Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'honourable'

English Word: honourable

Key Russian Translations:

• уважаемый [u.vɐ.ʐa.ˈje.mɨj] - [Formal, used in respectful addresses]
• почтенный [ˈpoʧ.tʲɪn.nɨj] - [Formal, somewhat archaic or literary context]
• благородный [blɐ.gɐ.ˈrod.nɨj] - [Formal, emphasizing nobility or moral integrity]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal writing, speeches, and official contexts, but less frequent in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and formal register, though basic forms are accessible to learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уважаемый: [u.vɐ.ʐa.ˈje.mɨj]

Note on уважаемый: The stress falls on the third syllable ("je"), and the "ж" sound is a soft palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

почтенный: [ˈpoʧ.tʲɪn.nɨj]

Note on почтенный: The initial "по" is stressed, and the "ч" is a voiceless palatal fricative; this word has a more archaic feel, so pronunciation may vary slightly in modern usage.

благородный: [blɐ.gɐ.ˈrod.nɨj]

Note on благородный: Stress on the third syllable ("rod"); the "г" is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the "g" in "go," but ensure proper softening in context.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Worthy of respect, honor, or high regard (as an adjective describing people, titles, or actions)

Translation(s) & Context:

• уважаемый - Used in formal salutations, such as in letters or public addresses, to show deference.
• почтенный - Applied in literary or historical contexts to denote esteemed individuals, often with a sense of tradition.
• благородный - Employed when emphasizing moral excellence or noble character, in both formal and semi-formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Уважаемый господин Смит, мы высоко ценим ваш вклад в проект.

  Dear Mr. Smith, we highly value your contribution to the project.

• Почтенный гость был приглашен на торжественный ужин.

  The honourable guest was invited to the formal dinner.

• Благородный поступок этого человека заслуживает всеобщего признания.

  The honourable act of this person deserves universal recognition.

• В письме к уважаемому коллеге он упомянул о важных деталях.

  In the letter to the honourable colleague, he mentioned important details.

Meaning 2: In a broader sense, implying integrity or fairness (e.g., in ethical or professional contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• благородный - Common in discussions of ethics or morality, contrasting with dishonourable behavior.
• уважаемый - Less common here, but can be used in professional titles to denote respectability.

Usage Examples:

• Его благородный характер помог разрешить конфликт мирно.

  His honourable character helped resolve the conflict peacefully.

• Уважаемый судья выслушал аргументы обеих сторон.

  The honourable judge listened to the arguments from both sides.

• Почтенный профессор всегда подчеркивает важность этических норм.

  The honourable professor always emphasizes the importance of ethical standards.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow standard adjective declension patterns, but 'уважаемый' is often used in its base form in fixed phrases.

Note: These adjectives do not change irregularly but must agree with the noun they modify. For feminine and neuter forms, add appropriate endings (e.g., уважаемая for feminine singular).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • благочестивый (blagochestivyy) - More religious connotation, implying piety.
  • достойный (dostoynyy) - Emphasizes worthiness, often in merit-based contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • неуважаемый (neuvazhaemyy) - Lacking respect, used in negative formal contexts.
  • презренный (prezrennyy) - Despicable or contemptible, with a strong negative moral tone.

Related Phrases:

• Уважаемые дамы и господа - Meaning: Ladies and gentlemen (used in formal openings, e.g., speeches).
• Благородное дело - Meaning: A noble cause (refers to honorable actions or initiatives).
• Почтенная публика - Meaning: The esteemed audience (in theatrical or public event contexts).

Usage Notes:

'Уважаемый' is the most direct equivalent to 'honourable' in formal English correspondence, often used as a salutation like 'Dear' in letters. Choose 'почтенный' for a more archaic or literary feel, and 'благородный' when focusing on moral integrity. Be mindful of Russian's formal register: these words are rarely used in casual speech. Always ensure adjective agreement with the noun in gender, number, and case to avoid grammatical errors.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'уважаемый' in informal contexts, e.g., saying "Уважаемый друг" for a close friend. Correct: Reserve it for formal situations; use "Дорогой друг" instead. Explanation: This can sound overly stiff or insincere in casual settings.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the adjective, e.g., saying "Уважаемый женщина" instead of "Уважаемая женщина." Correct: "Уважаемая женщина" (with feminine ending). Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender, so learners often overlook declension rules.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'уважаемый' reflect a deep emphasis on respect and hierarchy, rooted in historical traditions such as the Soviet era's formal address protocols. Using these words appropriately can demonstrate cultural sensitivity, as they convey not just politeness but also social deference, which is highly valued in professional and public interactions.

Related Concepts:

• уважение (uvazhenie) - Respect
• благородство (blagorodstvo) - Nobility
• достоинство (dostoinstvo) - Dignity