Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Conservative'

English Word: conservative

Key Russian Translations:

• консервативный [ˌkɐn.sʲɪr.vɐˈtʲiv.nɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• консерватор [ˌkɐn.sʲɪrˈva.tɐr] - [Formal, Noun, Person]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in political and social contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

консервативный: [ˌkɐn.sʲɪr.vɐˈtʲiv.nɨj]

Note on консервативный: Stress falls on the fourth syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, centralized "i".

консерватор: [ˌkɐn.sʲɪrˈva.tɐr]

Note on консерватор: Stress falls on the third syllable. The rolled "р" (r) is typical in Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Traditional or Resistant to Change (Adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• консервативный - Used to describe someone or something that prefers traditional values or resists modern changes, often in politics or culture.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень консервативный в своих взглядах на семью.

  He is very conservative in his views on family.

• Консервативная политика часто вызывает споры.

  Conservative policies often spark debates.

• Её консервативный стиль одежды выделяется среди молодёжи.

  Her conservative clothing style stands out among the youth.

2. A Person Who Supports Traditional Values (Noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• консерватор - Refers to a person who identifies with conservative ideologies, often in a political context.

Usage Examples:

• Этот консерватор выступает против реформ.

  This conservative is speaking out against reforms.

• Консерваторы в парламенте поддержали новый закон.

  The conservatives in parliament supported the new law.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

консервативный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case, typical for Russian adjectives.

консерватор (Noun): Masculine noun, declines by case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for консервативный:

• традиционный
• ортодоксальный

Note: "традиционный" is more neutral, often used for customs, while "ортодоксальный" may carry a stricter or religious connotation.

Antonyms for консервативный:

• либеральный
• прогрессивный

Related Phrases:

• консервативные взгляды - Conservative views (often used in discussions of politics or morality).
• консервативная партия - Conservative party (refers to a political group).
• консерватор старой школы - Old-school conservative (used to describe someone very traditional).

Usage Notes:

• "Консервативный" is primarily used as an adjective to describe attitudes, policies, or styles. It aligns closely with the English "conservative" in most contexts.
• "Консерватор" is less common and specifically refers to a person. It is more formal and often used in written or political contexts.
• Be mindful of the context—Russian speakers may associate "консервативный" with political conservatism more than personal behavior unless specified.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "консерватор" as an adjective.
  Incorrect: Он консерватор человек.
  Correct: Он консервативный человек.
  Explanation: "Консерватор" is a noun, not an adjective. Use "консервативный" to describe qualities.
• Error: Incorrect adjective agreement with gender or case.
  Incorrect: Она консервативный женщина.
  Correct: Она консервативная женщина.
  Explanation: Adjectives in Russian must match the gender of the noun they describe.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "консервативный" often carries a neutral or even positive connotation in certain circles, especially among older generations or in rural areas, where traditional values are highly regarded. However, in urban or progressive contexts, it might be viewed critically as resistance to change.

Related Concepts:

• традиция (tradition)
• патриотизм (patriotism)
• либерализм (liberalism)