Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'embargo'

English Word: embargo

Key Russian Translations:

• эмбарго [ɛmˈbarɡə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in political, economic, and international contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of formal vocabulary and geopolitical concepts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эмбарго: [ɛmˈbarɡə]

Note on эмбарго: The stress is on the second syllable ('bar'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech, but this IPA represents the standard Moscow dialect. Be mindful of the hard 'г' sound, which is guttural.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country or entity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• эмбарго - Used in formal, diplomatic, or economic discussions, often in media, government reports, or international relations.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство ввело эмбарго на импорт сельскохозяйственной продукции из той страны.

  The government imposed an embargo on agricultural imports from that country.

• Эмбарго на нефть было снято после подписания мирного договора.

  The oil embargo was lifted after the peace treaty was signed.

• Международное эмбарго привело к экономическому кризису в регионе.

  The international embargo led to an economic crisis in the region.

• Эмбарго на технологии было частью санкций против нарушителей прав человека.

  The embargo on technology was part of sanctions against human rights violators.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "эмбарго" is a neuter noun borrowed from English/French, belonging to the third declension group in Russian. It follows irregular patterns due to its foreign origin but is generally invariable in plural forms. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: As a loanword, "эмбарго" does not change form in most cases and is often used in its base form. In plural contexts, it remains the same, which is common for abstract or uncountable concepts in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • санкции (sanctions) - Often used interchangeably in broader contexts, but implies punitive measures beyond trade.
  • блокада (blockade) - Refers to a more physical or military restriction.
• Antonyms:
  • свободная торговля (free trade) - Emphasizes unrestricted commerce.
  • либерализация (liberalization) - Refers to the easing of restrictions.

Related Phrases:

• торговое эмбарго - A trade embargo; Used in economic discussions to specify restrictions on goods exchange.
• эмбарго на экспорт - An embargo on exports; Common in contexts of national security or sanctions.
• международное эмбарго - An international embargo; Refers to globally coordinated bans, often by the UN.

Usage Notes:

"Эмбарго" directly corresponds to the English "embargo" as a formal term in Russian, primarily used in legal, political, and economic contexts. It is a neuter noun and does not typically inflect, making it straightforward for English learners. However, choose it over synonyms like "санкции" when the focus is specifically on trade bans rather than broader penalties. In spoken Russian, it's more common in formal settings, such as news reports or diplomatic talks, and less in casual conversation. Always pair it with appropriate prepositions, like "ввести эмбарго" (to impose an embargo), to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "эмбарго" with "санкции": Learners might overuse "санкции" for any restriction, but "эмбарго" is more precise for trade bans. Incorrect: "Мы ввели санкции на нефть" (when meaning a specific embargo). Correct: "Мы ввели эмбарго на нефть". This error stems from overlapping meanings, so focus on context to differentiate.

• Neglecting case invariance: Since "эмбарго" doesn't change, learners might incorrectly inflect it as if it were a standard Russian noun. Incorrect: "эмбаргою" (attempting instrumental case). Correct: "эмбарго". Always treat it as invariable to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and media, "эмбарго" often appears in discussions of international relations, such as those involving the UN or bilateral disputes (e.g., trade embargoes during the Cold War). It carries connotations of geopolitical tension and economic warfare, reflecting Russia's history with Western sanctions. Understanding this term helps English speakers grasp the nuances of Russian foreign policy discourse.

Related Concepts:

• санкции
• блокада
• бойкот