Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'aristocracy'

English Word: aristocracy

Key Russian Translations:

• аристократия [ˌarʲɪstɐˈkratʲɪjə] - [Formal, Plural/Collective]
• дворянство [dvɐˈrʲanstvə] - [Formal, Historical, Plural/Collective]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

аристократия: [ˌarʲɪstɐˈkratʲɪjə]

Note on аристократия: Stress falls on the fourth syllable. The 'r' sound is rolled, and 'и' is pronounced as a short 'i'.

дворянство: [dvɐˈrʲanstvə]

Note on дворянство: Stress on the second syllable. The 'о' is reduced to a schwa sound in unstressed position.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Social Class of Nobles or Elite

Translation(s) & Context:

• аристократия - Refers to the upper class or elite in a general or modern sense, often with a focus on privilege or wealth.
• дворянство - Historically refers to the Russian nobility, especially under the Tsarist regime; less common in modern contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Аристократия всегда играла важную роль в истории Европы.

  The aristocracy has always played an important role in European history.

• В XIX веке дворянство владело большими поместьями в России.

  In the 19th century, the nobility owned large estates in Russia.

• Современная аристократия часто ассоциируется с богатством и влиянием.

  Modern aristocracy is often associated with wealth and influence.

• Дворянство потеряло свои привилегии после революции 1917 года.

  The nobility lost its privileges after the 1917 revolution.

• Она ведет себя так, будто принадлежит к аристократии.

  She behaves as if she belongs to the aristocracy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

аристократия (feminine noun, 1st declension):

Note: This word is typically used in the singular as a collective noun.

дворянство (neuter noun, 2nd declension):

Note: Also used primarily in the singular as a collective noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for аристократия:

• элита (elite, often broader in meaning)
• верхушка (upper echelon, can be informal)

Synonyms for дворянство:

• знать (nobility, archaic)

Antonyms:

• пролетариат (proletariat)
• крестьянство (peasantry, historical)

Related Phrases:

• аристократия духа - "aristocracy of the spirit" (refers to intellectual or moral elite)
• дворянское собрание - "noble assembly" (historical term for gatherings of the nobility)
• принадлежать к аристократии - "to belong to the aristocracy" (common expression)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "аристократия" for modern or general contexts referring to an elite class. Use "дворянство" for historical contexts, especially related to Russian nobility before the 20th century.
• Register: Both terms are formal and are rarely used in casual conversation.
• Grammar: Both nouns are collective and typically used in the singular, even when referring to a group.

Common Errors:

• Mixing up historical context: English learners often use "дворянство" in modern contexts, which sounds outdated. Correct: "Современная аристократия" (modern aristocracy). Incorrect: "Современное дворянство".
• Incorrect case usage: Learners may misuse cases, e.g., using nominative instead of genitive after prepositions like "из" (from). Correct: "из аристократии". Incorrect: "из аристократия".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "дворянство" evokes strong historical connotations tied to the Tsarist era, serfdom, and figures like Pushkin or Tolstoy, who were part of this class. "Аристократия", while still formal, is more neutral and can apply to contemporary elites or even metaphorical uses (e.g., "аристократия духа" for intellectual elite).

Related Concepts:

• феодализм (feudalism)
• монархия (monarchy)
• привилегия (privilege)