Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Brainwash'

English Word: brainwash

Key Russian Translations:

• промывать мозги [prɐˈmɨvətʲ ˈmozkʲi] - [Informal, Commonly Used]
• зомбировать [zɐmˈbʲirɐvətʲ] - [Informal, Slightly Dramatic]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "промывать мозги"; B2-C1 (Intermediate-Advanced) for "зомбировать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

промывать мозги: [prɐˈmɨvətʲ ˈmozkʲi]

Note on промывать мозги: Stress falls on the second syllable of "промывать" and the first syllable of "мозги". The phrase is pronounced as a single unit with a slight pause between words.

зомбировать: [zɐmˈbʲirɐvətʲ]

Note on зомбировать: Stress is on the second syllable. The soft 'р' sound may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To manipulate someone's thoughts or beliefs (Figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• промывать мозги - Commonly used to describe influencing or manipulating someone’s thinking, often in a negative or controlling way (e.g., through propaganda).
• зомбировать - Used to imply turning someone into a "zombie," often with a stronger, more dramatic connotation of mind control.

Usage Examples:

• Ему постоянно промывают мозги на этой работе.

  They are constantly brainwashing him at this job.

• Политика может промывать мозги людям через СМИ.

  Politics can brainwash people through the media.

• Этот культ зомбирует своих последователей.

  This cult brainwashes its followers.

• Не дай им зомбировать тебя своими идеями!

  Don’t let them brainwash you with their ideas!

• Реклама иногда промывает мозги потребителям.

  Advertising sometimes brainwashes consumers.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

промывать мозги: This is a verb phrase. "Промывать" is an imperfective verb, often used in the present or past tense to indicate ongoing or repeated action. "Мозги" is the plural form of "мозг" (brain), used colloquially.

зомбировать: This is a regular verb, typically used in informal contexts. It follows standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -овать.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• обрабатывать (to process/manipulate, less colloquial)
• внушать (to instill, often used for ideas or beliefs)

Note: "обрабатывать" is more neutral and can be used in formal contexts, while "внушать" often implies persuasion rather than coercion.

Antonyms:

• разоблачать (to expose, to reveal the truth)
• просвещать (to enlighten, to educate)

Related Phrases:

• промывать мозги кому-либо - To brainwash someone (specific person).
• зомбировать массы - To brainwash the masses (often used in political contexts).
• промывание мозгов - Brainwashing (as a noun phrase, general concept).

Usage Notes:

• "промывать мозги" is the more common and versatile expression, suitable for most informal contexts. It directly translates the figurative sense of "brainwashing" in English.
• "зомбировать" carries a stronger, more negative connotation, often implying complete loss of independent thought. Use it sparingly and in dramatic contexts.
• Both terms are typically used in negative contexts, such as propaganda, cults, or manipulative relationships. They are rarely neutral or positive.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "зомбировать" in formal or neutral contexts. Incorrect: "Компания зомбирует сотрудников новыми идеями." Correct: "Компания внушает сотрудникам новые идеи." (The company instills new ideas in employees.)
• Error: Literal translation of "brainwash" as washing a brain without using the idiomatic phrase. Incorrect: "мыть мозг." Correct: "промывать мозги."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "brainwashing" often carries historical connotations related to Soviet-era propaganda and political indoctrination. The phrase "промывать мозги" is frequently used in discussions about media influence or authoritarian control, reflecting a deep awareness of manipulative tactics in public discourse.

Related Concepts:

• пропаганда (propaganda)
• манипуляция (manipulation)
• внушение (suggestion/persuasion)