Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Arrogant'

English Word: Arrogant

Key Russian Translations:

• высокомерный [vɨsəkɐˈmʲernɨj] - [Formal, Descriptive]
• надменный [nɐdˈmʲennɨj] - [Formal, Slightly Literary]
• заносчивый [zɐˈnosʲtʃɨvɨj] - [Informal, Slightly Negative]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

высокомерный: [vɨsəkɐˈmʲernɨj]

Note on высокомерный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced with the tongue positioned centrally.

надменный: [nɐdˈmʲennɨj]

Note on надменный: Stress on the second syllable. The soft "н" requires palatalization.

заносчивый: [zɐˈnosʲtʃɨvɨj]

Note on заносчивый: Stress on the second syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "sh".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Showing an offensive attitude of superiority

Translation(s) & Context:

• высокомерный - Commonly used in formal or neutral contexts to describe someone who looks down on others.
• надменный - Often used in literary or formal speech, emphasizing disdain or haughtiness.

Usage Examples:

• Его высокомерный тон раздражает всех коллег.

  His arrogant tone irritates all his colleagues.

• Она посмотрела на меня с надменной улыбкой.

  She looked at me with an arrogant smile.

2. Behaving in a way that shows overconfidence or pride

Translation(s) & Context:

• заносчивый - Used in informal contexts to describe someone acting cocky or overbearing.

Usage Examples:

• Не будь таким заносчивым, никто не любит хвастунов.

  Don't be so arrogant; no one likes braggarts.

• Его заносчивое поведение отталкивает друзей.

  His arrogant behavior pushes friends away.

• Заносчивый студент думал, что знает всё лучше учителя.

  The arrogant student thought he knew everything better than the teacher.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

высокомерный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension rules based on gender, number, and case.

надменный (Adjective): Similar to высокомерный, follows standard adjective declension.

заносчивый (Adjective): Also follows standard adjective declension with similar patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• спесивый (Slightly old-fashioned, implies haughtiness)
• самонадеянный (Focuses on overconfidence)

Antonyms:

• скромный (Modest)
• сдержанный (Reserved)

Related Phrases:

• высокомерный взгляд - An arrogant look (used to describe disdainful facial expressions)
• надменное отношение - Arrogant attitude (used in formal contexts)
• заносчивый тон - Arrogant tone (common in informal speech)

Usage Notes:

• "высокомерный" is the most neutral and widely used translation for "arrogant", suitable for most contexts.
• "надменный" carries a stronger connotation of disdain and is often used in written or formal language.
• "заносчивый" is more colloquial and can imply a sense of irritation or annoyance at someone's overconfidence.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they reflect different shades of meaning.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "заносчивый" in formal writing.
  Incorrect: В официальном письме он звучал заносчиво.
  Correct: В официальном письме он звучал высокомерно.
  Explanation: "заносчивый" is too informal for official or written contexts; "высокомерный" is more appropriate.
• Error: Misusing gender or case agreements with adjectives.
  Incorrect: Она высокомерный человек.
  Correct: Она высокомерная женщина.
  Explanation: Adjectives in Russian must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, overt arrogance or high-handed behavior (высокомерие) is often frowned upon, as humility and modesty are valued traits, especially in personal interactions. Using terms like "высокомерный" or "надменный" can carry a strong negative judgment.

Related Concepts:

• гордость (Pride)
• самоуверенность (Self-confidence)
• превосходство (Superiority)