Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cruel'

English Word: cruel

Key Russian Translations:

• жестокий [ʐɨˈstokʲɪj] - [Formal, Informal, Adjective]
• безжалостный [bʲɪʐɨˈɫostnɨj] - [Formal, Stronger Intensity]
• суровый [sʊˈrovɨj] - [Often used for harshness or severity, less emotional]

Frequency: High (especially "жестокий")

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate; "жестокий" is easier, "безжалостный" might be B2 due to nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

жестокий: [ʐɨˈstokʲɪj]

Note on жестокий: Stress is on the second syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

безжалостный: [bʲɪʐɨˈɫostnɨj]

Note on безжалостный: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft "л" sound.

суровый: [sʊˈrovɨj]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Cruel as in causing pain or suffering intentionally (emotional or physical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• жестокий - Commonly used for both people and actions, implies intentional harm.
• безжалостный - Stronger, often used for extreme lack of mercy or compassion.

Usage Examples:

• Он был жестоким к своим подчинённым.

  He was cruel to his subordinates.

• Её слова были безжалостными и ранили меня.

  Her words were cruel and hurt me.

• Жестокий человек не знает жалости.

  A cruel person knows no pity.

2. Cruel as in harsh or severe (not necessarily intentional)

Translation(s) & Context:

• суровый - Often refers to harsh conditions, strictness, or severity without emotional cruelty.

Usage Examples:

• Зима в Сибири очень суровая.

  The winter in Siberia is very cruel (harsh).

• Учитель был суровым, но справедливым.

  The teacher was cruel (strict), but fair.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

жестокий (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension based on gender, number, and case.

безжалостный (Adjective): Similar declension pattern to "жестокий".

суровый (Adjective): Follows the same adjective declension rules as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• жесткий (harsh, tough)
• беспощадный (merciless)

Note: "жесткий" often implies toughness rather than emotional cruelty.

Antonyms:

• добрый (kind)
• милосердный (merciful)

Related Phrases:

• жестокое обращение - Cruel treatment (often used in legal or formal contexts).
• суровая правда - Cruel (harsh) truth.
• безжалостный враг - Ruthless enemy.

Usage Notes:

• "жестокий" is the most versatile and commonly used translation for "cruel", fitting both personal and abstract contexts.
• "безжалостный" carries a stronger negative connotation, often implying a complete lack of compassion; use it for more intense situations.
• "суровый" is better for describing harshness or severity (e.g., weather, rules) rather than intentional cruelty.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "суровый" to describe a person’s malicious intent. Wrong: Он был суровым и хотел навредить. Correct: Он был жестоким и хотел навредить. Explanation: "суровый" implies strictness, not malice.
• Error: Overusing "безжалостный" in mild contexts. Wrong: Учитель был безжалостным за плохую оценку. Correct: Учитель был жестоким за плохую оценку. Explanation: "безжалостный" is too strong for everyday criticism.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, describing someone as "жестокий" can carry a heavy emotional weight, often implying deep moral judgment. It is frequently used in literature and historical contexts to describe oppressive figures or regimes.

Related Concepts:

• злость (anger, malice)
• насилие (violence)
• строгость (strictness)