Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Decency'

English Word: Decency

Key Russian Translations:

• приличие [prʲɪˈlʲit͡ɕɪjə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• порядочность [pərʲɪˈdot͡ɕnəstʲ] - [Formal, Moral Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

приличие: [prʲɪˈlʲit͡ɕɪjə]

Note on приличие: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft 'l' sound (л) can be challenging for non-native speakers.

порядочность: [pərʲɪˈdot͡ɕnəstʲ]

Note on порядочность: Stress is on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'r' and the 'щ' sound, which is similar to 'shch'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Conforming to Standards of Propriety or Modesty

Translation(s) & Context:

• приличие - Used when referring to behavior or appearance that aligns with social norms or etiquette.

Usage Examples:

• Его поведение всегда отличалось приличием.

  His behavior was always marked by decency.

• Нужно соблюдать приличия даже в сложных ситуациях.

  One must observe decency even in difficult situations.

• Она одевается с приличием, несмотря на моду.

  She dresses with decency, despite current fashion trends.

2. Moral Integrity or Honesty

Translation(s) & Context:

• порядочность - Refers to ethical behavior, honesty, or moral decency.

Usage Examples:

• Его порядочность не вызывает сомнений.

  His decency is beyond doubt.

• В бизнесе важна порядочность, чтобы заслужить доверие.

  In business, decency is important to earn trust.

• Она проявила порядочность, вернув потерянный кошелёк.

  She showed decency by returning the lost wallet.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

приличие (Noun, Neuter): Regular declension for neuter nouns.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	приличие	приличия
Genitive	приличия	приличий
Dative	приличию	приличиям
Accusative	приличие	приличия
Instrumental	приличием	приличиями
Prepositional	о приличии	о приличиях

порядочность (Noun, Feminine): Regular declension for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

Case	Singular
Nominative	порядочность
Genitive	порядочности
Dative	порядочности
Accusative	порядочность
Instrumental	порядочностью
Prepositional	о порядочности

Note: "порядочность" is typically used in singular form as it describes an abstract quality.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for приличие:

• достоинство
• корректность

Note: "достоинство" can also mean "dignity," while "корректность" emphasizes politeness.

Synonyms for порядочность:

• честность
• добропорядочность

Antonyms for приличие:

• неприличие
• бесстыдство

Antonyms for порядочность:

• бесчестность
• непорядочность

Related Phrases:

• соблюдать приличия - To observe decency (in behavior or manners).
• в рамках приличия - Within the bounds of decency.
• проявить порядочность - To show decency (moral integrity).

Usage Notes:

• "приличие" is often used in contexts related to social etiquette or appropriate behavior, while "порядочность" focuses on moral integrity or ethical conduct.
• Choose "приличие" when discussing outward behavior or appearance, and "порядочность" when emphasizing internal values or trustworthiness.
• Both terms are formal and more commonly used in written or serious spoken contexts rather than casual conversation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "приличие" to describe moral integrity. For example, saying "Его приличие в бизнесе" (His decency in business) is incorrect as it implies manners rather than ethics.
  Correct Usage: Use "порядочность" instead: "Его порядочность в бизнесе."
• Error: Mispronouncing "порядочность" by stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., first syllable instead of third).
  Correct Usage: Stress falls on "до" - [pərʲɪˈdot͡ɕnəstʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "порядочность" is highly valued as a trait of personal character, especially in professional and social relationships. It reflects a deep sense of honor and reliability, often tied to traditional values. Similarly, "приличие" is associated with respect for societal norms, which are important in formal or public settings.

Related Concepts:

• честь (honor)
• достоинство (dignity)
• этика (ethics)