Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'backbiting'

English Word: backbiting

Key Russian Translations:

• сплетни [ˈsplʲetnʲɪ] - [Informal, Plural]
• клевета [klʲɪˈvʲetə] - [Formal]
• злословие [zlɐˈslovʲɪjə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate) for "сплетни"; B2-C1 (Intermediate-Advanced) for "клевета" and "злословие"

Pronunciation (Russian):

сплетни: [ˈsplʲetnʲɪ]

Note on сплетни: The stress falls on the first syllable. The "е" is pronounced as "ye".

клевета: [klʲɪˈvʲetə]

Note on клевета: The stress is on the second syllable. The "е" after "в" softens the preceding consonant.

злословие: [zlɐˈslovʲɪjə]

Note on злословие: The stress is on the second syllable. This word is less common and may sound archaic to some speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Gossip or rumors about someone behind their back

Translation(s) & Context:

• сплетни - Commonly used in informal contexts to refer to gossip or rumors.

Usage Examples:

• Она всегда распространяет сплетни о своих коллегах.

  She always spreads gossip about her colleagues.

• Не верь этим сплетням, они выдуманы.

  Don’t believe these rumors, they are made up.

• Сплетни могут разрушить дружбу.

  Gossip can ruin a friendship.

2. Malicious slander or defamation

Translation(s) & Context:

• клевета - Used in formal or legal contexts to denote slander or defamation with harmful intent.
• злословие - A more literary or old-fashioned term for malicious talk or slander.

Usage Examples:

• Его обвинили в клевете на конкурента.

  He was accused of slandering a competitor.

• Клевета в интернете стала серьезной проблемой.

  Online defamation has become a serious issue.

• Его злословие о соседях всех возмутило.

  His malicious talk about the neighbors outraged everyone.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

сплетни (Noun, Feminine, Plural): This word is usually used in the plural form. Singular form "сплетня" is also possible.

клевета (Noun, Feminine, Singular): Typically used in the singular form. Declension follows standard feminine noun patterns.

злословие (Noun, Neuter, Singular): Rarely used in plural, follows standard neuter noun declension.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for сплетни:

• слухи
• пересуды

Note: "слухи" often implies rumors without malice, while "пересуды" is more colloquial and critical.

Synonyms for клевета:

• навет
• оговор

Antonyms:

• похвала (praise)
• комплимент (compliment)

Related Phrases:

• распространять сплетни - To spread gossip.
• жить сплетнями - To live for gossip (to be overly interested in rumors).
• обвинить в клевете - To accuse of slander.

Usage Notes:

• "сплетни" is the most common and neutral term for gossip or backbiting in everyday speech. Use it in informal settings.
• "клевета" carries a stronger, often legal connotation of slander or defamation. It implies intentional harm and is used in formal or serious contexts.
• "злословие" is a literary or outdated term, rarely used in modern spoken Russian but may appear in written texts or formal speeches.
• Be cautious with tone and context, as discussing someone behind their back can be culturally sensitive in Russian-speaking environments.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "клевета" in casual gossip contexts.
  Incorrect: Я слышал клевету о ней на вечеринке.
  Correct: Я слышал сплетни о ней на вечеринке.
  Explanation: "клевета" implies serious slander, not casual gossip. Use "сплетни" for informal talk.
• Error: Misusing singular/plural forms of "сплетни".
  Incorrect: Это была сплетни.
  Correct: Это была сплетня.
  Explanation: Use singular "сплетня" when referring to a specific piece of gossip.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, gossip ("сплетни") is often frowned upon, especially in close-knit communities or workplaces, as it can be seen as a breach of trust. However, it remains a common social activity in informal settings. Slander ("клевета") is taken very seriously and can have legal consequences under Russian law.

Related Concepts:

• слухи (rumors)
• ложь (lie)
• обман (deception)