Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chauvinism'

English Word: chauvinism

Key Russian Translations:

• шовинизм /ʂɐˈvʲinʲɪzm/ - [Formal, often used in political or academic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of politics, history, or social issues, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and historical contexts, suitable for upper-intermediate learners)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шовинизм: /ʂɐˈvʲinʲɪzm/

Note on шовинизм: The initial "ш" sound is a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the "sh" in "she" but with a more retroflex quality in Russian. Be mindful of the stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Excessive patriotism or belief in the superiority of one's own group, often with aggressive or biased undertones.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шовинизм - Used in formal discussions of nationalism, politics, or social criticism, especially in historical or ideological contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его речь была пропитана шовинизмом, осуждая любые иностранные влияния на культуру.

  His speech was steeped in chauvinism, condemning any foreign influences on culture.

• В современной России шовинизм иногда проявляется в дебатах о национальной идентичности.

  In modern Russia, chauvinism sometimes manifests in debates about national identity.

• Шовинизм в политике может привести к конфликтам, как это было в истории.

  Chauvinism in politics can lead to conflicts, as it has in history.

• Она критиковала шовинизм в средствах массовой информации, подчеркивая его вред для общества.

  She criticized chauvinism in the media, highlighting its harm to society.

• Шовинизм не всегда очевиден, но он часто скрывается в повседневных стереотипах.

  Chauvinism isn't always obvious, but it often hides in everyday stereotypes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шовинизм" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard declension patterns for nouns ending in -изм (from foreign loanwords). It is indeclinable in most cases due to its borrowed nature, but it can show some variations in certain contexts. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: This word is relatively stable and does not undergo irregular changes, making it easier for learners compared to native Russian nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • национализм (/nətsɪɐˈnəlʲɪzm/) - Similar but broader, often implying strong national pride without the aggressive connotation.
  • патриотизм (/pətrʲɪɐˈtʲɪzm/) - More positive; used for genuine patriotism, but can overlap in negative contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • интернационализм (/ɪntʲɛrnətsɪɐˈnəlʲɪzm/) - Emphasizes global unity and opposition to nationalism.
  • космополитизм (/kɐsmɐpɐˈlʲɪtʲɪzm/) - Refers to a worldview that transcends national borders.

Related Phrases:

• Русский шовинизм - Refers to chauvinism specific to Russian nationalism, often in historical or political discussions.
• Шовинизм и расизм - A phrase linking chauvinism with racism, used to discuss interconnected biases.
• Борьба с шовинизмом - Means "fight against chauvinism," commonly in social justice contexts.

Usage Notes:

Шовинизм directly corresponds to the English "chauvinism" but is typically reserved for formal or intellectual discussions in Russian, such as in politics, history, or media analysis. Unlike in English, where "chauvinism" can also imply gender bias (e.g., male chauvinism), the Russian term more often relates to national or ethnic superiority. When choosing this word, consider the context: it's formal and may sound overly academic in casual speech. For everyday conversations, alternatives like "национализм" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun and should agree with adjectives and verbs accordingly (e.g., "Этот шовинизм опасен" – "This chauvinism is dangerous").

• Always pair it with context to avoid ambiguity, as Russian speakers might interpret it through a historical lens (e.g., related to 19th-century French origins).
• If multiple translations are needed, "шовинизм" is the most precise for the original English meaning.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "шовинизм" with "национализм," thinking they are interchangeable. For example, a common mistake is saying "Я верю в шовинизм" (I believe in chauvinism) when meaning simple patriotism, which could come across as endorsing extremism. Correct usage: "Я верю в патриотизм" for positive nationalism. Another error is incorrect declension, such as using "шовинизм" in the wrong case, e.g., "О шовинизм" instead of "О шовинизме" in prepositional case. Always check the case based on the sentence structure to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "шовинизм" often evokes historical references, such as the Napoleonic Wars and the figure of Nicolas Chauvin, from whom the term originates. It can carry a negative connotation tied to Soviet-era criticisms of Western imperialism or internal ethnic tensions in Russia. Understanding this helps English speakers grasp why the word is frequently used in debates about Russian identity versus global influences, reflecting broader themes of post-Soviet nationalism.

Related Concepts:

• империализм
• фашизм
• ксенофобия