Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dependence'

English Word: dependence

Key Russian Translations:

• зависимость [zəvʲɪˈsʲiməsʲtʲ] - [Formal/Neutral, used in various contexts]
• подчинённость [pətɕɪˈnʲɵnnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, often in hierarchical or relational contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and academic contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate - both translations are manageable at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

зависимость: [zəvʲɪˈsʲiməsʲtʲ]

Note on зависимость: Stress falls on the third syllable. The soft 'с' sound might be challenging for non-native speakers.

подчинённость: [pətɕɪˈnʲɵnnəsʲtʲ]

Note on подчинённость: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the palatalized 'н' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Reliance on something or someone (physical, emotional, or abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зависимость - Used for dependency in a broad sense, including addiction, reliance on resources, or emotional dependence.

Usage Examples:

• Его зависимость от технологий растёт с каждым днём.

  His dependence on technology grows every day.

• Зависимость от наркотиков разрушила его жизнь.

  Dependence on drugs ruined his life.

• Экономическая зависимость страны от нефти опасна.

  The country's economic dependence on oil is dangerous.

2. Subordination or being under control

Translation(s) & Context:

• подчинённость - Used in formal contexts to describe hierarchical or structural dependence, often in organizations or relationships.

Usage Examples:

• Подчинённость сотрудников руководству очевидна.

  The dependence of employees on management is evident.

• Эта структура отражает подчинённость одного отдела другому.

  This structure reflects the dependence of one department on another.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

зависимость (feminine noun, 3rd declension):

подчинённость (feminine noun, 3rd declension): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for зависимость:

• несамостоятельность (lack of independence)
• привязанность (attachment, in emotional contexts)

Antonyms for зависимость:

• независимость (independence)
• самостоятельность (self-reliance)

Related Phrases:

• финансовая зависимость - Financial dependence
• зависимость от обстоятельств - Dependence on circumstances
• полная подчинённость - Complete subordination

Usage Notes:

• "Зависимость" is the more versatile and commonly used term, covering a wide range of dependencies (emotional, physical, economic, etc.). It is the default choice in most contexts.
• "Подчинённость" is more specific to hierarchical or structural dependence and is typically used in formal or professional settings.
• Be cautious with tone and context when using "зависимость" in personal contexts, as it can imply addiction or weakness if not framed properly.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "подчинённость" to describe addiction or personal reliance.
  Incorrect: Его подчинённость алкоголю.
  Correct: Его зависимость от алкоголя.
  Explanation: "Подчинённость" implies subordination or hierarchy, not personal dependency like addiction.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation of "зависимость."
  Incorrect: Stress on first syllable [ˈzavʲɪsʲiməsʲtʲ].
  Correct: Stress on third syllable [zəvʲɪˈsʲiməsʲtʲ].
  Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or confusing to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "зависимость" (dependence) can carry a negative connotation, especially when related to personal weaknesses like addiction. Discussing such topics requires sensitivity, as Russians may avoid direct references to personal dependencies in casual conversation.

Related Concepts:

• независимость (independence)
• самостоятельность (self-reliance)
• привязанность (attachment)