Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hatred'

English Word: hatred

Key Russian Translations:

• Ненависть /nʲɪˈnavʲɪsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Singular]
• Вражда /ˈvraʒdə/ - [Formal, Often implies ongoing conflict]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in literature, discussions of emotions, and everyday conversations about relationships or politics).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and emotional vocabulary, but not overly complex for learners at this level).

Pronunciation (Russian):

Ненависть: /nʲɪˈnavʲɪsʲtʲ/

Note on Ненависть: The stress falls on the third syllable ('na-VI-st'). The 'н' is palatalized, which is a common feature in Russian and may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'n' sound, similar to 'ny' in "new York".

Note on Вражда: /ˈvraʒdə/ - Stress on the first syllable; the 'ж' sound is like the 's' in "measure".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Intense dislike or animosity towards someone or something.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Ненависть - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe deep-seated emotional hatred, such as in personal relationships or ideological conflicts.
• Вражда - Applied in situations involving prolonged enmity, like between groups or nations, often with a sense of ongoing rivalry.

Usage Examples:

• Его ненависть к несправедливости заставила его бороться за права людей.

  His hatred of injustice compelled him to fight for people's rights.

• В этой книге автор описывает вражду между двумя семьями, которая длилась веками.

  In this book, the author describes the hatred between two families that lasted for centuries.

• Ненависть в её глазах была очевидна, когда она говорила о прошлом предательстве.

  The hatred in her eyes was evident as she spoke about the past betrayal.

• Эта вражда между странами привела к многим войнам в истории.

  This hatred between countries led to many wars in history.

• Он скрывал свою ненависть, но она проявлялась в каждом его слове.

  He hid his hatred, but it showed in every word he said.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Ненависть" and "Вражда" are feminine nouns in Russian, belonging to the first declension. They undergo regular changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining the inflections for "Ненависть" as an example; "Вражда" follows similar patterns.

For "Вражда", the singular forms are: Nominative: Вражда, Genitive: Вражды, etc. These are regular inflections, but learners should note that the plural is less commonly used for abstract concepts like hatred.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Враждебность (vrazhdebmost') - More neutral, often used for general hostility.
  • Антипатия (antipatiya) - Milder form, implying dislike rather than intense hatred.
• Antonyms:
  • Любовь (lyubov') - Love, directly opposite in emotional spectrum.
  • Симпатия (simpatya) - Sympathy or liking.

Related Phrases:

• Чувство ненависти - Feeling of hatred; Used to describe an internal emotional state in psychological or literary contexts.
• Глубокая вражда - Deep-seated hatred; Common in historical or political discussions to indicate long-term animosity.
• Разжигать ненависть - To incite hatred; Often seen in contexts of propaganda or social issues.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "ненависть" is the most direct translation for "hatred" and is typically used in formal writing or serious conversations, while "вражда" emphasizes ongoing conflict. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like these must agree in case, number, and gender with other words in the sentence. For example, choose "ненависть" when referring to a personal emotion, but opt for "вражда" in broader, interpersonal or international contexts. Be cautious with word order; adjectives often precede the noun, e.g., "глубокая ненависть" (deep hatred).

Common Errors:

• Confusing "ненависть" with "нелюбовь" (dislike): Learners might use "нелюбовь" thinking it means hatred, but it actually means a lack of love. Correct usage: Say "ненависть" for intense hatred. Example of error: *Его нелюбовь к врагам* (incorrect for strong hatred); Correct: Его ненависть к врагам.
• Improper declension: Forgetting to change the case, e.g., using "ненависть" in the genitive position without altering it to "ненависти". Error: *Я боюсь ненависть* (incorrect); Correct: Я боюсь ненависти (I fear hatred).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "ненависть" often appear in literature, such as in the works of Dostoevsky, where themes of intense personal and societal hatred reflect historical turmoil, like the Russian Revolution. This vocabulary can carry a weighty connotation, symbolizing deep emotional or ideological divides, which is prevalent in discussions of Russia's complex history.

Related Concepts:

• Гнев (gnev) - Anger
• Злоба (zloba) - Malice
• Ревность (revnost') - Jealousy