Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'bureaucratic'

English Word: bureaucratic

Key Russian Translations:

• бюрократический [bʲʊrəkrəˈtʲitɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal, administrative, or governmental contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian adjective forms and vocabulary related to politics and administration)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бюрократический: [bʲʊrəkrəˈtʲitɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on бюрократический: Pay attention to the soft sign (ь) after 't', which affects the pronunciation, making it softer and more palatalized. This is a common challenge for English speakers due to the absence of similar sounds in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Relating to a system of government or administration characterized by complex procedures, officials, and red tape, often implying inefficiency.

Translation(s) & Context:

• бюрократический - Used in formal contexts to describe government processes, institutions, or behaviors; often carries a negative connotation in everyday Russian speech.

Usage Examples:

• Эта бюрократическая система замедляет принятие решений в правительстве.

  This bureaucratic system slows down decision-making in the government.

• Бюрократические процедуры в банке требуют слишком много документов.

  Bureaucratic procedures in the bank require too many documents.

• В этой стране бюрократический подход к образованию ограничивает инновации.

  In this country, the bureaucratic approach to education limits innovation.

• Бюрократический стиль управления часто приводит к неэффективности.

  The bureaucratic style of management often leads to inefficiency.

• Несмотря на бюрократические препятствия, проект был успешно реализован.

  Despite bureaucratic obstacles, the project was successfully implemented.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бюрократический is an adjective in Russian, which means it changes based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ий. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective is regular, so it doesn't have irregular forms, but always agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • административный (more neutral, often used for general administrative matters)
  • чиновничий (implies involvement of officials, with a similar negative connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • демократический (democratic; emphasizes participatory and less rigid systems)
  • эффективный (efficient; highlights the opposite of bureaucratic inefficiency)

Related Phrases:

• бюрократическая машина - Refers to the entire bureaucratic system or machinery, often implying inefficiency in governance.
• бюрократические проволочки - Means bureaucratic delays or red tape, commonly used in complaints about administrative processes.
• бюрократический абсурд - Describes the absurdity of bureaucratic rules, highlighting illogical aspects in everyday contexts.

Usage Notes:

бюрократический directly corresponds to the English "bureaucratic" and is typically used in formal or critical discussions about government or organizations. It often carries a pejorative tone in Russian, similar to English, so be cautious with context—avoid it in positive descriptions. When choosing between synonyms like административный, opt for бюрократический when emphasizing inefficiency. Always ensure the adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case, as per Russian grammar rules.

• In formal writing, pair it with nouns like "система" (system) or "процедуры" (procedures).
• In spoken language, it's common in critiques of Russian bureaucracy, which has historical roots in Soviet-era administration.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the case endings, such as using the nominative form in all contexts. For example:

• Error: *Я видел бюрократический проблему (incorrect; mixes cases improperly).
• Correct: Я видел бюрократическую проблему (feminine accusative form to agree with "проблему").
• Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's case; here, "проблема" is feminine accusative, so the adjective changes accordingly. Another common mistake is confusing it with "административный," which might be used interchangeably but lacks the negative connotation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "бюрократический" often evokes memories of the Soviet era's extensive administrative systems, where red tape was notorious. Today, it reflects ongoing frustrations with government processes, symbolizing inefficiency in a society that values efficiency in personal matters but accepts bureaucracy as a norm in public administration. This word can carry a sense of humor or sarcasm in casual conversations, highlighting cultural attitudes toward authority.

Related Concepts:

• коррупция (corruption)
• администрация (administration)
• чиновник (official)