Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Courage'

English Word: Courage

Key Russian Translations:

• мужество [ˈmuʐɨstvə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• храбрость [ˈxrabrəsʲtʲ] - [Neutral, Often used in narratives]
• отвага [ɐtˈvaɡə] - [Literary, Heroic context]

Frequency: High (especially "мужество" and "храбрость")

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "мужество" and "храбрость"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "отвага"

Pronunciation (Russian):

мужество: [ˈmuʐɨstvə]

Note on мужество: Stress falls on the first syllable; the "ж" is pronounced as a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in "measure."

храбрость: [ˈxrabrəsʲtʲ]

Note on храбрость: Stress on the first syllable; the "р" is rolled slightly, and "сʲ" is a soft consonant sound.

отвага: [ɐtˈvaɡə]

Note on отвага: Stress on the second syllable; the initial "о" is reduced to a schwa sound [ɐ] due to unstressed position.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Bravery in Facing Danger (Physical Courage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• храбрость - Commonly used for physical bravery, especially in stories or historical contexts.
• отвага - Emphasizes heroic or daring bravery, often in military or epic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его храбрость на поле боя вдохновила всех солдат.

  His courage on the battlefield inspired all the soldiers.

• Она проявила невероятную отвагу, спасая ребёнка из огня.

  She showed incredible courage, rescuing the child from the fire.

• Храбрость этого воина стала легендой.

  The courage of this warrior became a legend.

2. Moral or Emotional Strength (Inner Courage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• мужество - Often used for moral courage or strength in difficult situations.

Usage Examples:

• У неё хватило мужества признаться в своей ошибке.

  She had the courage to admit her mistake.

• Его мужество в борьбе с болезнью восхищает всех.

  His courage in fighting the illness amazes everyone.

• Требуется большое мужество, чтобы говорить правду в таких условиях.

  It takes great courage to speak the truth in such conditions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

мужество (neuter noun): Indeclinable in terms of gender but declines by case and number.

храбрость (feminine noun) and отвага (feminine noun) follow standard feminine declension patterns for 3rd declension nouns. They are also mostly used in the singular form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• смелость (more general, can imply boldness)
• доблесть (valor, often in a heroic sense)

Antonyms:

• трусость (cowardice)
• боязнь (fear)

Related Phrases:

• проявить мужество - to show courage (used for moral strength)
• собраться с мужеством - to gather one's courage (to prepare oneself emotionally)
• храбрость сердца - courage of the heart (emotional or moral bravery)

Usage Notes:

• "Мужество" is the most versatile translation for "courage," often used in contexts of moral or emotional strength, such as enduring hardship or admitting faults.
• "Храбрость" is more commonly associated with physical bravery or boldness, often in narratives or descriptions of actions.
• "Отвага" carries a literary or elevated tone, frequently used in historical or heroic contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing the appropriate translation, as Russians distinguish between types of courage based on the situation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "отвага" in everyday contexts. Incorrect: "У меня была отвага сказать правду." (sounds overly dramatic). Correct: "У меня хватило мужества сказать правду." (natural and appropriate).
• Error: Confusing "храбрость" with "смелость." While both can mean bravery, "смелость" can also imply boldness or audacity, which may not always align with "courage." Example: "Его смелость граничит с наглостью" (His boldness borders on insolence) vs. "Его храбрость спасла жизни" (His courage saved lives).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, courage, especially "мужество," is often tied to ideals of stoicism and resilience, reflecting historical narratives of enduring hardship during wars and societal challenges. "Отвага" is frequently used in literature and patriotic contexts to evoke a sense of heroism.

Related Concepts:

• стойкость (resilience)
• сила духа (strength of spirit)
• героизм (heroism)