амнистия не распространяется на тяжкие преступления.

  The amnesty does not apply to serious crimes.

• Объявление амнистии вызвало споры в обществе.

  The announcement of the amnesty sparked debates in society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

амнистия is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in "-ия." Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• помилование (pardon, often for individuals rather than groups)

Note: "помилование" is more specific to individual pardons, while "амнистия" applies to broader, collective pardons.

Antonyms:

• наказание (punishment)
• осуждение (conviction)

Related Phrases:

• объявить амнистию - to declare an amnesty (used in official announcements)
• попасть под амнистию - to fall under an amnesty (to be eligible for pardon)
• амнистия по случаю - amnesty on the occasion of (often tied to holidays or events)

Usage Notes:

• "амнистия" is a formal term primarily used in legal, political, or historical contexts. It is not typically used in casual conversation unless discussing specific events or laws.
• Unlike the English "amnesty," which can sometimes extend to informal contexts (e.g., "amnesty for late fees"), the Russian term is strictly tied to official pardons or legal relief.
• When using "амнистия," ensure the context matches its formal tone. For less formal or individual pardons, consider "помилование."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "амнистия" for individual forgiveness or informal contexts (e.g., "I grant you amnesty for forgetting my birthday").
  Correct Usage: Use "прощение" (forgiveness) for personal contexts. Example: "Я прощаю тебя за то, что ты забыл мой день рождения." (I forgive you for forgetting my birthday.)
• Error: Misusing cases, such as using nominative "амнистия" after prepositions like "под" (under).
  Correct Usage: Use the accusative "амнистию" after "под." Example: "Попасть под амнистию" (to fall under an amnesty).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "амнистия" often carries significant historical and political weight. Amnesties have been declared during major historical events, such as after World War II or during political transitions, often tied to national holidays like Victory Day. Understanding this context can help learners grasp the gravity and formality of the term in Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• помилование (pardon)
• освобождение (release)
• законодательство (legislation)