Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dependant'

English Word: Dependant

Key Russian Translations:

• иждивенец [iʐdʲɪˈvʲenʲɪts] - [Formal, Noun, Singular]
• зависимый [zɐˈvʲisʲɪmɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "иждивенец"; B1 (Intermediate) for "зависимый"

Pronunciation (Russian):

иждивенец: [iʐdʲɪˈvʲenʲɪts]

Note on иждивенец: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

зависимый: [zɐˈvʲisʲɪmɨj]

Note on зависимый: Stress on the second syllable. The final "ый" is often reduced in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who relies on someone else for financial support

Translation(s) & Context:

• иждивенец - Used in formal or legal contexts to refer to someone financially dependent, often a family member.

Usage Examples:

• Он указал в документах, что у него есть иждивенец.

  He indicated in the documents that he has a dependant.

• Иждивенцы получают пособие от государства.

  Dependants receive benefits from the state.

• Его младший брат считается иждивенцем.

  His younger brother is considered a dependant.

2. Someone or something reliant on another (general or abstract sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зависимый - Used as an adjective to describe dependency in a broader sense, not necessarily financial.

Usage Examples:

• Он очень зависим от мнения других.

  He is very dependant on the opinions of others.

• Эта система зависима от внешних факторов.

  This system is dependant on external factors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

иждивенец (Noun, Masculine, Animate):

зависимый (Adjective): Declines based on gender, number, and case. Examples: зависимая (feminine), зависимое (neuter), зависимые (plural).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for иждивенец:

• нахлебник (informal, slightly negative connotation)
• утрированно (rare, formal)

Synonyms for зависимый:

• подчинённый (often in hierarchical contexts)
• несамостоятельный (emphasizes lack of independence)

Antonyms for зависимый:

• независимый (independent)
• самостоятельный (self-reliant)

Related Phrases:

• жить на иждивении - "to live at someone else's expense" (refers to financial dependency)
• зависим от обстоятельств - "dependant on circumstances" (used for situational dependency)

Usage Notes:

• "иждивенец" is primarily used in formal or legal contexts and often refers to financial dependency, such as in family or tax documents. It is not commonly used in casual conversation.
• "зависимый" is more versatile and can describe emotional, situational, or abstract dependency. As an adjective, it must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.
• Choose "иждивенец" for specific references to a person supported financially, and "зависимый" for broader or metaphorical dependency.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "иждивенец" in informal contexts or for non-financial dependency.
  Incorrect: Он иждивенец от своих друзей. (He is a dependant on his friends.)
  Correct: Он зависим от своих друзей. (He is dependant on his friends.)
  Explanation: "иждивенец" implies financial support, while "зависимый" fits emotional or social reliance.
• Error: Failing to decline "зависимый" according to gender or case.
  Incorrect: Она зависимый человек.
  Correct: Она зависимая женщина.
  Explanation: Adjectives in Russian must match the noun in gender, number, and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "иждивенец" can carry a slightly negative connotation in informal settings, implying a lack of independence. Historically, during Soviet times, the term was widely used in official documentation for family members who did not work. Understanding this nuance is important when using the term in conversation.

Related Concepts:

• независимость (independence)
• поддержка (support)
• обеспечение (provision)