Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cowardice'

English Word: Cowardice

Key Russian Translations:

• трусость [ˈtrusəsʲtʲ] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• малодушие [məlɐˈduʂɨjə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "трусость"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "малодушие"

Pronunciation (Russian):

трусость: [ˈtrusəsʲtʲ]

Note on трусость: The stress falls on the first syllable, and the "сʲ" is a soft consonant, pronounced with a slight palatalization.

малодушие: [məlɐˈduʂɨjə]

Note on малодушие: Stress on the third syllable; the "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Lack of Courage in Facing Danger or Difficulty

Translation(s) & Context:

• трусость - Commonly used to describe a general lack of bravery or fearfulness in challenging situations.

Usage Examples:

• Его трусость помешала ему защитить друзей.

  His cowardice prevented him from protecting his friends.

• Трусость в бою может стоить жизни.

  Cowardice in battle can cost lives.

• Она обвинила его в трусости, когда он отказался говорить правду.

  She accused him of cowardice when he refused to tell the truth.

2. Moral Weakness or Lack of Resolve

Translation(s) & Context:

• малодушие - Used in formal or literary contexts to imply a lack of moral strength or determination.

Usage Examples:

• Его малодушие проявилось в момент принятия важного решения.

  His cowardice (moral weakness) became evident at the moment of making an important decision.

• Малодушие не позволило ему признать свою ошибку.

  Cowardice (lack of resolve) prevented him from admitting his mistake.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

трусость (Noun, Feminine, 3rd Declension):

Case	Singular
Nominative	трусость
Genitive	трусости
Dative	трусости
Accusative	трусость
Instrumental	трусостью
Prepositional	о трусости

Note: "трусость" is an uncountable noun and does not typically have a plural form.

малодушие (Noun, Neuter, 2nd Declension):

Case	Singular
Nominative	малодушие
Genitive	малодушия
Dative	малодушию
Accusative	малодушие
Instrumental	малодушием
Prepositional	о малодушии

Note: "малодушие" is also an uncountable noun with no plural form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for трусость:

• боязливость
• робость

Note: "боязливость" emphasizes fearfulness, while "робость" often implies shyness alongside cowardice.

Antonyms for трусость:

• храбрость
• смелость

Related Phrases:

• проявить трусость - To show cowardice; often used in contexts of failing to act bravely.
• обвинить в малодушии - To accuse of cowardice (moral weakness); used in formal or serious discussions.

Usage Notes:

• "трусость" is the most common and neutral term for "cowardice" in Russian, suitable for everyday conversations and general contexts.
• "малодушие" is more formal and often used in written language or discussions of moral failings rather than physical cowardice.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these terms, as "малодушие" carries a stronger connotation of ethical weakness.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "малодушие" in casual contexts or to describe physical fear.
  Incorrect: Он показал малодушие на поле боя. (He showed moral weakness on the battlefield.)
  Correct: Он показал трусость на поле боя. (He showed cowardice on the battlefield.)
  Explanation: "малодушие" is inappropriate for physical cowardice and should be reserved for moral or emotional weakness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cowardice, especially in the context of war or personal honor, is often viewed with significant disdain. The term "трусость" can carry a heavy negative connotation, particularly when associated with betrayal or failure to protect others. Historical and literary works often contrast "трусость" with "храбрость" (bravery) to emphasize moral values.

Related Concepts:

• храбрость (bravery)
• смелость (courage)
• страх (fear)