Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'equality'

English Word: equality

Key Russian Translations:

• равенство /rɐˈvʲɛnstvə/ - [Formal, used in legal, social, and philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of human rights, politics, and social issues in Russian media and literature)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding abstract concepts and noun declensions, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

равенство: /rɐˈvʲɛnstvə/

Note on равенство: The stress is on the third syllable (/ˈvʲɛn/), and the palatalized 'vʲ' sound can be challenging for English speakers—similar to the 'v' in "view" but softer. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Translation(s) & Context:

• равенство - Used in formal contexts like legal documents, social debates, or educational settings to denote equality in society, such as gender or racial equality.

Usage Examples:

• В нашей стране конституция гарантирует равенство всех граждан перед законом.

  In our country, the constitution guarantees equality of all citizens before the law.

• Равенство полов является ключевым принципом современной демократии.

  Gender equality is a key principle of modern democracy.

• Без равенства в образовании общество не может развиваться гармонично.

  Without equality in education, society cannot develop harmoniously.

• Движение за равенство прав принесло значительные изменения в политике.

  The movement for equality of rights has brought significant changes in politics.

• Равенство возможностей для всех — это основа справедливого общества.

  Equality of opportunity for all is the foundation of a fair society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Равенство" is a neuter noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for neuter nouns ending in -о. Below is a table outlining its inflections based on case and number:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward once basic declensions are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • равноправие (emphasizes equality in rights, often used in legal contexts)
  • эквивалентность (more technical, implying equivalence in value or measurement)
• Antonyms:
  • неравенство (indicates inequality, commonly used in social critiques)
  • дискриминация (focuses on unfair treatment based on differences)

Related Phrases:

• гендерное равенство - Gender equality; used in discussions about women's rights and social justice.
• социальное равенство - Social equality; refers to equal opportunities in society, often in economic contexts.
• равенство перед законом - Equality before the law; a fundamental principle in legal systems.

Usage Notes:

"Равенство" directly corresponds to the English "equality" in most formal contexts, but it is primarily used in written or official Russian rather than casual conversation. English learners should note that Russian often requires the noun to be declined based on its role in the sentence, so pay attention to case endings. When choosing between synonyms like "равноправие," opt for it if the focus is specifically on rights-based equality. In spoken Russian, this word might appear in debates or media, but it's less common in everyday informal speech.

Common Errors:

• Confusing declensions: English learners often use the nominative form "равенство" in all cases, e.g., saying "о равенство" instead of the correct genitive "о равенстве" (about equality). Correct usage: "Мы говорим о равенстве" (We talk about equality).

• Overgeneralizing synonyms: Mistakenly using "равноправие" for general equality when "равенство" is more appropriate, e.g., saying "равноправие в образовании" for educational equality, which is fine, but it implies a rights focus. Explanation: "Равенство" is broader, so use it for non-rights-specific contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "равенство" is deeply tied to historical events like the Soviet era's emphasis on social equality, which promoted ideals of classless society. However, modern discussions often highlight ongoing inequalities, such as in gender roles or regional disparities, reflecting Russia's complex socio-political landscape. This word carries a somewhat idealistic connotation, evoking revolutionary rhetoric from figures like Lenin.

Related Concepts:

• справедливость (justice)
• равноправие (equality of rights)
• свобода (freedom)