Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'egoism'

English Word: egoism

Key Russian Translations:

• эгоизм [ɨˈɡo.ɨzm] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions of psychology, philosophy, and everyday behavior, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and nominal declensions, suitable for upper-intermediate learners per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эгоизм: [ɨˈɡo.ɨzm]

Note on эгоизм: The stress falls on the second syllable ("ɡo"), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting the pronunciation of the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Egoism as self-centered behavior or philosophy

Translation(s) & Context:

• эгоизм - Used in formal and psychological contexts to describe excessive self-interest, often contrasted with altruism in philosophical discussions or interpersonal relationships.

Usage Examples:

• Его эгоизм не позволяет ему помогать другим. (His egoism doesn't allow him to help others.)

  English Translation: His egoism doesn't allow him to help others. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting personal flaws.)

• В философии эгоизм часто противопоставляется альтруизму. (In philosophy, egoism is often contrasted with altruism.)

  English Translation: In philosophy, egoism is often contrasted with altruism. (This demonstrates the word in an academic context, using it as a key concept.)

• Её эгоизм проявляется в повседневной жизни, когда она игнорирует чужие нужды. (Her egoism manifests in everyday life when she ignores others' needs.)

  English Translation: Her egoism manifests in everyday life when she ignores others' needs. (This illustrates the word in a narrative context, showing behavioral patterns.)

• Эгоизм может быть полезным в бизнесе, но вредным в дружбе. (Egoism can be useful in business but harmful in friendship.)

  English Translation: Egoism can be useful in business but harmful in friendship. (This example explores the word in contrasting scenarios, emphasizing situational appropriateness.)

• Молодой человек страдает от эгоизма, не замечая проблем окружающих. (The young man suffers from egoism, not noticing the problems of those around him.)

  English Translation: The young man suffers from egoism, not noticing the problems of those around him. (This shows the word in a psychological or introspective context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"эгоизм" is a masculine noun (from the neuter loanword category in Russian) and follows the standard third declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on cases and numbers. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple instances or types of egoism, such as in philosophical debates.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • эгоцентризм (more focused on self-centeredness in social interactions)
  • самолюбие (emphasizes self-love, with a slightly positive connotation in some contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • альтруизм (selflessness, directly opposite in ethical discussions)
  • бескорыстие (disinterestedness, often used in moral contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Эгоистическое поведение - (Egoistic behavior; refers to actions driven by self-interest in daily life.)
• Преодолеть эгоизм - (To overcome egoism; used in self-improvement or psychological contexts.)
• Эгоизм в отношениях - (Egoism in relationships; highlights how self-centeredness affects interpersonal dynamics.)

Usage Notes:

"Эгоизм" directly corresponds to the English "egoism" as a philosophical or psychological term, but in Russian, it often carries a more negative connotation in everyday speech, implying selfishness that harms others. It is typically used in formal contexts like literature, psychology, or debates, and less in casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "эгоцентризм," opt for it if the focus is on social behavior rather than general self-interest. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires agreement in gender and case with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "его эгоизм" in genitive case).

Common Errors:

• Confusing "эгоизм" with "эгоист" (egoist, a person who practices egoism). Incorrect: "Он эгоизм" (wrong, as it should be "Он эгоист" for "He is an egoist"). Correct: "Его поведение — это эгоизм" (His behavior is egoism). Explanation: "Эгоизм" is a noun for the concept, not a person.
• Misusing case endings, e.g., saying "в эгоизм" instead of "в эгоизме" for "in egoism." Correct usage: "В эгоизме нет места altruizmu" (In egoism, there is no place for altruism). Explanation: The prepositional case requires the ending "-е" for location or state.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "эгоизм" is often linked to Western philosophical ideas, such as those from Ayn Rand or Nietzsche, and is frequently criticized in literature and media as a barrier to collectivism, which has historical roots in Soviet-era values emphasizing community over individual self-interest.

Related Concepts:

• альтруизм
• нарциссизм
• самоотверженность