Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'existentialist'

English Word: existentialist

Key Russian Translations:

• экзистенциалист [ɪk.zʲɪs.tʲɛn.t͡sʲi.ə.lʲɪst] - [Formal, Philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in academic, philosophical, or intellectual discussions; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced) - This term involves specialized philosophical vocabulary, requiring a strong grasp of Russian morphology and abstract concepts; suitable for learners with advanced proficiency.

Pronunciation (Russian):

экзистенциалист: [ɪk.zʲɪs.tʲɛn.t͡sʲi.ə.lʲɪst]

Note on экзистенциалист: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (t͡sʲi), and the palatalized consonants (zʲ, tʲ, lʲ) can be challenging for non-native speakers; pronounce it with a soft, flowing rhythm to mimic native Russian intonation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A person who adheres to or follows existentialist philosophy, emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice.

Translation(s) & Context:

• экзистенциалист - Used in formal philosophical discussions, academic writing, or when referring to thinkers like Sartre; appropriate in intellectual or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он — известный экзистенциалист, который пишет о смысле жизни.

  He is a well-known existentialist who writes about the meaning of life.

• В её книгах часто упоминаются экзистенциалисты, такие как Камю и Сартр.

  In her books, existentialists such as Camus and Sartre are often mentioned.

• Экзистенциалист верит, что каждый человек сам создаёт свой путь.

  An existentialist believes that each person creates their own path.

• Молодой экзистенциалист спорит с друзьями о свободе воли.

  The young existentialist argues with friends about free will.

• Экзистенциалист в романе представляет собой символ бунта против общества.

  The existentialist in the novel represents a symbol of rebellion against society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Экзистенциалист is a masculine noun (borrowed from English/French via German), and it follows the standard patterns of Russian third-declension nouns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It does not change in most forms but can inflect for case and number.

Note: This word is relatively invariant in everyday use and does not have verbal forms; for adjectives, related words like "экзистенциальный" (existential) may be used, which follows standard adjective declensions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • существователь (sushchestvovatel) - Less common, used in broader existential contexts; implies a focus on existence rather than philosophy.
  • экзистенциалистский мыслитель (ekzistentsialistskiy myslitel) - More descriptive, for thinkers specifically.
• Antonyms:
  • традиционалист (traditsionalist) - Refers to someone adhering to traditional or conservative ideologies.
  • детерминист (determinist) - Implies belief in predetermined fate, contrasting with existentialist freedom.

Related Phrases:

• экзистенциальный кризис - An existential crisis; used to describe a period of intense self-doubt or meaninglessness in life.
• экзистенциалистская философия - Existentialist philosophy; common in academic discussions about modern thought.
• быть экзистенциалистом - To be an existentialist; often in contexts of personal identity or rebellion.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds closely to the English "existentialist," but in Russian, it's typically reserved for formal or philosophical contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly academic. When choosing between translations, opt for "экзистенциалист" for individuals and "экзистенциалистский" for adjectives. Grammatically, ensure agreement in gender, number, and case, as Russian requires. For example, in sentences involving possession, use the genitive case for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing the word as an adjective without proper inflection, e.g., saying "экзистенциалист идея" instead of "экзистенциалистская идея."

  Correct: "Экзистенциалистская идея" (The existentialist idea). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

• Error: Overgeneralizing to mean any philosopher, e.g., calling Plato an "экзистенциалист," which is inaccurate.

  Correct: Use it only for those associated with existentialism. Explanation: This term is specific to 20th-century philosophy; confuse it with broader terms like "философ" (philosopher).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, existentialism gained prominence through writers like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, influencing Soviet-era dissidents and modern literature. The term "экзистенциалист" often carries connotations of intellectual rebellion against authoritarianism, reflecting Russia's history of philosophical debates under censorship.

Related Concepts:

• философ
• существование
• абсурд