Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Communism'

English Word: Communism

Key Russian Translations:

• коммунизм [kəmʊˈnʲizm] - [Formal, Standard Term]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in political and historical contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - requires understanding of political terminology)

Pronunciation (Russian):

коммунизм: [kəmʊˈnʲizm]

Note on коммунизм: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "у" is pronounced as a short "oo" sound, and the "з" has a soft buzzing sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Political and Economic Ideology

Translation(s) & Context:

• коммунизм - Refers to the political theory advocating classless society and common ownership of production means, often associated with Marxist theory.

Usage Examples:

• Коммунизм был основной идеологией Советского Союза.

  Communism was the main ideology of the Soviet Union.

• Многие спорят о том, возможен ли истинный коммунизм на практике.

  Many argue about whether true communism is possible in practice.

• В учебниках истории часто обсуждается переход от социализма к коммунизму.

  History textbooks often discuss the transition from socialism to communism.

• Идеи коммунизма вдохновляли революции в разных странах.

  The ideas of communism inspired revolutions in various countries.

• Коммунизм как теория был разработан Карлом Марксом и Фридрихом Энгельсом.

  Communism as a theory was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

коммунизм 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 refers to an abstract concept.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• марксизм (Marxism - often used interchangeably in specific contexts)

Antonyms:

• капитализм (Capitalism - the opposing economic and political system)

Related Phrases:

• строительство коммунизма - "Building of communism" (a common Soviet-era phrase referring to the process of achieving communism)
• идеи коммунизма - "Ideas of communism" (used when discussing theoretical aspects)
• коммунистическая партия - "Communist Party" (refers to political organizations advocating communism)

Usage Notes:

• The term "коммунизм" directly corresponds to the English "communism" and is used in formal, academic, and historical contexts. It is not typically used in casual conversation unless discussing politics or history.
• In Russian, "коммунизм" often carries historical connotations related to the Soviet Union, so it may evoke strong cultural or emotional responses depending on the speaker's background.
• Be aware that "коммунизм" is distinct from "социализм" (socialism), though they are related concepts. "Коммунизм" refers to the ultimate classless society, while "социализм" is often seen as a transitional stage.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "коммунизм" with "коммунист" (communist, referring to a person). Example of incorrect usage: "Он коммунизм" (He is communism). Correct Usage: "Он коммунист" (He is a communist).
• Error: Misusing cases due to improper declension. Example of incorrect usage: "Я интересуюсь о коммунизм" (wrong preposition and case). Correct Usage: "Я интересуюсь коммунизмом" (I am interested in communism).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, especially in post-Soviet states, "коммунизм" is deeply tied to the history of the Soviet Union (1917-1991). For many, it may evoke nostalgia, criticism, or complex emotions due to the political and social legacy of the era. Understanding this historical context is crucial when using the term in conversations, as it is not merely a theoretical concept but a lived experience for older generations.

Related Concepts:

• социализм (Socialism)
• марксизм (Marxism)
• капитализм (Capitalism)
• революция (Revolution)