Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dictator'

English Word: dictator

Key Russian Translations:

• диктатор [dʲɪkˈtatər] - [Formal, Singular]
• тиран [tʲɪˈran] - [Often Negative, Informal or Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

диктатор: [dʲɪkˈtatər]

Note on диктатор: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'д' is soft due to the following 'и'.

тиран: [tʲɪˈran]

Note on тиран: Stress on the second syllable. The 'т' is soft due to the following 'и'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A ruler with total power over a country, typically obtained by force

Translation(s) & Context:

• диктатор - Commonly used in political contexts to describe an authoritarian ruler.
• тиран - Emphasizes cruelty or oppression, often used in historical or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот диктатор правил страной более двадцати лет.

  This dictator ruled the country for over twenty years.

• История помнит многих тиранов, угнетавших свой народ.

  History remembers many tyrants who oppressed their people.

• Диктатор издал указ, запрещающий протесты.

  The dictator issued a decree banning protests.

• Тиран не терпел никаких возражений.

  The tyrant did not tolerate any objections.

• Режим диктатора пал после народного восстания.

  The dictator's regime fell after a popular uprising.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

диктатор (noun, masculine): Follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

тиран (noun, masculine): Also follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for диктатор/тиран:

• автократ (autocrat - more neutral, formal)
• деспот (despot - emphasizes oppressive rule)

Antonyms for диктатор/тиран:

• демократ (democrat)
• либерал (liberal)

Related Phrases:

• режим диктатора - "dictator's regime" (refers to the political system under a dictator)
• тиран народа - "tyrant of the people" (emphasizes oppression of the population)
• свергнуть диктатора - "to overthrow a dictator" (common in political contexts)

Usage Notes:

• While both "диктатор" and "тиран" can translate to "dictator," "диктатор" is more neutral and widely used in political and historical discussions. It directly corresponds to the English term.
• "Тиран" carries a stronger negative connotation, often implying cruelty or harsh oppression. It is more common in literary or emotional contexts.
• Use "диктатор" in formal or academic writing, and reserve "тиран" for contexts where you want to emphasize tyranny or brutality.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "тиран" in formal political analysis.
  Incorrect: В этом докладе обсуждается тиран современной политики.
  Correct: В этом докладе обсуждается диктатор современной политики.
  Explanation: "Тиран" sounds overly emotional or literary for formal contexts. Use "диктатор" instead.
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions.
  Incorrect: Говорили о диктатор.
  Correct: Говорили о диктаторе.
  Explanation: The prepositional case requires the ending "-е" for "диктатор."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "диктатор" often brings to mind historical figures like Stalin, whose rule is a significant part of 20th-century Russian history. The word "тиран" might evoke imagery of ancient or medieval rulers due to its use in literature and historical texts. Understanding these connotations can help in choosing the appropriate term.

Related Concepts:

• авторитарный режим (authoritarian regime)
• тоталитаризм (totalitarianism)
• репрессии (repressions)