Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Decorous'

English Word: decorous

Key Russian Translations:

• приличный [prʲɪˈlʲitɕnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• вежливый [vʲɪˈʐlʲivɨj] - [Formal/Neutral, Adjective]
• достойный [dɐˈstojnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective, Often used for behavior or appearance]

Frequency: Medium (used in formal or written contexts more than casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for all translations due to nuances in formality and context

Pronunciation (Russian):

приличный: [prʲɪˈlʲitɕnɨj]

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

вежливый: [vʲɪˈʐlʲivɨj]

Note on вежливый: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the voiced "zh" sound (ж).

достойный: [dɐˈstojnɨj]

Note on достойный: Stress on the second syllable. The "oj" diphthong is pronounced as a single sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Proper or Appropriate Behavior (Polite and Respectful)

Translation(s) & Context:

• приличный - Often used to describe behavior or appearance that conforms to social norms.
• вежливый - Emphasizes politeness and courtesy in interactions.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда ведёт себя прилично на официальных мероприятиях.

  He always behaves decorously at formal events.

• Будь вежливым, когда говоришь с учителем.

  Be decorous (polite) when speaking with the teacher.

• Её приличное поведение произвело хорошее впечатление.

  Her decorous behavior made a good impression.

2. Dignified or Worthy (Respectable in Appearance or Conduct)

Translation(s) & Context:

• достойный - Used to describe behavior or appearance that commands respect or admiration.

Usage Examples:

• Она держалась достойно, несмотря на трудности.

  She carried herself decorously despite the difficulties.

• Это был достойный ответ на критику.

  It was a decorous (dignified) response to criticism.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

приличный (Adjective): Declines according to standard Russian adjective rules based on gender, number, and case.

Note: Similar declension patterns apply to вежливый and достойный.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for приличный/вежливый/достойный:

• корректный (formal, correct)
• учтивый (polite, courteous)
• благородный (noble, dignified)

Note: "учтивый" is more old-fashioned or literary compared to "вежливый."

Antonyms:

• неприличный (indecorous, improper)
• грубый (rude)
• недостойный (unworthy)

Related Phrases:

• вести себя прилично - to behave decorously (properly)
• держаться достойно - to carry oneself decorously (with dignity)
• быть вежливым с кем-либо - to be decorous (polite) with someone

Usage Notes:

• "приличный" often refers to social appropriateness and can apply to behavior, clothing, or language. It’s the closest direct translation for "decorous" in many contexts.
• "вежливый" focuses specifically on politeness and is more commonly used in everyday speech when describing interpersonal interactions.
• "достойный" carries a connotation of dignity or worthiness and is often used in more serious or elevated contexts.
• Choose the translation based on the context: "приличный" for general propriety, "вежливый" for politeness, and "достойный" for dignified behavior.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "приличный" to mean "nice" or "pleasant" in a casual sense. Incorrect: "Это приличный день" (meant as "This is a nice day"). Correct: Use "хороший" for "nice."
• Error: Confusing "вежливый" with "дружелюбный" (friendly). "вежливый" implies formal politeness, not necessarily warmth. Incorrect: Assuming a "вежливый" person is always approachable. Correct: Use "дружелюбный" for friendliness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, behaving "decorous" (прилично or достойно) is highly valued, especially in formal or public settings. Politeness and proper conduct are often seen as a reflection of one’s upbringing and social standing. Overly casual or loud behavior may be perceived as "неприличный" (indecorous) in contexts where restraint is expected.

Related Concepts:

• этикет (etiquette)
• уважение (respect)
• пристойность (decency)