Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Dependent'

English Word: dependent

Key Russian Translations:

• зависимый [zɐˈvʲisʲɪmɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• иждивенец [ɪʐdʲɪˈvʲenʲɪts] - [Formal, Noun, Person dependent on someone]

Frequency: Medium

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

зависимый: [zɐˈvʲisʲɪmɨj]

Note on зависимый: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced as a short, unrounded central vowel.

иждивенец: [ɪʐdʲɪˈvʲenʲɪts]

Note on иждивенец: Stress on the third syllable. The soft "ж" sound is palatalized, a common feature in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Relying on someone or something (Adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• зависимый - Used to describe someone or something that relies on another entity, often in financial, emotional, or functional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он зависим от своих родителей.

  He is dependent on his parents.

• Эта система зависима от внешнего питания.

  This system is dependent on external power.

• Она чувствует себя зависимой в отношениях.

  She feels dependent in relationships.

2. A person who relies on another for support (Noun)

Translation(s) & Context:

• иждивенец - Refers to a person, often a family member, who is financially or otherwise supported by someone else. Slightly formal or legal tone.

Usage Examples:

• У него на иждивении трое детей.

  He has three dependents.

• Она указала его как иждивенца в документах.

  She listed him as a dependent in the documents.

• Иждивенцы получают пособие от государства.

  Dependents receive benefits from the state.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

1. зависимый (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case. Below is the basic declension for singular forms:

2. иждивенец (Noun, Masculine): Regular masculine noun declension, animate. Singular forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for зависимый:

• подчинённый (subordinate, often in hierarchical contexts)
• несамостоятельный (not independent, often personal traits)

Antonyms for зависимый:

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

Synonyms for иждивенец:

• нахлебник (freeloader, informal and derogatory)

Related Phrases:

• быть на иждивении - To be a dependent, to rely on someone for support.
• зависим от обстоятельств - Dependent on circumstances, often used in formal discussions.

Usage Notes:

• "зависимый" is the more versatile term, used as an adjective to describe dependency in various contexts (emotional, financial, functional). It is more common in everyday speech.
• "иждивенец" is a noun specifically referring to a person who is supported by someone else, often used in legal or formal contexts. It may carry a slightly negative connotation in casual speech.
• When choosing between the two, consider whether you are describing a state (use "зависимый") or a person (use "иждивенец").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "иждивенец" to describe a general state of dependency. Incorrect: "Я иждивенец от интернета" (I am a dependent on the internet). Correct: "Я зависим от интернета" (I am dependent on the internet). Explanation: "иждивенец" refers to a person, not a state or condition.
• Error: Misgendering "зависимый" when agreeing with a noun. Incorrect: "Она зависимый" (She is dependent). Correct: "Она зависимая". Explanation: Adjectives in Russian must agree in gender with the noun or pronoun they describe.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of dependency, especially financial, can carry a stronger social stigma than in some Western cultures. Referring to someone as "иждивенец" outside of legal contexts might be seen as derogatory or judgmental. It’s often more polite to use phrases like "быть на содержании" (to be supported by) in sensitive discussions.

Related Concepts:

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