Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Debt'

English Word: debt

Key Russian Translations:

• долг [dolɡ] - [Formal, Informal, Common]
• задолженность [zədɐˈʐɛnːəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Often Legal or Financial Contexts]

Frequency: High (especially "долг")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "долг"); B1 (Intermediate for "задолженность")

Pronunciation (Russian):

долг: [dolɡ]

Note on долг: The stress is on the first syllable. The final "г" is pronounced as a voiced consonant [ɡ].

задолженность: [zədɐˈʐɛnːəsʲtʲ]

Note on задолженность: Stress falls on the third syllable ("же"). The double "н" indicates a slightly prolonged sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Financial Obligation (Money Owed)

Translation(s) & Context:

• долг - General term for debt, used in both personal and formal contexts.
• задолженность - More formal, often used in legal or financial documentation (e.g., tax debt).

Usage Examples:

• У меня большой долг перед банком.

  I have a large debt to the bank.

• Его задолженность по налогам растёт.

  His tax debt is growing.

• Я должен вернуть долг другу.

  I must repay a debt to a friend.

• Задолженность компании достигла миллиона рублей.

  The company's debt reached a million rubles.

• Он взял долг под высокий процент.

  He took a debt at a high interest rate.

2. Moral or Non-Financial Obligation

Translation(s) & Context:

• долг - Used to express a sense of duty or moral obligation (e.g., debt of honor).

Usage Examples:

• Я чувствую долг перед своей семьёй.

  I feel a debt to my family.

• Это мой долг — помочь тебе.

  It is my debt (duty) to help you.

• У нас долг памяти перед ветеранами.

  We have a debt of memory to the veterans.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

долг (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

задолженность (Noun, Feminine, Inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for долг:

• обязательство (more formal, often legal)
• заём (specifically a loan)

Synonyms for задолженность:

• недоимка (specifically tax or payment arrears)

Antonyms:

• кредит (credit, as opposed to debt)
• платёж (payment)

Related Phrases:

• взять в долг - To borrow (literally "take as a debt")
• отдать долг - To repay a debt
• долг чести - Debt of honor
• налоговая задолженность - Tax debt
• погасить задолженность - To settle a debt

Usage Notes:

• "Долг" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "debt" in Russian, applicable to both financial and moral obligations. It is the go-to word for most contexts.
• "Задолженность" is more specific and formal, often used in written or official contexts, especially related to overdue payments or legal matters.
• When referring to moral debts, only "долг" is appropriate; "задолженность" cannot be used in this sense.
• Be mindful of the grammatical case when using these nouns, as Russian relies heavily on cases to convey meaning (e.g., "вернуть долг" uses accusative case).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "задолженность" for personal or moral debts.
  Incorrect: У меня задолженность перед другом.
  Correct: У меня долг перед другом.
  Explanation: "Задолженность" is strictly financial and formal, while "долг" is appropriate for personal debts or obligations.
• Error: Misusing grammatical cases with "долг."
  Incorrect: Я должен вернуть долгу.
  Correct: Я должен вернуть долг.
  Explanation: The verb "вернуть" (to return) requires the accusative case, so "долг" remains unchanged in this context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "долг" (debt) often extends beyond financial matters to include strong moral and social obligations. For example, "долг перед Родиной" (debt to the Motherland) is a common phrase reflecting patriotic duty, especially in historical and military contexts. Understanding this broader meaning is essential for grasping the emotional weight of the term in Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• кредит (credit)
• заём (loan)
• обязательство (obligation)
• платёж (payment)