Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'conscription'

English Word: conscription

Key Russian Translations:

• призыв /prʲɪˈzɨf/ - [Formal, Used in military and official contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of military policy, history, or government affairs, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding military terminology and formal language structures)

Pronunciation (Russian):

призыв: /prʲɪˈzɨf/

Note on призыв: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'ы' sound (/ɨ/) can be challenging for English speakers, as it is a central vowel not present in English; it's similar to a quick, neutral 'i' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Compulsory enlistment for military service

Translation(s) & Context:

• призыв - Used in formal contexts, such as government policies or historical discussions, to refer to mandatory military service for citizens.

Usage Examples:

• В России действует всеобщий воинский призыв для мужчин в возрасте от 18 до 27 лет.

  In Russia, universal military conscription is in effect for men aged 18 to 27.

• Призыв в армию часто вызывает дебаты в обществе о его необходимости.

  Conscription into the army often sparks debates in society about its necessity.

• Во время войны призыв может быть расширен на дополнительные возрастные группы.

  During wartime, conscription may be expanded to additional age groups.

• Молодые люди проходят призывную комиссию, чтобы определить свою пригодность к службе.

  Young people go through the conscription board to determine their fitness for service.

• Призыв в вооруженные силы является конституционной обязанностью в некоторых странах.

  Conscription into the armed forces is a constitutional duty in some countries.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Призыв" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns with no irregularities. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: As a common noun, it changes based on case and number, but its root remains stable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мобилизация (mobilization) - Often used interchangeably but implies a broader call-up during emergencies.
  • вербовка (recruitment) - Less formal, sometimes voluntary, but can overlap in military contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • демобилизация (demobilization) - The process of releasing troops from service.
  • освобождение (release or exemption) - Refers to being freed from conscription duties.

Related Phrases:

• Воинский призыв - Military conscription; commonly used in official documents and news.
• Призывной возраст - Conscription age; refers to the eligible age range for service.
• Общий призыв - Universal conscription; implies mandatory service for all eligible citizens.

Usage Notes:

"Призыв" directly corresponds to the English concept of conscription but is typically used in formal or official contexts in Russian. It emphasizes compulsory military service and may not apply to voluntary enlistment. When choosing between translations, use "призыв" for historical or policy discussions, but be aware of regional variations—e.g., in post-Soviet states, it carries implications of national defense obligations. Grammatically, it requires appropriate case agreement with prepositions or verbs, such as "к призыву" (to conscription). English learners should note that Russian often pairs it with adjectives like "воинский" for clarity.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "призыв" with "вербовка": Learners might mistakenly use "вербовка" (recruitment) thinking it's synonymous, but "вербовка" can imply voluntary actions. Correct usage: Use "призыв" for compulsory service. Example of error: "Я выбрал вербовку в армию" (I chose recruitment into the army) – Better: "Меня призвали в армию" (I was conscripted into the army).

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the case, e.g., saying "о призыв" instead of "о призыве" in prepositional case. Correct: Always adjust for context, as in "Разговор о призыве" (Talk about conscription).

Cultural Notes:

In Russia and many former Soviet states, "призыв" is deeply tied to cultural and historical contexts, such as mandatory military service for men, which is seen as a rite of passage and a symbol of national duty. It stems from traditions dating back to the Soviet era and World War II, where conscription played a crucial role in defense. This can evoke strong patriotic sentiments or debates about human rights, reflecting broader societal values around military obligation versus individual freedom.

Related Concepts:

• армия (army)
• служба (service)
• мобилизация (mobilization)