Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Attitude'

English Word: attitude

Key Russian Translations:

• отношение [ɐtˈnoʂɨnʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Common]
• позиция [pɐˈzʲitsɨjə] - [Formal, Often used in discussions or debates]
• настрой [nɐˈstroj] - [Informal, Refers to mood or mindset]

Frequency: High (especially "отношение")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "отношение" is A2, while "позиция" and "настрой" are closer to B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

отношение: [ɐtˈnoʂɨnʲɪjə]

Note on отношение: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a soft, hissing sound unique to Russian.

позиция: [pɐˈzʲitsɨjə]

Note on позиция: Stress on the second syllable. The "ц" is a sharp, unaspirated sound.

настрой: [nɐˈstroj]

Note on настрой: Stress on the second syllable. The word is shorter and often used colloquially.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A way of thinking or feeling about something

Translation(s) & Context:

• отношение - Used for general opinions or feelings toward something or someone (e.g., attitude toward work).
• настрой - Refers more to a personal mindset or emotional state (e.g., positive attitude before a task).

Usage Examples:

• Его отношение к учёбе очень серьёзное.

  His attitude toward studying is very serious.

• У неё позитивный настрой перед экзаменом.

  She has a positive attitude before the exam.

• Какое у тебя отношение к этой идее?

  What is your attitude toward this idea?

2. A position or stance on an issue

Translation(s) & Context:

• позиция - Used in formal contexts to describe a stance or viewpoint on a specific issue (e.g., political attitude).

Usage Examples:

• Её позиция по этому вопросу ясна.

  Her attitude on this issue is clear.

• Правительство заняло жёсткую позицию.

  The government has taken a tough attitude.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

отношение (noun, neuter): Regular declension for neuter nouns in Russian.

позиция (noun, feminine): Regular feminine declension.

настрой (noun, masculine): Regular masculine declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for отношение: взгляд, мнение (slight differences in nuance; "взгляд" is more about perspective, "мнение" about opinion)
• Synonyms for позиция: точка зрения, подход
• Synonyms for настрой: настроение, дух
• Antonyms for отношение: безразличие (indifference)

Related Phrases:

• отношение к жизни - attitude toward life
• изменить настрой - to change one's attitude/mood
• занимать позицию - to take an attitude/stance

Usage Notes:

• "отношение" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "attitude" in Russian, fitting most general contexts.
• Use "позиция" in formal or professional discussions, especially when referring to a specific stance or policy.
• "настрой" is more informal and often relates to emotional or mental readiness rather than a fixed opinion.
• Be mindful of prepositions: "отношение к" (toward something) is the standard construction.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "позиция" in casual conversation about personal feelings. Incorrect: "Моя позиция к друзьям хорошая." Correct: "Моё отношение к друзьям хорошее." (Explanation: "позиция" sounds overly formal and out of place here.)
• Error: Omitting the preposition "к" with "отношение." Incorrect: "Отношение работа." Correct: "Отношение к работе." (Explanation: "к" is required to indicate the object of the attitude.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing one's "отношение" (attitude) toward something often carries a sense of personal involvement or emotional investment. Russians may openly discuss their attitudes toward societal issues, reflecting a cultural value of sincerity and directness.

Related Concepts:

• мнение (opinion)
• взгляд (perspective)
• чувство (feeling)