Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'contraband'

English Word: contraband

Key Russian Translations:

• контрабанда [kən.trɐˈban.də] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly encountered in legal, historical, or news contexts but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding specific legal terminology; learners at this level should grasp its usage with some practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

контрабанда: [kən.trɐˈban.də]

Note on контрабанда: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ban"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the Russian emphasis on word-final vowels. Pronounce the "р" as a rolled 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Illegal goods smuggled into or out of a country, often in violation of laws or customs regulations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• контрабанда - Used in formal contexts such as legal discussions, border control, or historical narratives about smuggling.

Usage Examples:

• В аэропорту обнаружили партию контрабанды, включая запрещённые вещества.

  In the airport, they discovered a batch of contraband, including prohibited substances.

• Во время войны контрабанда оружия была серьёзной проблемой для пограничных служб.

  During the war, the smuggling of weapons was a serious issue for border services.

• Таможенники конфисковали контрабанду, спрятанную в багаже пассажира.

  Customs officers seized the contraband hidden in the passenger's luggage.

• Международные санкции усиливают борьбу с контрабандой luxury товаров.

  International sanctions are intensifying the fight against the smuggling of luxury goods.

• В романе описывается, как контрабанда алмазов финансировала революцию.

  In the novel, the smuggling of diamonds is described as financing the revolution.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Контрабанда" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has standard variations for number and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • запрещённый товар (prohibited goods; more general and less specific to smuggling)
  • незаконный груз (illegal cargo; used in transportation contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • легальный товар (legal goods; implies compliance with laws)
  • декларированный груз (declared cargo; refers to properly reported items)

Related Phrases:

• перевозить контрабанду - To transport contraband (Used in contexts involving smuggling operations, often with legal implications.)
• борьба с контрабандой - Fight against contraband (Common in official or journalistic language regarding law enforcement.)
• контрабанда оружия - Arms smuggling (Refers to illegal weapon trade, with strong connotations in international relations.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "контрабанда" directly corresponds to the English "contraband" but is typically used in formal or official settings, such as legal documents or news reports. It is a countable noun, so pay attention to its declensions based on case and number. When choosing between synonyms like "запрещённый товар," opt for "контрабанда" if the emphasis is on the act of smuggling rather than just the illegality. Avoid using it in casual conversations, as it may sound overly formal; instead, everyday language might use simpler terms.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using "контрабанда" in the genitive case as "контрабанда" instead of "контрабанды." This often happens when learners treat it as an indeclinable word.

  Correct Usage: В случае контрабанды... (In the case of contraband...)

  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; always check the context to apply the right ending.

• Common Error: Confusing it with "контракт" (contract), leading to mispronunciation or misuse in sentences.

  Correct Usage: Не путайте контрабанду с контрактом (Don't confuse contraband with contract).

  Explanation: These words sound similar but have entirely different meanings; focus on context to differentiate.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "контрабанда" often evokes images of smuggling across vast borders, such as during the Soviet era when goods were illegally traded across the Iron Curtain. It carries connotations of resourcefulness in times of scarcity, but also highlights ongoing issues with organized crime in modern Russia, particularly in regions like the Caucasus or along international borders.

Related Concepts:

• таможня (customs)
• смог (smuggling)
• запрет (prohibition)