Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'dilemma'

English Word: dilemma

Key Russian Translations:

• дилемма [dʲɪˈlʲemə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• затруднение [zətrʊdʲˈnʲenʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often used for difficulty or predicament]

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

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "дилемма"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "затруднение" due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

дилемма: [dʲɪˈlʲemə]

Note on дилемма: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "и" is pronounced as a soft "i" sound due to the following soft consonant.

затруднение: [zətrʊdʲˈnʲenʲɪjə]

Note on затруднение: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft "н" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A difficult choice between two options

Translation(s) & Context:

• дилемма - Used when referring to a situation requiring a choice between two equally undesirable options (often in formal or intellectual discussions).

Usage Examples:

• Перед ним стояла сложная дилемма: остаться или уйти.

  He faced a difficult dilemma: to stay or to leave.

• Эта дилемма обсуждалась на совещании.

  This dilemma was discussed at the meeting.

• Моральная дилемма разрывала его на части.

  The moral dilemma tore him apart.

2. A difficult situation or problem

Translation(s) & Context:

• затруднение - Used more broadly for any difficulty or predicament, not necessarily a choice between options.

Usage Examples:

• У нас возникло затруднение с финансированием проекта.

  We encountered a difficulty with funding the project.

• Он помог мне выйти из затруднения.

  He helped me out of a difficult situation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дилемма (noun, feminine):

затруднение (noun, neuter):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дилемма:

• проблема
• выбор

Note: "проблема" is more general and means "problem," while "выбор" emphasizes the act of choosing.

Synonyms for затруднение:

• трудность
• препятствие

Antonyms:

• решение (solution)
• ясность (clarity)

Related Phrases:

• стоять перед дилеммой - to face a dilemma
• моральная дилемма - moral dilemma
• выйти из затруднения - to get out of a difficult situation

Usage Notes:

• "дилемма" is a direct borrowing from Greek via Latin and is used primarily in formal or intellectual contexts to describe a choice between two undesirable options. It closely mirrors the English "dilemma."
• "затруднение" is more versatile and can refer to any kind of difficulty or predicament, not necessarily a choice. It is less formal than "дилемма."
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: use "дилемма" for specific binary choices and "затруднение" for general difficulties.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дилемма" for any difficulty. Incorrect: У меня дилемма с деньгами. Correct: У меня затруднение с деньгами. (I have a financial difficulty.) Explanation: "дилемма" implies a choice, not a general problem.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "затруднение." Many learners stress the first syllable, but the correct stress is on "дру" (third syllable).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussing a "дилемма" often appears in philosophical or moral debates, reflecting a historical emphasis on deep introspection and ethical considerations in literature and discourse.

Related Concepts:

• проблема (problem)
• выбор (choice)
• конфликт (conflict)