Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Decorum'

English Word: Decorum

Key Russian Translations:

• приличие [prʲɪˈlʲit͡ɕɪjə] - [Formal, Singular]
• декорум [dʲɪˈkorum] - [Formal, Borrowed Term, Rare]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "приличие"; C1 (Advanced) for "декорум"

Pronunciation (Russian):

приличие: [prʲɪˈlʲit͡ɕɪjə]

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

декорум: [dʲɪˈkorum]

Note on декорум: A direct borrowing from Latin/English, pronounced with stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Propriety in Behavior or Manners

Translation(s) & Context:

• приличие - Used to describe appropriate behavior or manners in social settings, often with a moral or ethical connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Нужно соблюдать приличие на официальных мероприятиях.

  One must observe decorum at official events.

• Она всегда вела себя с приличием, даже в сложных ситуациях.

  She always behaved with decorum, even in difficult situations.

• Его поведение нарушило все правила приличия.

  His behavior violated all rules of decorum.

2. Formal or Stylistic Appropriateness (Rare)

Translation(s) & Context:

• декорум - Used in literary or academic contexts to refer to stylistic or formal appropriateness, often as a direct borrowing.

Usage Examples:

• В классической литературе декорум был важным принципом.

  In classical literature, decorum was an important principle.

• Автор нарушил декорум, используя разговорный стиль в трагедии.

  The author broke decorum by using colloquial style in a tragedy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

приличие (Noun, Neuter):

декорум (Noun, Masculine): Borrowed term, does not typically inflect in everyday usage; often used in nominative form only.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for приличие:

• порядочность
• вежливость
• корректность

Note: "порядочность" emphasizes moral decency, while "вежливость" focuses on politeness.

Antonyms for приличие:

• неприличие
• грубость

Related Phrases:

• соблюдать приличия - To observe decorum/propriety.
• нарушить приличия - To breach decorum/propriety.
• чувство приличия - Sense of decorum/propriety.

Usage Notes:

• "приличие" is the most common and versatile translation for "decorum," suitable for most contexts involving social behavior or etiquette. It carries a slightly formal tone.
• "декорум" is a rare, academic term borrowed directly from Latin/English, used almost exclusively in literary or stylistic discussions. It may not be understood by all native speakers.
• When translating "decorum," choose "приличие" unless the context specifically relates to classical literature or formal stylistic principles.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "декорум" in everyday conversation. Incorrect: "Он не соблюдал декорум на вечеринке." Correct: "Он не соблюдал приличия на вечеринке." Explanation: "декорум" is not used in casual or social contexts; it sounds overly academic or foreign.
• Error: Misusing the plural form "приличия" when referring to a singular concept. Incorrect: "У него нет приличий." Correct: "У него нет приличия." Explanation: The singular form is often used for the abstract concept of decorum, while plural can refer to specific norms.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "приличие" is deeply tied to social norms and respect for others, especially in formal or public settings. Violating "приличие" can be seen as a serious breach of etiquette, particularly in traditional or conservative environments.

Related Concepts:

• вежливость (politeness)
• этикет (etiquette)
• порядочность (decency)