Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'honesty'

English Word: honesty

Key Russian Translations:

• честность [ʧʲɪstnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, used in ethical or philosophical contexts]
• честность [ʧʲɪstnəsʲtʲ] - [Informal, everyday conversations about personal integrity]

Frequency: Medium (Common in daily discussions, literature, and formal writing, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "hello").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and basic declensions, per CEFR standards).

Pronunciation (Russian):

честность: [ʧʲɪstnəsʲtʲ]

Note on честность: The initial "ч" is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to the "ch" in "church," but softer. Stress falls on the second syllable, and the ending "ть" is often devoiced in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality of being honest; moral integrity and truthfulness

Translation(s) & Context:

• честность - Used in contexts involving personal ethics, such as in relationships, business, or self-reflection (e.g., emphasizing truth over deception).

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда ценит честность в своих друзьях.

  He always values honesty in his friends. (This example shows the noun in a nominative case, highlighting personal relationships.)

• Честность — это основа любого успешного брака.

  Honesty is the foundation of any successful marriage. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a general statement, emphasizing its abstract importance.)

• В политике честность часто уступает место компромиссам.

  In politics, honesty often gives way to compromises. (This illustrates usage in a formal or critical context, showing contrasts.)

• Её честность помогла разрешить конфликт.

  Her honesty helped resolve the conflict. (Example of the word in a genitive case, linked to an action.)

• Честность должна быть приоритетом в повседневной жизни.

  Honesty should be a priority in everyday life. (This shows the noun in instrumental case implications, stressing habitual behavior.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Честность" is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for abstract nouns and has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a declension table for clarity:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners, but pay attention to the soft sign (ь) which affects pronunciation in inflected forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • искренность [ɪskʲrʲɪˈnəsʲtʲ] - More about sincerity and openness, often used interchangeably but with a nuance of emotional genuineness.
  • правдивость [prɐfˈtʲivəsʲtʲ] - Emphasizes truthfulness, especially in factual accuracy, suitable for legal or factual contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • нечестность [nʲɪʧʲɪstnəsʲtʲ] - Directly opposite, implying deceit or lack of integrity.
  • лживость [lʲʒɪvəsʲtʲ] - Focuses on lying or falsehood, often in interpersonal scenarios.

Related Phrases:

• Честность превыше всего - Meaning: Honesty above all (A common phrase in moral discussions, emphasizing ethical priorities).
• Поддерживать честность - Meaning: To maintain honesty (Used in contexts like business ethics or personal development).
• Честность в отношениях - Meaning: Honesty in relationships (Highlights the importance in interpersonal dynamics, such as friendships or romance).

Usage Notes:

"Честность" directly corresponds to "honesty" in English but carries a slightly more formal or philosophical tone in Russian. It is often used in contexts where moral integrity is discussed, such as in literature or education. Be mindful of its feminine gender, which affects agreements with adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большая честность" for "great honesty"). When choosing between synonyms like "искренность," opt for "честность" if the focus is on truthfulness rather than emotional openness. In informal speech, it might be replaced with simpler expressions, but it's versatile across registers.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "честность" with "честный" (an adjective meaning "honest"). Incorrect: "Он имеет честность." (This mixes noun and adjective forms.) Correct: "Он честный человек." or "У него есть честность." Explanation: Use "честность" as a noun for the abstract concept, not as a direct modifier.

• Overusing in casual contexts. Incorrect: Responding to a simple question with "Это вопрос честности." (This sounds overly dramatic.) Correct: Use in more serious discussions; for everyday talk, say "Говори правду." Explanation: "Честность" is better for formal or reflective scenarios to avoid sounding pretentious.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "честность" is highly valued and often linked to literary traditions, such as in the works of authors like Leo Tolstoy, where it represents moral purity and contrasts with societal corruption. Historically, it ties into themes of integrity during the Soviet era, symbolizing resistance to hypocrisy, which can add depth to its use in modern conversations.

Related Concepts:

• интегритет [ɪntʲeˈɡrʲɪtʲɛt] (integrity)
• правда [ˈpravdə] (truth)
• мораль [mɐˈralʲ] (morality)