Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bondage'

English Word: bondage

Key Russian Translations:

• связывание [svʲɪˈzɨvənʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often used in literal or figurative contexts]
• рабство [ˈrapstvə] - [Formal, Used in historical or metaphorical contexts]
• узы [ˈuzɨ] - [Poetic, Often used metaphorically for emotional or spiritual bonds]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "рабство" is more common in formal texts, while "связывание" is situational)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "связывание" and "рабство"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "узы" due to its poetic usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

связывание: [svʲɪˈzɨvənʲɪjə]

Note on связывание: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "я" sound is a soft vowel, pronounced with a preceding 'y' sound.

рабство: [ˈrapstvə]

Note on рабство: Stress on the first syllable; the final "о" is reduced to a schwa sound in natural speech.

узы: [ˈuzɨ]

Note on узы: Stress on the first syllable; a short, sharp pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Physical restraint or tying up

Translation(s) & Context:

• связывание - Used for literal binding or tying, often in specific or technical contexts (e.g., BDSM or securing objects).

Usage Examples:

• Связывание веревками требует осторожности.

  Tying with ropes requires caution.

• В этом контексте связывание имеет особое значение.

  In this context, bondage has a special meaning.

• Связывание использовалось как метод наказания.

  Bondage was used as a method of punishment.

2. Slavery or servitude

Translation(s) & Context:

• рабство - Refers to historical or metaphorical slavery, often with a negative or oppressive connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Рабство было отменено в XIX веке.

  Slavery was abolished in the 19th century.

• Он чувствовал себя в рабстве у своих обязательств.

  He felt in bondage to his obligations.

• Рабство оставило глубокий след в истории.

  Slavery left a deep mark on history.

3. Emotional or spiritual ties (metaphorical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• узы - Used poetically to describe bonds, often familial, emotional, or spiritual.

Usage Examples:

• Семейные узы невозможно разорвать.

  Family bonds cannot be broken.

• Узы дружбы связали их на всю жизнь.

  The bonds of friendship tied them for life.

• Эти узы сильнее любых преград.

  These bonds are stronger than any obstacles.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

связывание (noun, neuter): Derived from the verb "связывать" (to tie/bind). It follows regular neuter noun declension.

Case	Singular
Nominative	связывание
Genitive	связывания
Dative	связыванию
Accusative	связывание
Instrumental	связыванием
Prepositional	о связывании

рабство (noun, neuter): Follows regular neuter noun declension.

Case	Singular
Nominative	рабство
Genitive	рабства
Dative	рабству
Accusative	рабство
Instrumental	рабством
Prepositional	о рабстве

узы (noun, plural only): This word is used only in the plural form and declines as a plural noun.

Case	Plural
Nominative	узы
Genitive	уз
Dative	узам
Accusative	узы
Instrumental	узами
Prepositional	об узах

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "связывание":

• перевязка
• скрепление

Note: "перевязка" often implies binding for medical purposes, while "скрепление" is more about fastening or joining.

Synonyms for "рабство":

• невольничество
• зависимость

Antonyms for "рабство":

• свобода
• независимость

Related Phrases:

• связывание рук и ног - Literally "binding hands and feet," used to describe complete restraint.
• рабство долга - "Bondage of debt," a metaphorical expression for being trapped by financial obligations.
• узы брака - "Bonds of marriage," a poetic way to refer to matrimonial ties.

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "связывание," "рабство," and "узы" depends heavily on context. Use "связывание" for physical binding, "рабство" for slavery or oppression, and "узы" for emotional or poetic bonds.
• "узы" is rarely used in everyday speech and is more common in literature or formal writing.
• Be cautious with "связывание" as it may carry specific connotations (e.g., BDSM) in certain contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "узы" to describe physical restraint. Incorrect: "Узы веревками." Correct: "Связывание веревками." Explanation: "узы" is metaphorical and should not be used for literal binding.
• Error: Confusing "рабство" with personal relationships. Incorrect: "Рабство дружбы." Correct: "Узы дружбы." Explanation: "рабство" implies oppression, not positive connection.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "рабство" carries heavy historical weight due to the history of serfdom (крепостное право), which was a form of feudal bondage abolished in 1861. The term often evokes strong emotional responses when used in historical discussions.

The word "узы" frequently appears in Russian literature and poetry, especially in works discussing family, love, or destiny, reflecting the cultural emphasis on deep emotional connections.

Related Concepts:

• крепостное право (serfdom)
• невольник (slave)
• свобода (freedom)