Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Demagogue'

English Word: Demagogue

Key Russian Translations:

• демагог [dʲɪmɐˈɡoɡ] - [Formal, Neutral]
• популист [pəpʊˈlʲist] - [Neutral, Often Political Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

демагог: [dʲɪmɐˈɡoɡ]

Note on демагог: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'г' is pronounced as a voiced fricative [ɡ].

популист: [pəpʊˈlʲist]

Note on популист: Stress on the second syllable. The 'л' is palatalized due to the following 'и'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A leader who appeals to emotions and prejudices

Translation(s) & Context:

• демагог - Often used to describe someone who manipulates public opinion through emotional rhetoric.
• популист - More specific to political contexts, implying simplification of complex issues to gain support.

Usage Examples:

• Этот политик — настоящий демагог, он говорит только то, что люди хотят услышать.

  This politician is a true demagogue; he only says what people want to hear.

• Демагоги часто используют страх, чтобы манипулировать толпой.

  Demagogues often use fear to manipulate the crowd.

• Популист обещал решить все проблемы одним указом.

  The populist promised to solve all problems with a single decree.

• Его речи полны популистских лозунгов, но лишены реальных решений.

  His speeches are full of populist slogans but lack real solutions.

• Многие считают его демагогом из-за его эмоциональных, но пустых обещаний.

  Many consider him a demagogue because of his emotional but empty promises.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

демагог (noun, masculine, animate)

популист (noun, masculine, animate) follows similar declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for демагог:

• популист
• агитатор

Note: While "популист" often implies a political focus, "агитатор" may refer to someone stirring up emotions in any context.

Antonyms for демагог:

• реалист
• прагматик

Related Phrases:

• демагогические речи - Demagogic speeches (emotional and manipulative public speaking)
• популистская политика - Populist politics (policies designed to appeal to the masses with oversimplified solutions)
• играть на эмоциях, как демагог - To play on emotions like a demagogue (to manipulate feelings for personal gain)

Usage Notes:

• While both "демагог" and "популист" can translate "demagogue," "демагог" carries a stronger negative connotation of deceit and manipulation, whereas "популист" is often used in political discussions to describe oversimplification for popular appeal.
• Use "демагог" in broader contexts of rhetoric and manipulation; reserve "популист" for political figures or policies.
• Both terms are formal or neutral and can be used in written or spoken Russian without sounding colloquial.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "демагог" with "демократ" (democrat). English speakers may mistakenly use "демократ" due to phonetic similarity.

  Incorrect: Он демократ, который манипулирует людьми. (He is a democrat who manipulates people.)

  Correct: Он демагог, который манипулирует людьми. (He is a demagogue who manipulates people.)

  Explanation: "Демократ" refers to a supporter of democracy, not a manipulator.

• Error: Overusing "популист" in non-political contexts.

  Incorrect: Этот учитель — популист, он всегда говорит то, что нравится ученикам. (This teacher is a populist...)

  Correct: Этот учитель — демагог, он всегда говорит то, что нравится ученикам. (This teacher is a demagogue...)

  Explanation: "Популист" is tied to political rhetoric; "демагог" fits better for general manipulation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "демагог" often evokes historical associations with Soviet-era propaganda, where leaders or speakers were criticized for empty rhetoric. "Популист," on the other hand, is a more modern term frequently used in discussions of global politics, reflecting trends of appealing to "the people" over elites.

Related Concepts:

• пропаганда (propaganda)
• манипуляция (manipulation)
• риторика (rhetoric)