Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bribery'

English Word: Bribery

Key Russian Translations:

• взятка [ˈvzʲatkə] - [Formal, Singular]
• подкуп [pɐtˈkup] - [Formal/Neutral, Often used for the act of bribing]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

взятка: [ˈvzʲatkə]

Note on взятка: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'в' is pronounced with a soft 'z' sound due to the following 'я'.

подкуп: [pɐtˈkup]

Note on подкуп: Stress on the second syllable. The 'о' is reduced to a schwa sound in unstressed position.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Bribery as offering money or gifts for influence

Translation(s) & Context:

• взятка - Commonly used to refer to a bribe given to an official or authority figure.
• подкуп - Refers more to the act of bribing or buying influence, often in a broader context.

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 запрещён законом.

  Bribery of voters is prohibited by law.

• Его обвинили в подкупе судьи.

  He was accused of bribing the judge.

• Взятки стали обычным делом в этой сфере.

  Bribes have become commonplace in this field.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

взятка (feminine noun): Follows the first declension pattern in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms.

подкуп (masculine noun): Follows the second declension pattern. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for взятка:

• мзда (archaic, formal)
• откат (informal, often used in business contexts for kickbacks)

Synonyms for подкуп:

• суборнация (formal, rare)

Antonyms:

• честность (honesty)
• порядочность (integrity)

Related Phrases:

• давать взятку - to give a bribe (commonly used for the act of bribing someone).
• брать взятку - to take a bribe (used for accepting a bribe).
• подкуп должностного лица - bribery of an official (legal context).
• взятка в особо крупном размере - a bribe of an especially large amount (legal term).

Usage Notes:

• "взятка" is the more common term when referring to a specific bribe or gift given to influence someone, often in official or legal contexts.
• "подкуп" emphasizes the act or process of bribing and can be used in broader contexts, such as political or electoral bribery.
• Both terms are formal or neutral, but "взятка" can carry a stronger negative connotation in everyday speech.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "взятка" and "подкуп" interchangeably without context. For example, saying "подкуп" when referring to a specific bribe given to an official.
  Correct Usage: Use "взятка" for a tangible bribe (e.g., "Он предложил взятку" - He offered a bribe). Use "подкуп" for the act or concept (e.g., "Подкуп запрещён" - Bribery is prohibited).
• Error: Incorrect declension of "взятка" or "подкуп," especially in prepositional or instrumental cases.
  Incorrect: "о взятка" instead of "о взятке."
  Correct: Follow the declension tables provided above.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of bribery, particularly "взятка," has historical roots and is often associated with corruption in bureaucratic or official settings. Discussing or admitting to bribery can be a sensitive topic, and the term may carry a strong negative connotation. In contrast, "подкуп" might be used in more abstract or political discussions without the same emotional weight.

Related Concepts:

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