Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Collusion'

English Word: collusion

Key Russian Translations:

• сговор [ˈsɡəvər] - [Formal, Often used in legal or political contexts]
• заговор [zɐˈɡəvər] - [Formal/Neutral, Often implies secrecy or conspiracy]
• соглашение [səɡlɐˈʂɛnɪjə] - [Neutral, Can refer to any agreement, sometimes collusive]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in legal, political, or business contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "сговор" and "заговор"; B1 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "соглашение"

Pronunciation (Russian):

сговор: [ˈsɡəvər]

Note on сговор: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "г" is pronounced as a voiced fricative in standard Russian.

заговор: [zɐˈɡəvər]

Note on заговор: Stress on the second syllable. The initial "за" is pronounced with a short, unstressed "a".

соглашение: [səɡlɐˈʂɛnɪjə]

Note on соглашение: Stress on the third syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Secret or illegal cooperation (often negative connotation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сговор - Used in contexts of secret agreements, often with a negative or illegal implication (e.g., price collusion).
• заговор - Refers to a conspiracy or secret plot, often with a broader or more dramatic scope.

Usage Examples:

• Компании были обвинены в сговоре для повышения цен.

  The companies were accused of collusion to raise prices.

• Они вступили в сговор против конкурентов.

  They entered into collusion against their competitors.

• Этот заговор был раскрыт властями.

  This conspiracy was uncovered by the authorities.

2. General agreement or understanding (neutral connotation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• соглашение - Refers to any agreement or understanding, not necessarily secret or negative.

Usage Examples:

• Мы достигли соглашения по этому вопросу.

  We reached an agreement on this issue.

• Соглашение между сторонами было подписано вчера.

  The agreement between the parties was signed yesterday.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

сговор (Noun, Masculine):

заговор (Noun, Masculine): Follows similar declension patterns as "сговор".

соглашение (Noun, Neuter): Follows regular neuter noun declension patterns with the ending "-ие".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for сговор/заговор:

• комплот
• интрига

Note: "комплот" is rarer and often used in literary or historical contexts; "интрига" may imply scheming or plotting with less formal tone.

Antonyms for сговор/заговор:

• разногласие
• конфликт

Related Phrases:

• вступить в сговор - To enter into collusion (often negative or secret agreement).
• заговор молчания - Conspiracy of silence (a collective agreement to remain silent on an issue).
• достичь соглашения - To reach an agreement (neutral, formal or informal).

Usage Notes:

• "сговор" is the most direct translation for "collusion" in legal or business contexts, often implying secrecy or illegality.
• "заговор" is broader and often used for conspiracies or plots, not necessarily tied to business or legal matters.
• "соглашение" is a neutral term for agreement and should be used when there is no negative connotation of secrecy or illegality.
• Be cautious with tone and context when choosing between these translations, as "сговор" and "заговор" carry stronger negative implications than in some English uses of "collusion".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "соглашение" in contexts where a negative or secret agreement is implied.
  Incorrect: Они подписали соглашение для обмана клиентов.
  Correct: Они вступили в сговор для обмана клиентов.
  Explanation: "соглашение" is neutral and does not convey the secretive or deceptive nature of collusion.
• Error: Misusing "заговор" for minor or non-dramatic agreements.
  Incorrect: Мы устроили заговор о встрече.
  Correct: Мы договорились о встрече.
  Explanation: "заговор" implies a serious conspiracy, not a casual agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "заговор" often carries historical weight, tied to political conspiracies or secret plots in literature and history (e.g., palace intrigues in Tsarist Russia). Using this term can evoke a sense of drama or gravity not always present in the English "collusion". Meanwhile, "сговор" is more commonly used in modern legal or economic discussions, reflecting contemporary issues like corporate collusion.

Related Concepts:

• коррупция (corruption)
• мошенничество (fraud)
• предательство (betrayal)