Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'brothel'

English Word: brothel

Key Russian Translations:

• бордель [bɐrˈdʲelʲ] - [Neutral, Formal]
• публичный дом [pʊˈblʲitɕnɨj ˈdom] - [Formal, Literal]
• притон [prʲɪˈton] - [Informal, Often Negative Connotation]

Frequency: Low

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "бордель" and "публичный дом"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "притон" due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

бордель: [bɐrˈdʲelʲ]

Note on бордель: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled, and 'д' is soft due to the following 'е'.

публичный дом: [pʊˈblʲitɕnɨj ˈdom]

Note on публичный дом: Stress on the first syllable of "публичный" and the single syllable of "дом". The 'ч' is soft.

притон: [prʲɪˈton]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A place for prostitution

Translation(s) & Context:

• бордель - Commonly used to refer to a brothel in a neutral or formal tone, often in written contexts.
• публичный дом - Literally "public house," used in formal or historical contexts to describe a brothel.
• притон - Often carries a negative connotation, implying a shady or disreputable place, not always limited to prostitution.

Usage Examples:

• Этот район известен своими борделями.

  This area is known for its brothels.

• В XIX веке публичные дома были легальны в некоторых странах.

  In the 19th century, brothels were legal in some countries.

• Полиция закрыла притон на окраине города.

  The police shut down a den on the outskirts of the city.

• Он случайно зашёл в бордель, думая, что это обычный бар.

  He accidentally walked into a brothel, thinking it was a regular bar.

• Слово "притон" может означать не только бордель, но и место для преступников.

  The word "притон" can mean not only a brothel but also a hideout for criminals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бордель (Masculine Noun):

публичный дом (Compound Masculine Noun): Declines as two separate words. "публичный" (adjective) agrees with "дом" (noun) in case, number, and gender. Follows standard masculine noun declension for "дом" and adjective declension for "публичный".

притон (Masculine Noun): Follows standard masculine noun declension rules similar to "бордель".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• лупанарий (Rare, Historical)
• дом терпимости (Historical, Formal)

Note: "лупанарий" is rarely used and mostly appears in historical or literary contexts. "дом терпимости" is an older term for a legally tolerated brothel.

Antonyms:

• монастырь (Monastery - in a metaphorical sense)

Related Phrases:

• работать в борделе - To work in a brothel.
• посетить публичный дом - To visit a brothel (formal tone).
• притон разврата - A den of vice (often used metaphorically or negatively).

Usage Notes:

• "бордель" is the most neutral and direct translation of "brothel" and can be used in most contexts without sounding overly formal or informal.
• "публичный дом" is more formal and often used in historical or legal discussions about brothels.
• "притон" has a broader meaning and often implies a place of vice or crime beyond just prostitution. Use it cautiously to avoid unintended negative connotations.
• These terms are sensitive and should be used carefully, especially in polite or formal conversations, as they may evoke strong reactions or be considered taboo in some contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "притон" to mean any brothel without considering its negative connotation.
  Incorrect: Этот бордель - притон. (Implies a strong negative judgment unnecessarily.)
  Correct: Этот бордель находится в центре города. (Neutral description.)
  Explanation: "притон" often suggests a low-class or criminal environment, so it should only be used when that tone is intended.
• Error: Misusing "публичный дом" in casual speech.
  Incorrect: Пойдём в публичный дом. (Sounds overly formal or outdated.)
  Correct: Пойдём в бордель. (More natural in informal contexts if the topic is appropriate.)
  Explanation: "публичный дом" is better suited for written or historical contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions about brothels or related topics are generally considered taboo in polite conversation. Historically, brothels were regulated in the Russian Empire under the term "дом терпимости" (house of tolerance), reflecting a period when such establishments were legally recognized. Today, prostitution is illegal in Russia, and terms like "бордель" or "притон" may carry social stigma or legal implications when used.

Related Concepts:

• проституция (Prostitution)
• разврат (Debauchery)
• нравственность (Morality)