Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'homosexual'

English Word: homosexual

Key Russian Translations:

• гомосексуал /ɡə.mə.sɛk.suˈal/ - [Formal, Noun, Refers to a male homosexual]
• гомосексуалка /ɡə.mə.sɛk.suˈal.kə/ - [Informal, Noun, Refers to a female homosexual]
• гомосексуальный /ɡə.mə.sɛk.suˈalʲ.nɨj/ - [Formal, Adjective, Describes something related to homosexuality]

Frequency: Medium - This term is commonly used in formal discussions, media, and academic contexts in Russian, but less so in everyday casual conversation due to sensitivity around the topic.

Difficulty: B2 - Intermediate level, as it involves understanding gender-specific forms and cultural nuances; learners at this level should grasp basic adjective and noun agreements, though full mastery requires exposure to sensitive social issues.

Pronunciation (Russian):

гомосексуал: /ɡə.mə.sɛk.suˈal/ - Stress on the third syllable; the 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go".

гомосексуалка: /ɡə.mə.sɛk.suˈal.kə/ - Similar to above, with an additional feminine diminutive ending; note the soft 'л' sound.

гомосексуальный: /ɡə.mə.sɛk.suˈalʲ.nɨj/ - The ending '-ный' has a palatalized 'н' and a neutral vowel; common in adjectives.

Note on гомосексуал: Be cautious with the initial 'г' sound, as mispronouncing it as a hard 'g' (like in English) can alter perception; in Russian, it's softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Referring to a person attracted to the same sex (Noun form)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гомосексуал - Used in formal or medical contexts to describe a gay man; often in discussions about identity or rights.
• гомосексуалка - Informal variant for a lesbian woman; more colloquial and sometimes pejorative depending on tone.

Usage Examples:

• В современном обществе многие гомосексуалы открыто выражают свою идентичность.

  In modern society, many homosexuals openly express their identity.

• Его друзья поддерживают его, несмотря на то, что он гомосексуал.

  His friends support him despite the fact that he is homosexual.

• В фильме показана история гомосексуалки, борющейся за равные права.

  The film depicts the story of a homosexual woman fighting for equal rights.

• Обсуждение тем, связанных с гомосексуалами, стало более открытым в последние годы.

  Discussions about topics related to homosexuals have become more open in recent years.

Secondary Meaning: As an adjective describing characteristics or behaviors

Translation(s) & Context:

• гомосексуальный - Used to modify nouns in contexts like relationships, orientation, or cultural discussions; formal and neutral.

Usage Examples:

• Гомосексуальные отношения часто подвергаются дискриминации в некоторых обществах.

  Homosexual relationships are often subject to discrimination in some societies.

• Этот фильм исследует гомосексуальную культуру 20-го века.

  This film explores homosexual culture in the 20th century.

• В психологии изучаются гомосексуальные тенденции как часть человеческой сексуальности.

  In psychology, homosexual tendencies are studied as part of human sexuality.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These words are primarily nouns and adjectives, which inflect based on Russian grammar rules. Nouns like 'гомосексуал' follow the first declension for masculine nouns, while 'гомосексуалка' is feminine. Adjectives like 'гомосексуальный' agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify.

Note: These inflections follow standard patterns but can vary slightly in poetic or archaic usage. The adjective is invariable in its root but changes endings for agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гей - More casual term for a gay man; often used in informal contexts.
  • лесбиянка - Specific to women; implies lesbian identity and is straightforward.
• Antonyms:
  • гетеросексуал - Directly opposite, meaning heterosexual.
  • бисексуал - Not exact antonym, but contrasts as it means bisexual; use when discussing fluid orientations.

Related Phrases:

• Гомосексуальные отношения - Homosexual relationships; used in discussions about partnerships or rights.
• Гомосексуальная ориентация - Homosexual orientation; common in psychological or educational contexts.
• Открытый гомосексуал - Openly homosexual; refers to someone who is out about their identity.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, terms like 'гомосексуал' are generally neutral but can carry stigma depending on the context, especially in conservative regions. Always consider the audience; use formal equivalents in professional settings. 'Гомосексуальный' as an adjective aligns closely with English 'homosexual' but requires gender agreement (e.g., masculine for male subjects). When choosing between translations, opt for 'гей' in casual conversations for a less clinical tone, but stick with 'гомосексуал' in medical or legal discussions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'гомосексуал' for women. Correct: This is masculine; use 'гомосексуалка' instead. Example of error: *Она гомосексуал* (wrong). Correct: Она гомосексуалка. Explanation: Russian nouns have gender, so mismatched forms can confuse meaning.
• Mistake: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying *гомосексуальный женщина* (wrong). Correct: гомосексуальная женщина. Explanation: Adjectives must match the noun's gender, number, and case to maintain grammatical accuracy.
• Mistake: Pronouncing the initial 'г' too harshly. Correct: Soften it to /ɡə/ as in native Russian. Explanation: Over-emphasizing can make the word sound foreign or alter its intended neutrality.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, terms related to homosexuality, like 'гомосексуал', are influenced by historical and political contexts, including Soviet-era suppression and modern laws restricting LGBT discussions. While attitudes are evolving, these words often carry social connotations; using them requires sensitivity to avoid offense in everyday interactions.

Related Concepts:

• бисексуал
• трансгендер
• гетеросексуал
• лесбиянка