Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gluttony'

English Word: gluttony

Key Russian Translations:

• чревоугодие [t͡ɕrʲɪvəʊʊɡɐˈdʲiɪ] - [Formal, often used in religious or moral contexts]
• обжорство [ɐbˈʐorstvə] - [Informal, everyday language for excessive eating]

Frequency: Low (These terms are not commonly used in daily conversation but appear in literature, religious texts, or discussions about vices.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should understand the vocabulary, but mastering the nuances and inflections requires familiarity with Russian grammar and cultural contexts.

Pronunciation (Russian):

чревоугодие: [t͡ɕrʲɪvəʊʊɡɐˈdʲiɪ]

обжорство: [ɐbˈʐorstvə]

Note on чревоугодие: The initial 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to the 'ch' in 'church' but softer. Be mindful of stress on the third syllable.

Note on обжорство: The 'ж' is a voiced palatal fricative, like the 's' in 'measure'. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Excessive eating or drinking (the primary meaning of 'gluttony')

Translation(s) & Context:

• чревоугодие - Used in formal, ethical, or religious discussions, such as in Orthodox Christian contexts referring to one of the seven deadly sins.
• обжорство - Applied in informal settings, like casual conversations about overeating or health issues.

Usage Examples:

• Его чревоугодие стало причиной проблем со здоровьем.

  His gluttony became the cause of health problems.

• В религиозных текстах часто осуждается обжорство как порок.

  In religious texts, gluttony is often condemned as a vice.

• Она не могла контролировать своё чревоугодие на праздничном столе.

  She couldn't control her gluttony at the holiday table.

• Обжорство — это не просто привычка, а серьёзная проблема.

  Gluttony is not just a habit, but a serious issue.

• Чревоугодие часто упоминается в сказках как наказуемое поведение.

  Gluttony is often depicted in fairy tales as punishable behavior.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. 'Чревоугодие' is a neuter noun of the second declension, while 'обжорство' is also neuter but follows standard patterns. Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender. Below is a table for inflections:

These nouns do not have plural forms in most contexts, as they refer to abstract concepts. Inflections are regular, but learners should note that the stress may shift in some cases, e.g., in genitive singular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прожорливость (prozhorlivost') - Similar to 'obzhurstvo', emphasizing excessive greed for food; more intense connotation.
  • чрезмерное потребление (chrezmernoye potrebleniye) - A phrase meaning 'excessive consumption', used in modern health contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • воздержание (vozderzhaniye) - Meaning 'abstinence' or self-restraint, especially in eating.
  • умеренность (umerennost') - Meaning 'moderation' in consumption.

Related Phrases:

• Чревоугодничать - A verb meaning 'to indulge in gluttony'; used to describe habitual overeating in a critical tone. (Context: Often in moral or advisory sentences.)
• Обжорский пир - Meaning 'gluttonous feast'; refers to an excessive meal or banquet. (Context: Common in literary descriptions of events.)
• Пасть в обжорство - An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to fall into gluttony'; implies succumbing to temptation. (Context: Used in self-help or religious advice.)

Usage Notes:

'Чревоугодие' is the most precise translation for 'gluttony' in formal or religious contexts, directly aligning with the seven deadly sins in Orthodox Christianity, while 'обжорство' is better for everyday, informal discussions about overeating. English speakers should note that Russian vocabulary often carries cultural weight—use 'чревоугодие' in written or serious contexts to avoid sounding overly casual. Grammatically, these nouns require appropriate case agreement with prepositions, e.g., 'страдать от чревоугодия' (to suffer from gluttony). When choosing between translations, opt for 'обжорство' in conversational settings for a more relatable tone.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'чревоугодие' with 'жадность' (greed): Learners might misuse 'жадность' for 'gluttony', but it refers to general avarice, not specifically food-related. Correct usage: Use 'чревоугодие' for eating contexts. Example of error: "Его жадность к еде" (incorrect for pure gluttony); Correct: "Его чревоугодие".

• Improper inflection: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., saying 'страдать чревоугодие' instead of 'страдать чревоугодием'. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. Always adjust for instrumental case after certain verbs.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, particularly within the Russian Orthodox tradition, 'чревоугодие' is linked to the concept of the seven deadly sins, originating from early Christian teachings. It often appears in literature and folklore as a moral flaw, symbolizing not just physical overindulgence but spiritual weakness. This reflects broader Slavic cultural emphasis on moderation and self-discipline, contrasting with more celebratory attitudes toward feasting in other traditions.

Related Concepts:

• алчность (greed)
• ленивость (laziness)
• чрезмерность (excessiveness)