Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Consensus'

English Word: Consensus

Key Russian Translations:

• согласие [sɐˈɡlasʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• консенсус [kɐnˈsɛnsʊs] - [Formal, Academic/Business Contexts]

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

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "согласие"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "консенсус" due to its formal tone

Pronunciation (Russian):

согласие: [sɐˈɡlasʲɪjə]

Note on согласие: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft "л" sound may be tricky for non-native speakers.

консенсус: [kɐnˈsɛnsʊs]

Note on консенсус: Borrowed from Latin, pronunciation is close to English but with a rolled "р" and stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Agreement (Among People)

Translation(s) & Context:

• согласие - Used in everyday contexts to express mutual agreement or consent.
• консенсус - Often used in formal discussions, politics, or academic settings to denote a collective agreement.

Usage Examples:

• Мы достигли согласия по этому вопросу.

  We reached a consensus on this issue.

• Его мнение получило общее согласие.

  His opinion received general consensus.

• На конференции был достигнут консенсус.

  A consensus was reached at the conference.

• Без консенсуса решение не будет принято.

  Without consensus, the decision will not be made.

• Согласие между сторонами было необходимо для успеха.

  Consensus between the parties was necessary for success.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

согласие (Noun, Neuter): Declines according to the second declension pattern for neuter nouns.

консенсус (Noun, Masculine): Declines as a second declension masculine noun, often unchanged in informal speech due to its borrowed nature.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for согласие:

• соглашение
• единство
• договорённость

Note: "соглашение" often implies a formal agreement, while "договорённость" can be more informal.

Antonyms for согласие:

• разногласие
• спор

Related Phrases:

• достичь согласия - To reach a consensus/agreement.
• прийти к консенсусу - To come to a consensus (formal).
• общее согласие - General consensus.

Usage Notes:

• "согласие" is the more versatile and commonly used term, fitting both formal and informal contexts. It can also mean "consent" in personal contexts.
• "консенсус" is a loanword primarily used in academic, political, or business settings. It sounds more technical and is less frequent in casual speech.
• When translating "consensus," consider the tone and context of the sentence to choose between the two Russian equivalents.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "консенсус" in informal, everyday conversations.
  Incorrect: Мы достигли консенсуса о том, где поужинать.
  Correct: Мы достигли согласия о том, где поужинать.
  Explanation: "консенсус" sounds overly formal for casual topics like choosing a dinner spot.
• Error: Confusing "согласие" with "разрешение" (permission).
  Incorrect: Я дал своё согласие на поездку (meaning permission).
  Correct: Я дал своё разрешение на поездку.
  Explanation: While "согласие" can mean consent, it often implies agreement rather than permission.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, reaching "согласие" (consensus) is often valued in group settings, reflecting a collective approach to decision-making, especially in family or community matters. However, in formal or political contexts, "консенсус" may carry connotations of compromise after lengthy debates, often seen in media or official statements.

Related Concepts:

• соглашение
• компромисс
• единодушие