Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'distrust'

English Word: distrust

Key Russian Translations:

• недоверие /nʲɪdɐˈvʲerʲɪjə/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal discussions, literature, and psychology, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of noun declensions and abstract concepts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

недоверие: /nʲɪdɐˈvʲerʲɪjə/

Note on недоверие: The stress falls on the third syllable ("vʲerʲ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants. Pronounce it with a soft "n" and "v" sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Lack of trust or confidence in someone or something

Translation(s) & Context:

• недоверие - Used in formal contexts, such as interpersonal relationships, politics, or professional settings, to express skepticism or suspicion.

Usage Examples:

• Его недоверие к новым технологиям тормозит прогресс компании.

  His distrust of new technologies is hindering the company's progress.

• В политике часто возникает недоверие между лидерами разных стран.

  In politics, distrust often arises between leaders of different countries.

• Дети иногда испытывают недоверие к незнакомым людям, что является естественной защитой.

  Children sometimes feel distrust towards strangers, which is a natural defense mechanism.

• Её недоверие к обещаниям политиков основано на прошлых разочарованиях.

  Her distrust of politicians' promises is based on past disappointments.

• В бизнесе недоверие может привести к разрыву партнерств, если не решено timely.

  In business, distrust can lead to the breakdown of partnerships if not addressed promptly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"недоверие" is a neuter noun in the third declension group, which means it follows regular patterns for most cases. It is indeclinable in the plural form but changes in singular cases based on grammatical context.

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • скептицизм (skepticism) - More intellectual doubt, often in philosophical contexts.
  • подозрительность (suspiciousness) - Implies a wary attitude, with subtle differences in emotional intensity.
• Antonyms:
  • доверие (trust) - Direct opposite, used in positive relational contexts.
  • верность (faithfulness) - Emphasizes loyalty, contrasting with distrust in personal relationships.

Related Phrases:

• Вызывать недоверие - To arouse distrust; used when something or someone raises suspicion in a conversation.
• Преодолевать недоверие - To overcome distrust; common in conflict resolution or relationship building.
• Недоверие к системе - Distrust of the system; often in discussions about government or institutions, with connotations of social critique.

Usage Notes:

"недоверие" directly corresponds to the English "distrust" as a noun, but it's more formal and less commonly used in casual speech. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the genitive case after prepositions like "к" (to), as in "недоверие к кому-то" (distrust of someone). When choosing between synonyms like "подозрительность," opt for "недоверие" in contexts involving broader lack of confidence rather than active suspicion. It's versatile across written and spoken Russian but may feel stilted in informal dialogues.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: Learners might incorrectly use the nominative form in all contexts, e.g., saying "недоверие к" instead of "недоверия к" in genitive constructions. Correct usage: "Его недоверия к друзьям" (His distrust of friends). Explanation: Always check the required case based on the preposition or sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

• Overusing in informal settings: English speakers may translate "distrust" directly without considering register, leading to awkward phrases like using "недоверие" in casual talk. Correct approach: In everyday speech, opt for simpler expressions like "не доверять" (not to trust) as a verb form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "недоверие" often reflects historical contexts like the Soviet era, where distrust towards authority was common due to censorship and surveillance. This can add a layer of depth in modern discussions, symbolizing resilience or caution in interpersonal and societal interactions.

Related Concepts:

• сомнение (doubt)
• цинизм (cynicism)
• подозрение (suspicion)