Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cynical'

English Word: Cynical

Key Russian Translations:

• циничный [ˈt͡sɨnʲɪt͡ɕnɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Adjective]
• саркастичный [sərkɐˈstʲit͡ɕnɨj] - [Informal, Adjective, Often implies mockery]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

циничный: [ˈt͡sɨnʲɪt͡ɕnɨj]

Note on циничный: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "ц" sound is a voiceless affricate, similar to "ts" in "cats."

саркастичный: [sərkɐˈstʲit͡ɕnɨj]

Note on саркастичный: Stress on the third syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly, and "ч" sounds like "ch" in "church."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Distrustful of human sincerity or integrity

Translation(s) & Context:

• циничный - Used to describe someone who doubts others' motives, often with a negative or bitter tone.

Usage Examples:

• Он стал циничным после стольких предательств.

  He became cynical after so many betrayals.

• Её циничное отношение к любви отталкивает людей.

  Her cynical attitude toward love pushes people away.

• Циничный взгляд на политику стал нормой в нашем обществе.

  A cynical view of politics has become the norm in our society.

2. Mocking or sarcastic in tone

Translation(s) & Context:

• саркастичный - Often used when someone expresses cynicism through sarcasm or irony.

Usage Examples:

• Его саркастичный комментарий всех рассмешил.

  His cynical (sarcastic) comment made everyone laugh.

• Она ответила саркастичным тоном, что не удивило никого.

  She replied in a cynical (sarcastic) tone, which surprised no one.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

саркастичный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "циничный." Refer to standard adjective declension rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for циничный:

• презрительный (contemptuous)
• насмешливый (mocking)

Synonyms for саркастичный:

• ироничный (ironic)
• едкий (caustic)

Antonyms for циничный:

• наивный (naive)
• искренний (sincere)

Related Phrases:

• циничный взгляд - Cynical view (often about life or society)
• саркастичный юмор - Sarcastic humor (mocking or ironic tone in jokes)
• циничное замечание - Cynical remark (a bitter or distrustful comment)

Usage Notes:

• "циничный" is generally used for a deeper, more negative distrust or bitterness toward human motives, while "саркастичный" often describes a tone or style of speech that mocks or ridicules.
• Use "циничный" in formal or serious contexts when describing attitudes or worldviews. "саркастичный" is more conversational and tied to verbal expression.
• Be cautious with "циничный" as it can carry a stronger negative connotation than "cynical" in English, sometimes implying immorality or coldness.

Common Errors:

• Mixing up циничный and саркастичный: English speakers often use these interchangeably, but "циничный" refers to a worldview, while "саркастичный" describes tone. Incorrect: "Его циничный юмор" (if meant as sarcastic); Correct: "Его саркастичный юмор."
• Overusing циничный in casual contexts: It can sound overly harsh or formal. Use "саркастичный" for lighter, conversational sarcasm.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cynicism ("циничный") is sometimes associated with a pragmatic or disillusioned outlook, often shaped by historical and social challenges. It may not always carry the same playful or intellectual tone as "cynical" might in English. Sarcasm ("саркастичный") is widely used in humor and everyday conversation, but overly cynical remarks can be seen as rude or insensitive.

Related Concepts:

• ирония (irony)
• скептицизм (skepticism)
• пессимизм (pessimism)