Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dastard'

English Word: dastard

Key Russian Translations:

• трус [trus] - [Informal, commonly used in everyday conversation]
• подлец [ˈpodlʲɛts] - [Formal, often in literary or historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not frequently used in modern Russian; more common in literature or descriptive narratives.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Suitable for learners with basic vocabulary, but requires understanding of context and nuances; varies slightly by translation (e.g., "трус" is simpler, while "подлец" may involve more advanced connotations).

Pronunciation (Russian):

трус: [trus] - The stress is on the first syllable; pronounced with a soft "r" sound.

подлец: [ˈpodlʲɛts] - Stress on the first syllable; note the palatalized "l" which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Note on трус: This word has a straightforward pronunciation, but the "r" sound should be rolled slightly for authenticity in Russian.

Note on подлец: The palatalized "l" (as in "ly") is a common feature in Russian; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Cowardly or despicable person

Translation(s) & Context:

• трус - Used in informal settings to describe someone who is cowardly, often in personal or everyday contexts, such as avoiding danger.
• подлец - Applied in more formal or narrative contexts to denote a morally despicable person, implying not just fear but treachery.

Usage Examples:

• Он трус и всегда избегает конфликтов, предпочитая скрыться.

  He is a dastard and always avoids conflicts, preferring to hide.

• В старых сказках подлец часто побеждается героем, символизируя трусость и предательство.

  In old tales, the dastard is often defeated by the hero, symbolizing cowardice and betrayal.

• Не будь трусом; встань и защити своих друзей в трудную минуту.

  Don't be a dastard; stand up and defend your friends in a tough situation.

• Этот подлец предал своих товарищей, показав свою истинную трусость.

  This dastard betrayed his comrades, revealing his true cowardice.

• В исторических романах трус изображается как человек, который бежит от битвы.

  In historical novels, the dastard is depicted as someone who flees from battle.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "трус" and "подлец" are masculine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. "Трус" is more straightforward, while "подлец" has some irregularities in certain cases.

Note: These words do not change for gender but follow regular patterns for number and case. "Трус" is invariant in most contexts and easier for beginners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • страхолюд (strakholyud) - More poetic, emphasizing extreme fear.
  • трусишка (trusishka) - Diminutive, informal form for a minor coward.
• Antonyms:
  • герой (geroy) - Hero, directly opposite in meaning.
  • храбрец (khabrets) - Brave person, often used in heroic contexts.

Related Phrases:

• трус как заяц - Literally "coward like a hare," used to describe someone extremely timid; implies a common idiom for innate fearfulness.
• подлец и предатель - "Dastard and traitor," a phrase highlighting moral betrayal in historical or dramatic contexts.
• быть трусом в бою - "To be a dastard in battle," referring to cowardice during conflict; often in military or adventure narratives.

Usage Notes:

"Трус" directly corresponds to the informal English sense of "dastard" as a coward, making it suitable for everyday use, while "подлец" aligns more with the despicable or treacherous aspects and is better for formal or literary English equivalents. Be mindful of context: "трус" is neutral and common in spoken Russian, but "подлец" carries a stronger negative connotation and should be used cautiously in polite conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for "трус" in modern settings and "подлец" for historical or narrative ones. Grammatically, both nouns require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying words.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "трус" in formal writing as a direct synonym for "подлец" without considering tone. Correct: "Он подлец, потому что предал друзей." (He is a dastard because he betrayed his friends.) Explanation: "Трус" implies only fear, not betrayal, so it might understate the meaning.
• Mistake: Incorrect inflection, e.g., saying "трусy" instead of "трусы" for plural. Correct: Use proper case endings as shown in the inflections table. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, and beginners often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors.
• Mistake: Overusing these words in positive contexts. Correct: Avoid them in neutral descriptions; they are inherently negative. Explanation: English learners might translate "dastard" too literally without grasping the pejorative weight in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "трус" and "подлец" often appear in folklore and literature, such as in the works of Pushkin or Tolstoy, where cowards are portrayed as foils to heroic figures. This reflects a cultural emphasis on bravery and loyalty, rooted in historical events like wars and revolutions, making these terms more than insults—they symbolize moral failings in a society that values resilience.

Related Concepts:

• храбрость (khabrost) - Bravery
• предательство (predatelstvo) - Betrayal
• героизм (geroizm) - Heroism