Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'brutality'

English Word: brutality

Key Russian Translations:

• жестокость [ʐɨˈstokəsʲtʲ] - [Formal; used in serious discussions of cruelty or violence]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, news, and ethical discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and noun declensions in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

жестокость: [ʐɨˈstokəsʲtʲ]

Note on жестокость: The initial 'ж' is a voiced retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to the 's' in 'measure'. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality of being cruel, savage, or excessively violent.

Translation(s) & Context:

• жестокость - Used in formal contexts such as describing war, human rights abuses, or animal behavior, emphasizing moral or physical savagery.

Usage Examples:

• Война часто раскрывает скрытую жестокость в людях.

  War often reveals the hidden brutality in people.

• Жестокость режима вызвала международный протест.

  The brutality of the regime sparked international protests.

• В природе жестокость является частью выживания животных.

  In nature, brutality is part of animal survival.

• Его жестокость в обращении с оппонентами шокировала общество.

  His brutality in dealing with opponents shocked society.

• Фильм изображает жестокость войны без приукрашивания.

  The film depicts the brutality of war without embellishment.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Жестокость" is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for abstract nouns and changes based on case and number. As it is typically used in singular form, here is a declension table:

Note: This word does not have a plural form in common usage, as it refers to an abstract quality. It remains unchanged in plural contexts if needed, but that's rare.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • варварство (varvarstvo) - Emphasizes barbaric or uncivilized behavior.
  • жесткость (zhestkost') - Similar but can imply mere harshness without full cruelty.
• Antonyms:
  • милосердие (miloseridie) - Conveys mercy or compassion.
  • доброта (dobrota) - Means kindness or benevolence.

Related Phrases:

• жестокость войны - The brutality of war; used in discussions of conflict and its human cost.
• скрытая жестокость - Hidden brutality; refers to subtle or concealed forms of cruelty.
• жестокость правителя - The brutality of a ruler; common in historical or political contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Жестокость" directly corresponds to the English "brutality" in most contexts, particularly those involving physical or moral violence. It is a formal term and should be used in written or spoken Russian where a serious tone is required, such as in essays, news reports, or debates. Be cautious with its placement in sentences, as Russian sentence structure often requires the noun to agree in case with its modifiers. When choosing between synonyms like "варварство," opt for "жестокость" if the focus is on emotional or ethical aspects rather than cultural primitiveness.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: English learners often use the nominative form "жестокость" in all contexts. For example, incorrectly saying "о жестокость" instead of the correct genitive "о жестокости" (about brutality). Correct usage: "Мы говорим о жестокости" (We are talking about brutality).

• Overusing in informal speech: Learners might use "жестокость" in casual conversations where a lighter term like "жесткость" would be more appropriate, making speech sound overly dramatic.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "жестокость" often appears in literature and historical contexts, such as in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where it reflects the harsh realities of life, war, and human nature. It carries a deep connotation of moral struggle, influenced by Russia's history of conflicts and authoritarian regimes, helping to underscore themes of resilience and ethical reflection.

Related Concepts:

• насилие (nasilie) - Violence
• тирания (tiraniya) - Tyranny
• жесткость (zhestkost') - Harshness