Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'condemn'

English Word: condemn

Key Russian Translations:

• осуждать [ɐsʊˈʐdætʲ] - [Formal, General Use]
• порицать [pɐrʲɪˈtsatʲ] - [Formal, Often Written]
• обвинять [ɐbvʲɪˈnʲætʲ] - [Formal, Legal Context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and written contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

осуждать: [ɐsʊˈʐdætʲ]

Note on осуждать: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'ж' sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

порицать: [pɐrʲɪˈtsatʲ]

Note on порицать: Stress on the third syllable; often used in elevated or literary style.

обвинять: [ɐbvʲɪˈnʲætʲ]

Note on обвинять: Stress on the second syllable; common in legal or accusatory contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To express strong disapproval (moral or ethical judgment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• осуждать - Used for general moral or social disapproval.
• порицать - More formal, often used in written critiques or official statements.

Usage Examples:

• Мы осуждаем такое поведение в обществе.

  We condemn such behavior in society.

• Его поступок был единогласно порицаем на собрании.

  His action was unanimously condemned at the meeting.

• Общественность осуждает коррупцию на всех уровнях.

  The public condemns corruption at all levels.

2. To accuse or blame (legal or formal accusation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обвинять - Used in legal contexts or when directly blaming someone.

Usage Examples:

• Его обвиняют в совершении преступления.

  He is condemned for committing a crime.

• Суд не может обвинять без доказательств.

  The court cannot condemn without evidence.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

осуждать (verb, imperfective): Regular conjugation in the present, past, and future tenses. Often paired with perfective 'осудить' for completed actions.

порицать (verb, imperfective): Similar regular conjugation; often paired with perfective 'порицнуть' (rare).

обвинять (verb, imperfective): Regular conjugation; paired with perfective 'обвинить' for completed accusations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• 批判 (критиковать) - Often used for criticism, less harsh than 'осуждать'.
• упрекать - To reproach, milder in tone.

Antonyms:

• хвалить - To praise.
• одобрять - To approve.

Related Phrases:

• осуждать публично - To condemn publicly (used for open criticism).
• порицать действия - To condemn actions (formal expression in critiques).
• обвинять в преступлении - To condemn for a crime (legal context).

Usage Notes:

• 'осуждать' is the most versatile translation, suitable for general moral or social disapproval.
• 'порицать' is more formal and often appears in written or official contexts; it may sound outdated in casual speech.
• 'обвинять' is specific to accusation or blame, often tied to legal or personal fault-finding; it does not always imply moral judgment.
• Pay attention to aspect: imperfective verbs like 'осуждать' describe ongoing or habitual actions, while perfective forms like 'осудить' indicate a completed act.

Common Errors:

• Mixing 'осуждать' and 'обвинять': English speakers often use 'обвинять' for moral condemnation, but it strictly means to accuse or blame. Correct: "Я осуждаю его выбор" (I condemn his choice). Incorrect: "Я обвиняю его выбор" (I accuse his choice).
• Overusing 'порицать': This word is formal and rare in spoken Russian; using it in casual conversation sounds unnatural. Use 'осуждать' instead for everyday contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, public condemnation ('осуждать публично') can carry significant weight, especially in tight-knit communities or formal settings. Expressing disapproval is often done indirectly to avoid confrontation, unless in legal or official contexts where 'обвинять' might be used explicitly.

Related Concepts:

• критика (criticism)
• позор (shame)
• вина (guilt)