Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Complacency'

English Word: complacency

Key Russian Translations:

• самодовольство [səmədɐˈvolʲstvə] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• беспечность [bʲɪsˈpʲetʃnəsʲtʲ] - [Neutral, Often Negative Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

самодовольство: [səmədɐˈvolʲstvə]

Note on самодовольство: Stress falls on the third syllable ("vol"). The "д" is pronounced softly due to the following "о".

беспечность: [bʲɪsˈpʲetʃnəsʲtʲ]

Note on беспечность: Stress is on the second syllable ("pech"). The soft sign "ь" indicates a palatalized "т".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Self-satisfaction or smugness

Translation(s) & Context:

• самодовольство - Used to describe a sense of self-satisfaction, often with a negative connotation of being overly pleased with oneself.

Usage Examples:

• Его самодовольство после победы раздражало всех.

  His complacency after the victory annoyed everyone.

• Она говорила с таким самодовольством, что я не мог её слушать.

  She spoke with such complacency that I couldn’t listen to her.

• Самодовольство может помешать твоему развитию.

  Complacency can hinder your growth.

2. Lack of concern or carelessness

Translation(s) & Context:

• беспечность - Refers to a lack of worry or concern, often implying negligence or irresponsibility.

Usage Examples:

• Её беспечность привела к серьёзным проблемам.

  Her complacency led to serious problems.

• Нельзя проявлять беспечность в таких делах.

  You can’t afford complacency in such matters.

• Беспечность на дороге опасна для жизни.

  Complacency on the road is life-threatening.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

самодовольство (noun, neuter): This is a non-declinable abstract noun in terms of number (only singular). It follows standard neuter noun declension for cases.

Case	Form
Nominative	самодовольство
Genitive	самодовольства
Dative	самодовольству
Accusative	самодовольство
Instrumental	самодовольством
Prepositional	о самодовольстве

беспечность (noun, feminine): This is also a singular-only abstract noun, following feminine noun declension patterns.

Case	Form
Nominative	беспечность
Genitive	беспечности
Dative	беспечности
Accusative	беспечность
Instrumental	беспечностью
Prepositional	о беспечности

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for самодовольство:

• самоуверенность (slight nuance of overconfidence)
• надменность (more negative, implying arrogance)

Synonyms for беспечность:

• неосторожность (focus on carelessness)
• беззаботность (more neutral, carefree attitude)

Antonyms for самодовольство:

• скромность (modesty)

Antonyms for беспечность:

• осторожность (caution)

Related Phrases:

• полное самодовольство - complete complacency (self-satisfaction)
• проявлять беспечность - to show complacency (carelessness)
• опасная беспечность - dangerous complacency (lack of concern)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "самодовольство" when referring to smugness or self-satisfaction, often with a critical tone. Use "беспечность" when the context implies negligence or lack of concern.
• Register: Both terms can be used in formal and informal contexts, but "беспечность" often appears in warnings or critical remarks.
• Grammar: Both nouns are abstract and used only in the singular form. Ensure correct case usage based on sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Mixing translations: English learners often confuse "самодовольство" and "беспечность". For example, saying "Его беспечность после победы" (His carelessness after the victory) instead of "Его самодовольство после победы" (His complacency after the victory) changes the intended meaning. Always consider the context—self-satisfaction vs. negligence.
• Incorrect case usage: Using the nominative case instead of the required case, e.g., "Я вижу самодовольство" (correct) vs. "Я вижу самодовольству" (incorrect, dative case misuse).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "самодовольство" often carries a stronger negative connotation than "complacency" might in English, as humility is highly valued. Expressing overt self-satisfaction can be seen as impolite or arrogant. Similarly, "беспечность" may be criticized in contexts valuing responsibility, such as work or safety.

Related Concepts:

• гордость (pride)
• безответственность (irresponsibility)
• небрежность (negligence)