Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Blackmail'

English Word: Blackmail

Key Russian Translations:

• шантаж [ʂɐnˈtaʐ] - [Formal/Neutral]
• вымогательство [vɨmɐˈɡatʲɪlstvə] - [Formal, Often Legal Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "шантаж"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "вымогательство"

Pronunciation (Russian):

шантаж: [ʂɐnˈtaʐ]

Note on шантаж: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

вымогательство: [vɨmɐˈɡatʲɪlstvə]

Note on вымогательство: Stress on the third syllable. The cluster "ство" can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Blackmail as Threatening to Reveal Information

Translation(s) & Context:

• шантаж - Commonly used for personal or emotional blackmail, often involving secrets or compromising information.

Usage Examples:

• Он использовал шантаж, чтобы заставить её молчать.

  He used blackmail to force her to stay silent.

• Шантаж стал причиной их разрыва.

  Blackmail was the reason for their breakup.

• Она обвинила его в шантаже после того, как он угрожал раскрыть её тайну.

  She accused him of blackmail after he threatened to reveal her secret.

2. Blackmail as Extortion or Coercion (Often Legal Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• вымогательство - Used in legal or formal contexts, often implying coercion for money or material gain.

Usage Examples:

• Его арестовали за вымогательство денег у бизнесменов.

  He was arrested for blackmailing money from businessmen.

• Вымогательство является серьёзным преступлением в России.

  Blackmail (extortion) is a serious crime in Russia.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

шантаж (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate): Follows the standard second declension pattern for masculine nouns.

вымогательство (Noun, Neuter, Inanimate): Follows the standard second declension pattern for neuter nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for шантаж:

• угроза (threat, in certain contexts)
• давление (pressure, coercion)

Note: "угроза" is broader and may not always imply blackmail; "давление" often refers to psychological pressure.

Synonyms for вымогательство:

• рэкет (racketeering, informal)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as the concept lacks a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• использовать шантаж - to use blackmail (to manipulate or coerce someone).
• стать жертвой шантажа - to become a victim of blackmail.
• обвинение в вымогательстве - charge of extortion (legal context).

Usage Notes:

• "шантаж" is the more common and versatile term for blackmail, applicable in both personal and broader contexts. It is the safer choice for most learners.
• "вымогательство" is more specific to legal or criminal contexts, often involving monetary extortion. It is less frequent in casual conversation.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these terms, as "вымогательство" may sound overly formal or technical in non-legal discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "вымогательство" in personal contexts, e.g., saying "Он сделал вымогательство против меня" instead of "Он меня шантажировал".
  Explanation: "вымогательство" is typically used for formal or legal extortion, not personal blackmail. Use "шантаж" for personal threats or coercion.
• Error: Mispronouncing "шантаж" as [ʃanˈtaʒ] with an English "sh".
  Explanation: The Russian "ш" is a retroflex sound [ʂ], pronounced with the tongue curled back.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "шантаж" often carries a strong negative connotation and may be associated with betrayal or moral weakness. Discussions of blackmail in literature or media (e.g., Dostoevsky's works) often explore psychological manipulation, reflecting its deep cultural resonance. "вымогательство", on the other hand, is frequently tied to organized crime or corruption, especially in post-Soviet contexts.

Related Concepts:

• угроза (threat)
• обман (deception)
• мошенничество (fraud)