Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Boycott'

English Word: Boycott

Key Russian Translations:

• бойкот [bɐjˈkot] - [Formal, Neutral]
• бойкотировать [bɐjkɐˈtʲirɐvətʲ] - [Verb, Formal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

бойкот: [bɐjˈkot]

Note on бойкот: The stress falls on the second syllable. The "о" sounds like the 'o' in "core."

бойкотировать: [bɐjkɐˈtʲirɐvətʲ]

Note on бойкотировать: Stress is on the third syllable. The soft "т" (indicated by "ʲ") is a common feature in Russian verbs.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Boycott as a Noun (Refusal to Deal With)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бойкот - Used to describe a formal or organized refusal to engage with a person, organization, or product.

Usage Examples:

• Они объявили бойкот этой компании из-за её политики.

  They announced a boycott of this company due to its policies.

• Бойкот товаров стал популярным протестом.

  The boycott of goods became a popular form of protest.

• Политический бойкот был поддержан многими странами.

  The political boycott was supported by many countries.

2. Boycott as a Verb (To Refuse Participation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бойкотировать - Used as a verb to describe the act of boycotting something or someone.

Usage Examples:

• Мы решили бойкотировать эти выборы.

  We decided to boycott these elections.

• Многие магазины бойкотируют этот бренд.

  Many stores are boycotting this brand.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бойкот (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate): Follows the second declension pattern in Russian. It declines by case and number.

бойкотировать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular verb conjugation following the first conjugation pattern. Below is the present tense conjugation.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for бойкот (Noun):

• игнорирование (ignoring, slightly less formal)
• отказ (refusal, broader usage)

Synonyms for бойкотировать (Verb):

• игнорировать (to ignore, less formal)
• отвергать (to reject, stronger tone)

Antonyms for бойкот/бойкотировать:

• поддержка (support, noun)
• поддерживать (to support, verb)

Related Phrases:

• объявить бойкот - To declare a boycott (used for formal or public announcements)
• бойкот товаров - Boycott of goods (common in economic or consumer contexts)
• бойкотировать выборы - To boycott elections (used in political contexts)

Usage Notes:

• The noun "бойкот" is used in formal and neutral contexts, often in political or economic discussions. It directly corresponds to the English "boycott" as a noun.
• The verb "бойкотировать" is the action form and is used when describing the act of boycotting. It often takes a direct object in the accusative case (e.g., "бойкотировать выборы").
• Both terms are borrowed from English and retain a similar connotation of organized or deliberate refusal. They are not used in casual or personal contexts (e.g., avoiding a friend).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "бойкот" as a verb. Incorrect: "Я бойкот эту компанию." Correct: "Я бойкотирую эту компанию." (Explanation: "бойкот" is a noun; use "бойкотировать" for the verb form.)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Incorrect stress on "бой" in "бойкотировать." Correct stress is on "ти" [bɐjkɐˈtʲirɐvətʲ]. (Explanation: Stress in Russian verbs often shifts; practice the correct syllable emphasis.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, the concept of "бойкот" is often associated with historical political movements, such as Soviet-era dissident actions or international sanctions. It carries a strong connotation of organized resistance and is frequently used in news or formal discussions rather than everyday speech.

Related Concepts:

• санкции (sanctions)
• протест (protest)
• эмбарго (embargo)