Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Custody'

English Word: custody

Key Russian Translations:

• опека [ˈopʲɪkə] - [Formal, Often used for legal guardianship]
• попечительство [pəpʲɪˈt͡ɕitʲɪlstvə] - [Formal, Refers to trusteeship or guardianship]
• заключение под стражу [zəklʲʊˈt͡ɕenʲɪjə pət ˈstraʒʊ] - [Formal, Legal term for detention or custody]

Frequency: Medium (varies by context; "заключение под стражу" is less common in everyday speech)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; "опека" is easier to learn, while "заключение под стражу" is more advanced due to its legal specificity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

опека: [ˈopʲɪkə]

Note on опека: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "е" sounds like "ye" in "yes."

попечительство: [pəpʲɪˈt͡ɕitʲɪlstvə]

Note on попечительство: Stress on the third syllable. The soft "ч" sound is a challenge for non-native speakers.

заключение под стражу: [zəklʲʊˈt͡ɕenʲɪjə pət ˈstraʒʊ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Legal Guardianship or Care (of a child or dependent)

Translation(s) & Context:

• опека - Used for guardianship, often in family law or child protection contexts.
• попечительство - Refers to trusteeship, often for minors or incapacitated individuals, slightly more formal than "опека."

Usage Examples:

• После развода опека над ребенком была передана матери.

  After the divorce, custody of the child was awarded to the mother.

• Опека над сиротами осуществляется государством.

  Guardianship over orphans is provided by the state.

• Попечительство было назначено до достижения ребенком совершеннолетия.

  Trusteeship was appointed until the child reaches adulthood.

2. Detention or Imprisonment (legal context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• заключение под стражу - Specifically refers to being held in custody or detention by law enforcement.

Usage Examples:

• Подозреваемый был взят под заключение под стражу на 48 часов.

  The suspect was taken into custody for 48 hours.

• Суд постановил заключение под стражу до окончания следствия.

  The court ordered detention until the investigation is completed.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

опека (feminine noun):

попечительство (neuter noun): Follows similar declension patterns for neuter nouns, e.g., Nominative: попечительство, Genitive: попечительства.

заключение под стражу (phrase): "заключение" (neuter noun) declines, while "под стражу" remains mostly static. Example: Genitive - заключения под стражу.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for опека: забота, покровительство (nuances: "забота" implies care, "покровительство" implies protection or patronage)
• Synonyms for заключение под стражу: арест, задержание (nuances: "арест" is broader, "задержание" often temporary)
• Antonyms for опека: пренебрежение (neglect)
• Antonyms for заключение под стражу: освобождение (release)

Related Phrases:

• взять под опеку - "to take into custody/guardianship" (used for adopting responsibility over someone)
• лишить опеки - "to deprive of custody" (legal context, often parental rights)
• заключить под стражу - "to place in custody" (formal, legal detention)

Usage Notes:

• "опека" is the most common term for child custody or guardianship and is less formal than "попечительство," which often appears in legal or bureaucratic contexts.
• "заключение под стражу" is a fixed legal phrase and should not be shortened or altered; it is specific to detention contexts and not interchangeable with "опека."
• When discussing custody in a family law context, use "опека"; for criminal law contexts, use "заключение под стражу."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "опека" to mean detention. Incorrect: "Его взяли под опеку" (intended: "He was taken into custody"). Correct: "Его взяли под заключение под стражу."
• Error: Misusing "попечительство" for casual guardianship. Incorrect: "Я взял попечительство над собакой." Correct: "Я взял опеку над собакой" (I took care of the dog).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "опека" often carries a strong emotional connotation of protection and care, especially in family contexts. The concept of guardianship is deeply tied to societal values of supporting vulnerable individuals. On the other hand, "заключение под стражу" evokes a formal, often negative tone due to its association with legal penalties.

Related Concepts:

• усыновление (adoption)
• родительские права (parental rights)
• арест (arrest)