Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Criticism'

English Word: Criticism

Key Russian Translations:

• критика [ˈkrʲitʲɪkə] - [Formal, General Use]
• замечание [zəmʲɪˈtɕanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often Specific or Mild Criticism]
• упрёк [ʊˈprʲok] - [Informal, Emotional or Personal Criticism]

Frequency: High (especially "критика")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "критика" is A2, "упрёк" may be B1 due to emotional nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

критика: [ˈkrʲitʲɪkə]

Note on критика: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'и' sounds like 'ee' in "see."

замечание: [zəmʲɪˈtɕanʲɪjə]

Note on замечание: Stress on the third syllable. The 'ч' is a soft 'ch' sound.

упрёк: [ʊˈprʲok]

Note on упрёк: Stress on the second syllable. The 'ё' is pronounced as 'yo.'

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Evaluation or Judgment (Negative or Constructive)

Translation(s) & Context:

• критика - Used for formal or general criticism, often in professional or academic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его критика была очень конструктивной.

  His criticism was very constructive.

• Критика этого фильма была несправедливой.

  The criticism of this movie was unfair.

• Она не принимает никакую критику.

  She doesn’t accept any criticism.

2. Specific Remark or Comment (Often Mild)

Translation(s) & Context:

• замечание - Used for a specific or mild critique, often in everyday or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Учитель сделал замечание по поводу моей работы.

  The teacher made a remark about my work.

• Её замечания всегда полезны.

  Her comments are always helpful.

3. Personal or Emotional Reproach

Translation(s) & Context:

• упрёк - Used in personal contexts, often implying emotional or accusatory criticism.

Usage Examples:

• В его голосе звучал упрёк.

  There was reproach in his voice.

• Она посмотрела на меня с упрёком.

  She looked at me with reproach.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

критика (noun, feminine):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	критика	критики
Genitive	критики	критик
Dative	критике	критикам
Accusative	критику	критики
Instrumental	критикой	критиками
Prepositional	о критике	о критиках

замечание (noun, neuter) and упрёк (noun, masculine): Follow regular declension patterns for their respective genders. Detailed tables can be provided upon request.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for критика:

• осуждение (condemnation, stronger tone)
• разбор (analysis, often neutral)

Antonyms for критика:

• похвала (praise)
• одобрение (approval)

Related Phrases:

• конструктивная критика - Constructive criticism.
• сделать замечание - To make a remark or point out a mistake.
• высказать упрёк - To express reproach or blame.

Usage Notes:

• "Критика" is the most general and widely used term for criticism, suitable for formal and academic contexts.
• "Замечание" often refers to a specific or mild critique and is common in everyday speech or professional feedback.
• "Упрёк" carries an emotional or personal tone, often used in interpersonal relationships to express blame or disappointment.
• Be cautious with tone and context when choosing between these terms, as "упрёк" may sound accusatory.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "упрёк" in formal contexts.
  Incorrect: Его упрёк на собрании был неожиданным.
  Correct: Его критика на собрании была неожиданной.
  Explanation: "Упрёк" is too personal for formal settings; "критика" is the appropriate choice.
• Error: Misusing "замечание" for broad criticism.
  Incorrect: Замечание этого автора несправедливо.
  Correct: Критика этого автора несправедлива.
  Explanation: "Замечание" is better for specific remarks, not broad evaluations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, criticism (especially "критика") is often expected to be constructive and detailed, particularly in academic or professional settings. Direct or harsh criticism may be softened with polite phrases to avoid offending. Emotional criticism ("упрёк") is more common in close relationships but can be perceived as overly personal if misused.

Related Concepts:

• похвала (praise)
• оценка (evaluation)
• обратная связь (feedback)