Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Compulsory'

English Word: compulsory

Key Russian Translations:

• обязательный [ɐbʲɪˈzatʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, General Use]
• принудительный [prʲɪnʊˈdʲitʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, Often with Negative Connotation]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

обязательный: [ɐbʲɪˈzatʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on обязательный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "я" is pronounced as a soft "ya" sound.

принудительный: [prʲɪnʊˈdʲitʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on принудительный: Stress on the third syllable. The initial "при" is pronounced with a rolled "r".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Required by Law or Rule

Translation(s) & Context:

• обязательный - Used in formal contexts to denote something that must be done as per rules or law (e.g., education, military service).

Usage Examples:

• Обязательное образование длится до 9 класса.

  Compulsory education lasts until the 9th grade.

• В нашей стране есть обязательная военная служба.

  In our country, there is compulsory military service.

• Это обязательное требование для всех сотрудников.

  This is a compulsory requirement for all employees.

2. Forced or Imposed

Translation(s) & Context:

• принудительный - Used when something is enforced, often with a negative connotation of unwillingness.

Usage Examples:

• Принудительный труд запрещён законом.

  Compulsory labor is prohibited by law.

• Это был принудительный шаг со стороны властей.

  This was a compulsory measure taken by the authorities.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

обязательный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case as a typical Russian adjective.

принудительный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for обязательный:

• необходимый (necessary)
• неотъемлемый (inalienable)

Note: "необходимый" is often used for something essential but not always legally required.

Antonyms for обязательный:

• добровольный (voluntary)

Synonyms for принудительный:

• насильственный (forced, violent)

Antonyms for принудительный:

• добровольный (voluntary)

Related Phrases:

• обязательное условие - A compulsory condition (used in contracts or agreements).
• принудительное исполнение - Compulsory enforcement (used in legal contexts).
• обязательная программа - Compulsory program (used in education or sports).

Usage Notes:

• "обязательный" is the most neutral and widely used term for "compulsory" in contexts like education or legal requirements. It does not carry a negative tone.
• "принудительный" often implies enforcement against someone's will and is used in more negative or coercive contexts (e.g., forced labor).
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "принудительный" in neutral contexts like education. Incorrect: "Принудительное образование". Correct: "Обязательное образование". Explanation: "принудительный" suggests coercion, which is inappropriate for neutral or positive requirements.
• Error: Forgetting to match the adjective's gender and case with the noun it describes. Incorrect: "обязательный школа". Correct: "обязательная школа". Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, the concept of "обязательный" often relates to state-enforced rules, such as compulsory military service or education. These are generally accepted as societal norms, though discussions about personal freedom versus obligation are common in modern discourse.

Related Concepts:

• законный (legal)
• требование (requirement)
• долг (duty)