Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Capitalism'

English Word: capitalism

Key Russian Translations:

• капитализм [kəpʲɪtɐˈlʲizm] - [Formal, Standard Usage]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

капитализм: [kəpʲɪtɐˈlʲizm]

Note on капитализм: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'и' is pronounced as a short 'i', and 'зм' at the end should be voiced clearly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Economic System Based on Private Ownership

Translation(s) & Context:

• капитализм - Refers to the economic and political system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit (standard and formal usage).

Usage Examples:

• Капитализм стал доминирующей системой в западных странах в XIX веке.

  Capitalism became the dominant system in Western countries in the 19th century.

• Многие критикуют капитализм за неравенство в обществе.

  Many criticize capitalism for inequality in society.

• При капитализме рынок определяет цены на товары и услуги.

  Under capitalism, the market determines the prices of goods and services.

• Капитализм способствует конкуренции между компаниями.

  Capitalism encourages competition between companies.

• История показывает как плюсы, так и минусы капитализма.

  History shows both the advantages and disadvantages of capitalism.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

капитализм is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Note: This noun does not have a plural form as it represents an abstract concept.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• рыночная экономика (market economy - often used interchangeably in economic contexts)

Antonyms:

• социализм (socialism)
• коммунизм (communism)

Related Phrases:

• дикий капитализм - "wild capitalism" (refers to unregulated or aggressive capitalism, often with a negative connotation)
• капитализм с человеческим лицом - "capitalism with a human face" (refers to a more humane or socially responsible form of capitalism)
• поздний капитализм - "late capitalism" (a term used in critical theory to describe modern capitalism)

Usage Notes:

• The term "капитализм" is a direct and formal translation of "capitalism" and is used in academic, political, and economic discussions.
• In everyday conversation, Russians might not use "капитализм" frequently unless discussing economic systems explicitly. Instead, related concepts like "рынок" (market) might be referenced.
• Be mindful of the context, as "капитализм" can carry a neutral or critical tone depending on the speaker’s perspective, especially in post-Soviet contexts.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect Case Usage: English speakers often struggle with Russian cases. For example, saying "Я верю в капитализм" (correct) vs. * "Я верю в капитализме" (incorrect). The preposition "в" requires the accusative case for belief in a concept, not the prepositional case.
• Pronunciation Error: Misplacing stress as * "капИтализм" instead of "капиталИзм". Stress on the third syllable is crucial for correct pronunciation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "капитализм" often carries historical and ideological baggage due to the Soviet Union's opposition to capitalism during the 20th century. The term might evoke negative connotations among older generations or in discussions of inequality, while younger generations might view it more neutrally or positively in the context of market reforms post-1991.

Related Concepts:

• рынок (market)
• частная собственность (private property)
• прибыль (profit)
• конкуренция (competition)