Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'depravity'

English Word: depravity

Key Russian Translations:

• разврат [rɐzˈvrat] - [Formal; often used in literary or moral discussions]
• порочность [pɐˈrot͡ɕnəstʲ] - [Formal; emphasizes inherent moral flaws]

Frequency: Medium (This term appears regularly in Russian literature, philosophy, and formal discourse but is less common in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and moral vocabulary, as per CEFR standards. The word 'разврат' may be slightly easier for B1 learners, while 'порочность' could approach B2 due to its nuanced connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

разврат: [rɐzˈvrat]

порочность: [pɐˈrot͡ɕnəstʲ]

Note on разврат: The stress falls on the second syllable ('vrat'), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Be mindful of the rolled 'r' sound.

Note on порочность: The palatalized 't͡ɕ' sound (like 'ch' in 'church') can be challenging; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Moral corruption, wickedness, or a state of depraved behavior.

Translation(s) & Context:

• разврат - Used in contexts involving ethical decline, such as in literature or discussions of social issues; formal and somewhat archaic in modern speech.
• порочность - Applied to inherent flaws in character or society; often in philosophical or psychological contexts, implying a deeper, systemic issue.

Usage Examples:

• Этот роман раскрывает тёмные глубины человеческого разврата. (This novel reveals the dark depths of human depravity.)

  English Translation: This novel reveals the dark depths of human depravity.

• В обществе, где порочность становится нормой, моральные ценности разрушаются. (In a society where depravity becomes the norm, moral values are destroyed.)

  English Translation: In a society where depravity becomes the norm, moral values are destroyed.

• Его действия были проявлением крайнего разврата, шокирующего окружающих. (His actions were a manifestation of extreme depravity, shocking those around him.)

  English Translation: His actions were a manifestation of extreme depravity, shocking those around him.

• Порочность характера героя делает его антигероем в этой истории. (The depravity of the hero's character makes him an anti-hero in this story.)

  English Translation: The depravity of the hero's character makes him an anti-hero in this story.

• Разврат в политике часто приводит к коррупции и потере доверия. (Depravity in politics often leads to corruption and loss of trust.)

  English Translation: Depravity in politics often leads to corruption and loss of trust.

Meaning 2: Extreme immorality or perversion in behavior.

Translation(s) & Context:

• разврат - Particularly in contexts of personal vice or indulgence; can imply sexual or ethical perversion.
• порочность - More abstract, often linked to psychological or societal perversion.

Usage Examples:

• Искусство иногда изображает разврат как неизбежный аспект человеческой природы. (Art sometimes depicts depravity as an inevitable aspect of human nature.)

  English Translation: Art sometimes depicts depravity as an inevitable aspect of human nature.

• Порочность его решений привела к трагическим последствиям. (The depravity of his decisions led to tragic consequences.)

  English Translation: The depravity of his decisions led to tragic consequences.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'разврат' (a masculine noun, 2nd declension), it follows standard Russian noun inflections. It is not irregular but changes based on case and number.

For 'порочность' (a feminine noun, 1st declension), it is relatively straightforward with regular changes:

Both words do not have irregular forms, but pay attention to soft endings in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • грех (greh) - More religious connotation, implying sin.
  • порок (porok) - Refers to vice, with subtle differences in everyday vs. moral contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • добродетель (dobrodetel) - Virtue, directly opposite in moral discussions.
  • нравственность (nravstvennost') - Morality, emphasizing ethical uprightness.

Related Phrases:

• Моральный разврат (Moral depravity) - A phrase used in ethical debates; refers to societal moral decline.
• Глубины порочности (Depths of depravity) - Often in literary contexts to describe extreme wickedness.
• Разврат общества (Depravity of society) - Highlights cultural or social corruption; common in social commentary.

Usage Notes:

'Разврат' and 'порочность' both translate to 'depravity' but differ subtly: 'разврат' is more vivid and action-oriented, often describing behaviors, while 'порочность' is abstract and character-focused. Use 'разврат' in formal or literary settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual speech. English speakers should note that Russian requires careful case agreement, e.g., when using with verbs or prepositions. Choose between translations based on context: opt for 'порочность' for inherent traits and 'разврат' for external actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'разврат' with 'развращение' (a verb form meaning 'corruption'). Incorrect: "Он сделал разврат" (meaning "He did depravity"). Correct: "Он проявил разврат" (He showed depravity). Explanation: 'Разврат' is a noun; use verbs like 'проявить' for actions to maintain grammatical accuracy.

• Error: Overusing in informal contexts. Incorrect: Casual use like in everyday chat. Explanation: These words are formal; in spoken Russian, milder terms like 'плохое поведение' (bad behavior) are preferred to avoid sounding pretentious.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'разврат' often appear in literature (e.g., Dostoevsky's works), reflecting themes of moral struggle and redemption. It carries a historical weight from Orthodox Christian influences, where depravity is linked to sin and the human condition, helping users understand its deeper philosophical undertones in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• грех (sin)
• порок (vice)
• нравственность (morality)