Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Charity'

English Word: charity

Key Russian Translations:

• благотворительность [bləɡətvʲɪrʲɪˈtʲelʲnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Abstract Concept]
• милосердие [mʲɪləˈsʲerdʲɪjə] - [Formal/Religious, Emphasizing Compassion]
• пожертвование [pəʐɨrtˈvovənʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Refers to Donation or Act of Giving]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and religious contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies by term, with милосердие being slightly more advanced due to religious connotations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

благотворительность: [bləɡətvʲɪrʲɪˈtʲelʲnəsʲtʲ]

Note on благотворительность: Stress falls on the fifth syllable (-тель-). The word is long and may be challenging for beginners to pronounce fluently.

милосердие: [mʲɪləˈsʲerdʲɪjə]

Note on милосердие: Stress on the third syllable (-сер-). The soft 'д' sound requires attention.

пожертвование: [pəʐɨrtˈvovənʲɪjə]

Note on пожертвование: Stress on the fourth syllable (-во-). The 'ж' sound is a distinct Russian phoneme.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Charity as an Act of Giving or Organization

Translation(s) & Context:

• благотворительность - Used for the general concept of charity or charitable activities/organizations.
• пожертвование - Refers specifically to a donation or the act of giving to charity.

Usage Examples:

• Она занимается благотворительностью уже много лет.

  She has been involved in charity work for many years.

• Мы сделали пожертвование в фонд помощи детям.

  We made a donation to a children's aid fund.

• Благотворительность играет важную роль в обществе.

  Charity plays an important role in society.

2. Charity as Compassion or Mercy

Translation(s) & Context:

• милосердие - Used in religious or deeply emotional contexts to express mercy or compassion.

Usage Examples:

• Проявите милосердие к тем, кто страдает.

  Show mercy to those who are suffering.

• Его сердце полно милосердия.

  His heart is full of compassion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

благотворительность (noun, feminine):

Note: This noun is singular-only (no plural form) as it represents an abstract concept.

милосердие (noun, neuter): Similar declension pattern to second declension neuter nouns, no plural form.

пожертвование (noun, neuter): Follows regular neuter noun declension, has plural form (пожертвования).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for благотворительность:

• филантропия (more formal, focuses on philanthropy)
• добродетель (emphasizes virtue or kindness)

Synonyms for милосердие:

• сострадание (compassion)
• жалость (pity)

Antonyms:

• жестокость (cruelty)
• равнодушие (indifference)

Related Phrases:

• благотворительный фонд - Charitable foundation
• сделать пожертвование - To make a donation
• проявить милосердие - To show mercy

Usage Notes:

• While "благотворительность" is the most direct translation for "charity" in the sense of organized giving, "милосердие" is better suited for contexts involving personal compassion or religious mercy.
• "пожертвование" specifically refers to the act of donating money or resources, not the concept of charity as a whole.
• Be cautious with tone and context, as "милосердие" may sound overly formal or archaic in everyday conversation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "милосердие" when referring to a charity organization. Incorrect: "Этот милосердие помогает бедным." Correct: "Этот благотворительный фонд помогает бедным." (This charitable foundation helps the poor.)
• Error: Confusing "пожертвование" with the broader concept of charity. Incorrect: "Пожертвование важно для общества." Correct: "Благотворительность важна для общества." (Charity is important for society.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, charity ("благотворительность") has historical ties to the Orthodox Church, and terms like "милосердие" often carry religious undertones of mercy and divine compassion. Modern usage of "благотворительность" is more secular and aligned with organized charitable activities.

Related Concepts:

• доброта (kindness)
• щедрость (generosity)
• помощь (help)