Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'esteem'

English Word: esteem

Key Russian Translations:

• уважение [u.vɐˈʐenʲ.jə] - [Noun, Formal, Singular]
• уважать [u.vɐˈʐatʲ] - [Verb, Formal, Infinitive]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal discussions, literature, and everyday conversations about respect.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of noun declensions for 'уважение' and verb conjugations for 'уважать'.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уважение: [u.vɐˈʐenʲ.jə]

Note on уважение: The stress falls on the third syllable; the 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers similar to the 's' in 'measure'.

Audio: []

уважать: [u.vɐˈʐatʲ]

Note on уважать: The final 'ть' is a soft sign indicating palatalization; pronounce it with a soft 't' sound, and stress on the second syllable. Common verb variations in speech may soften the ending.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Respect or high regard as a noun (e.g., holding someone in esteem).

Translation(s) & Context:

• уважение - Used in formal contexts like professional settings or philosophical discussions to denote admiration or deference.
• почтение [pɐˈt͡ɕenʲ.jə] - A more archaic or emphatic form, often in literary or ceremonial contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я испытываю большое уважение к его достижениям.

  I hold great esteem for his achievements. (This example shows the noun in a declarative sentence, emphasizing personal admiration.)

• В обществе уважение зарабатывается трудом.

  In society, esteem is earned through hard work. (Illustrates the noun in a general statement about social values.)

• Его уважение к traditionam помогло ему в карьере.

  His esteem for traditions helped him in his career. (Demonstrates the noun with possessive structures.)

• Уважение друг к другу — основa крепких отношений.

  Esteem for one another is the foundation of strong relationships. (Shows plural or mutual contexts.)

Meaning 2: To regard with respect as a verb (e.g., to esteem someone).

Translation(s) & Context:

• уважать - Common in everyday and formal speech for showing respect, often in interpersonal relationships.
• ценить [ˈt͡senʲ.itʲ] - Used when esteem implies valuing someone's qualities, especially in professional or emotional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я уважаю его за честность и преданность.

  I esteem him for his honesty and dedication. (This verb form highlights personal qualities in a simple sentence.)

• Мы должны уважать мнения других, даже если не согласны.

  We should esteem the opinions of others, even if we disagree. (Shows the verb in an imperative or advisory context.)

• Он уважает традиции своей семьи.

  He esteems the traditions of his family. (Illustrates the verb with direct objects.)

• Уважая чужой труд, мы завоевываем уважение.

  By esteeming others' work, we earn esteem in return. (Demonstrates reciprocal usage in a complex sentence.)

• В работе важно уважать сроки и обязательства.

  In work, it's important to esteem deadlines and commitments. (Applies the verb to abstract concepts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'уважение' (noun, neuter):

This is a neuter noun that follows the standard third declension pattern. It is invariable in gender but changes by case and number.

For 'уважать' (verb, imperfective):

This is a first-conjugation verb with regular patterns. It conjugates based on tense, person, and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • почтение (more formal, implying reverence)
  • ценить (focuses on valuing, often in material or emotional contexts)
  • благоговение (stronger, for deep awe)
• Antonyms:
  • презрение (contempt)
  • неуважение (disrespect)

Related Phrases:

• Проявлять уважение – To show esteem (Used in contexts of demonstrating respect, e.g., in social etiquette.)
• Заслуживать уважение – To deserve esteem (Common in motivational or evaluative discussions.)
• Уважение к старшим – Esteem for elders (A cultural phrase emphasizing traditional values.)

Usage Notes:

'Уважение' directly corresponds to the noun form of 'esteem' in English, often used in formal or written Russian to convey admiration without emotional intensity. 'Уважать' aligns with the verb form and is versatile but typically formal; avoid in casual slang. When choosing between translations, use 'уважение' for static regard and 'уважать' for actions. Grammatically, nouns like this require correct declension based on case, which can affect sentence flow in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'уважение' without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я имею уважение" instead of "Я имею уважение к нему".
  Correct: "Я имею уважение к нему" (Add the dative case for the object).
  Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian's case system, leading to incomplete sentences.
• Mistake: Conjugating 'уважать' incorrectly in past tense, e.g., "Я уважать вчера" instead of "Я уважал вчера".
  Correct: "Я уважал вчера".
  Explanation: Verbs must agree with subject and tense; this error stems from direct word-for-word translation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'уважение' (esteem) is deeply tied to hierarchical relationships, such as respect for elders, authority figures, or traditions. This stems from historical influences like Orthodox Christianity and Soviet-era collectivism, where mutual esteem fosters social harmony. It's common in phrases like 'уважение к родителям' (esteem for parents), reflecting familial values.

Related Concepts:

• достоинство (dignity)
• почтение (reverence)
• благоговейный (awe-inspiring)