Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'humankind'

English Word: humankind

Key Russian Translations:

• человечество [/t͡ɕɪlɐˈvʲet͡ɕɪstvə/] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal, academic, or philosophical contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - requires understanding of abstract nouns and formal vocabulary; suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

человечество: [/t͡ɕɪlɐˈvʲet͡ɕɪstvə/]

Note on человечество: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ве"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the word's length and vowel reductions in spoken Russian. Pronunciation can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The human race or humanity as a whole

Translation(s) & Context:

• человечество - Used in formal discussions about human society, history, or global issues, often in philosophical, scientific, or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: "Человечество столкнулось с глобальными вызовами, такими как изменение климата."

  English Translation: "Humankind is facing global challenges, such as climate change."

• Русский пример: "В истории человечества были моменты великих открытий."

  English Translation: "In the history of humankind, there have been moments of great discoveries."

• Русский пример: "Человечество должно учиться на ошибках прошлого."

  English Translation: "Humankind must learn from the mistakes of the past."

• Русский пример: "Развитие технологий преобразило жизнь человечества."

  English Translation: "The development of technology has transformed the life of humankind."

• Русский пример: "Человечество объединено общей целью выживания."

  English Translation: "Humankind is united by the common goal of survival."

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Человечество" is a neuter noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It is typically used in singular form but can take plural inflections in certain contexts. The word follows standard neuter noun patterns with no irregularities.

Note: The plural forms are rarely used, as "человечество" typically refers to humanity as a collective singular concept.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • человеческий род (more poetic, emphasizing human lineage)
  • люди (more general, but less formal; used for people in a broader sense)
• Antonyms:
  • животные (animals, contrasting with human species)
  • природа (nature, in the context of non-human elements)

Related Phrases:

• Всё человечество - "All of humankind" (Used to emphasize universality in discussions of human rights or global issues.)
• История человечества - "History of humankind" (Common in educational or historical contexts.)
• Будущее человечества - "Future of humankind" (Often appears in speculative or sci-fi discussions.)

Usage Notes:

"Человечество" directly corresponds to "humankind" in English, emphasizing the collective aspect of humanity rather than individuals. It is primarily used in formal or written language, such as in essays, lectures, or media. Be cautious with context: in everyday speech, Russians might prefer "люди" for a more casual reference. When choosing between translations, opt for "человечество" in abstract or philosophical discussions to maintain a formal tone. Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "человечество развивается" - "humankind is developing").

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "человечество" with "человек" (meaning "human being" or "person"). For example, a learner might say "Человек должно заботиться" instead of "Человечество должно заботиться".

  Correct Usage: "Человечество должно заботиться об окружающей среде" (Humankind must care for the environment). Explanation: "Человек" is singular and refers to an individual, while "человечество" is collective.

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using "человечество" in the wrong case (e.g., "в человечества" instead of "в человечестве").

  Correct Usage: "В человечестве" (in humankind). Explanation: Always check the case based on the sentence structure to ensure proper agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, "человечество" often carries a philosophical weight, influenced by thinkers like Dostoevsky or Tolstoy, who explored human morality and society. It reflects a collective identity, sometimes contrasting with individualistic Western views, and is frequently used in discussions about Russia's role in global history or humanitarian efforts.

Related Concepts:

• общество (society)
• культура (culture)
• цивилизация (civilization)