Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Conceited'

English Word: Conceited

Key Russian Translations:

• Самодовольный [səmədɐˈvolʲnɨj] - [Formal, Informal]
• Высокомерный [vɨsəkɐˈmʲernɨj] - [Formal]
• Зазнавшийся [zəzˈnavʂɨjsʲə] - [Informal, Slightly Pejorative]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Самодовольный: [səmədɐˈvolʲnɨj]

Note on Самодовольный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'о' in 'до' is reduced to a schwa sound in unstressed position.

Высокомерный: [vɨsəkɐˈmʲernɨj]

Note on Высокомерный: Stress on the fourth syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'р' sound.

Зазнавшийся: [zəzˈnavʂɨjsʲə]

Note on Зазнавшийся: Stress on the second syllable. The participle form requires context for proper usage.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Having an excessively favorable opinion of oneself

Translation(s) & Context:

• Самодовольный - Often used to describe someone who is smug or self-satisfied, with a neutral to mildly negative tone.
• Зазнавшийся - Carries a stronger negative connotation, implying someone who has become arrogant after success.

Usage Examples:

• Он выглядел самодовольным после победы в конкурсе.

  He looked conceited after winning the competition.

• Она стала зазнавшейся после того, как её повысили.

  She became conceited after her promotion.

• Его самодовольная улыбка раздражала всех вокруг.

  His conceited smile irritated everyone around.

2. Displaying arrogance or superiority

Translation(s) & Context:

• Высокомерный - Used for someone who looks down on others, often in formal or serious contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его высокомерный тон оскорбил коллег.

  His conceited tone offended his colleagues.

• Она всегда говорит с высокомерным выражением лица.

  She always speaks with a conceited expression on her face.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Самодовольный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules based on gender, number, and case.

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

Зазнавшийся (Participle): A past active participle of the verb "зазнаться" (to become conceited). Declines like an adjective but is less flexible in usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Надменный (Arrogant, often interchangeable with Высокомерный)
• Спесивый (Haughty, slightly archaic or regional)

Antonyms:

• Скромный (Modest)
• Сдержанный (Reserved)

Related Phrases:

• Самодовольная улыбка - Smug smile, often used to describe a conceited expression.
• Высокомерное поведение - Arrogant behavior, used in formal or critical contexts.
• Зазнаться после успеха - To become conceited after success, a common collocation.

Usage Notes:

• Самодовольный is the most neutral and versatile translation, suitable for most contexts where "conceited" implies self-satisfaction.
• Высокомерный emphasizes arrogance and superiority, often used in formal or critical descriptions.
• Зазнавшийся is more colloquial and pejorative, often implying a change in behavior due to success or recognition.
• Be cautious with tone and context, as overuse of these terms can sound overly critical in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using Самодовольный in highly formal contexts where Высокомерный is more appropriate. Explanation: Самодовольный can seem too casual or emotional in serious writing or speech.
• Incorrect Example: Его самодовольное отношение к работе было замечено начальником. Correct Example: Его высокомерное отношение к работе было замечено начальником. (His conceited attitude toward work was noticed by the boss.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, overt displays of self-satisfaction or arrogance (as conveyed by terms like Самодовольный or Высокомерный) are often frowned upon, reflecting a cultural preference for modesty and humility. Criticizing someone as "conceited" can carry a stronger negative weight than in English.

Related Concepts:

• Гордость (Pride)
• Спесь (Haughtiness)
• Чванство (Arrogance, Pomposity)