Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'childless'

English Word: childless

Key Russian Translations:

• бездетный /bʲɪzˈdʲɛtnɨj/ - [Adjective, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of family, demographics, or personal life, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; involves understanding Russian adjective declensions and prefixes)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бездетный: /bʲɪzˈdʲɛtnɨj/

Note on бездетный: The stress falls on the second syllable ("dʲɛt-"). Be mindful of the palatalized 'd' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Without children (Describes a state of not having offspring, often in the context of individuals, couples, or families)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бездетный - Used in formal or neutral contexts, such as demographic reports, legal documents, or personal narratives; it emphasizes the absence of children without implying medical issues.

Usage Examples:

• Она осталась бездетной после многих лет брака.

  She remained childless after many years of marriage. (This example shows the adjective in a nominative case, describing a person's life situation.)

• В этом обществе бездетные пары часто сталкиваются с социальными ожиданиями.

  In this society, childless couples often face social expectations. (Illustrates use in a broader social context, with the adjective modifying "couples.")

• Бездетный образ жизни может быть осознанным выбором для некоторых людей.

  A childless lifestyle can be a conscious choice for some people. (Demonstrates the adjective in a more philosophical or modern context, highlighting personal agency.)

• Статистика показывает рост числа бездетных семей в крупных городах.

  Statistics show an increase in the number of childless families in major cities. (Used in a factual, data-driven sentence, showing agreement with a noun.)

• Его бездетный статус не помешал ему построить успешную карьеру.

  His childless status did not prevent him from building a successful career. (Emphasizes the adjective in a genitive context, focusing on individual achievement.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward once the basic declension rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бесплодный (implies infertility, with a slight nuance of being unable to have children, often used in medical contexts)
  • не имеющий детей (a phrase, less formal, used for descriptive purposes in everyday speech)
• Antonyms:
  • многодетный (having many children, often implying a large family)
  • родительский (parental, referring to those with children)

Related Phrases:

• бездетная семья - A family without children; often discussed in social or demographic contexts.
• бездетный брак - A childless marriage; highlights marital dynamics without offspring.
• осознанно бездетный - Consciously childless; refers to a deliberate lifestyle choice, common in modern discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Бездетный" directly corresponds to "childless" in English but carries a more formal tone in Russian. It is typically used in written or professional contexts rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for "бездетный" if the focus is on social or voluntary childlessness, but avoid it if infertility is implied—use "бесплодный" instead to prevent misunderstandings. Grammatically, always decline it according to the noun it modifies, as Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case. For English speakers, remember that Russian culture often emphasizes family size, so this word may evoke subtle social judgments.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "бездетный" with "бесплодный": Learners might use "бесплодный" (infertile) when meaning "childless," which can imply a medical condition. Correct usage: Say "Она бездетная" (She is childless) instead of "Она бесплодная" to avoid offense. Explanation: "Бесплодный" has a biological connotation, while "бездетный" is neutral.

• Forgetting to decline the adjective: For example, saying "бездетный женщина" instead of "бездетная женщина." Correct: Always match gender, e.g., "бездетная женщина." Explanation: Russian requires adjective-noun agreement, unlike English, so this is a common grammatical slip for beginners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, family and children hold significant value, influenced by historical and social norms from Soviet times onward. The concept of "бездетный" can carry undertones of societal pressure or curiosity, as having children is often seen as a norm. This may lead to discussions around personal choice versus tradition, especially in urban areas where modern lifestyles are more prevalent.

Related Concepts:

• семья (family)
• дети (children)
• родители (parents)