Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bribe'

English Word: bribe

Key Russian Translations:

• взятка [ˈvzjatkə] - [Formal, Common]
• подкуп [pɐtˈkup] - [Formal, Less Common]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

взятка: [ˈvzjatkə]

Note on взятка: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "вз" combination can be tricky for non-native speakers; ensure a clear "vz" sound.

подкуп: [pɐtˈkup]

Note on подкуп: Stress on the second syllable. The "п" is aspirated, unlike in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A payment made to influence someone (often illegally)

Translation(s) & Context:

• взятка - Commonly used for illegal payments or corruption in official contexts.
• подкуп - Refers more generally to bribery or buying influence, not always illegal.

Usage Examples:

• Он дал взятку чиновнику, чтобы ускорить процесс.

  He gave a bribe to the official to speed up the process.

• Взятка была обнаружена во время расследования.

  The bribe was discovered during the investigation.

• Подкуп избирателей строго запрещён законом.

  Bribery of voters is strictly prohibited by law.

• Его обвинили в подкупе свидетелей.

  He was accused of bribing witnesses.

• Взятка может разрушить карьеру честного человека.

  A bribe can ruin the career of an honest person.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

взятка (feminine noun): Follows the regular first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а.

подкуп (masculine noun): Follows the regular second declension pattern for masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for взятка:

• мзда (archaic, formal)
• откат (informal, often used in business corruption)

Note: "откат" often implies a kickback rather than a direct bribe, while "мзда" is rarely used in modern speech.

Antonyms for взятка/подкуп:

• честность (honesty)
• порядочность (integrity)

Related Phrases:

• дать взятку - to give a bribe (common expression for offering a bribe).
• взять взятку - to take a bribe (used when someone accepts a bribe).
• подкупить кого-либо - to bribe someone (verb form of подкуп, often implying persuasion through money).

Usage Notes:

• "взятка" is the more common term and almost always implies an illegal act, often in official or governmental contexts.
• "подкуп" can be used in broader contexts, including non-illegal persuasion through gifts or money, though it often carries a negative connotation.
• Both terms are typically used in formal or serious discussions; informal speech might use slang like "откат" in specific contexts (e.g., business deals).

Common Errors:

1. Confusing "взятка" with "подарок" (gift): English learners often mistakenly use "подарок" (gift) when referring to a bribe. "Подарок" is neutral and does not imply illegality or corruption.

Incorrect: Я дал подарок чиновнику. (I gave a gift to the official - implies a neutral act.)

Correct: Я дал взятку чиновнику. (I gave a bribe to the official.)

2. Misusing case endings: Learners often forget to use the correct case after verbs like "дать" (to give). "взятку" (Accusative) is required, not "взятка" (Nominative).

Incorrect: Я дал взятка. / Correct: Я дал взятку.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "взятка" is deeply associated with historical and modern issues of corruption, especially in bureaucratic or governmental settings. Discussing bribery openly can be sensitive, as it often carries a strong negative connotation and may imply criticism of societal or systemic issues.

Related Concepts:

• коррупция (corruption)
• откат (kickback)
• взяточничество (bribery as a practice)