Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'imperialism'

English Word: imperialism

Key Russian Translations:

• империализм [ɪm.pʲɪ.rʲɪ.ɐˈlʲi.zm] - [Formal, Academic]

Frequency: Medium (Common in political, historical, and academic discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of loanwords and political concepts, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian vocabulary and grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

империализм: [ɪm.pʲɪ.rʲɪ.ɐˈlʲi.zm]

Note on империализм: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ли́"), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords from English or Latin. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, with softer consonants in standard Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often involving colonization or economic domination.

Translation(s) & Context:

• империализм - Used in formal contexts like historical analysis, political debates, or academic writing to describe expansionist policies. Common in discussions of global history or international relations.

Usage Examples:

• Империализм XIX века привел к колонизации многих африканских стран.

  The imperialism of the 19th century led to the colonization of many African countries.

• Современный империализм часто проявляется в экономическом доминировании над слабыми государствами.

  Modern imperialism often manifests as economic domination over weaker states.

• Критики обвиняют США в продвижении империализма через военные интервенции.

  Critics accuse the US of promoting imperialism through military interventions.

• Империализм как идеология был подвергнут жесткой критике в марксистской литературе.

  Imperialism as an ideology was heavily criticized in Marxist literature.

• В эпоху глобализации империализм эволюционировал в формы культурного влияния.

  In the era of globalization, imperialism has evolved into forms of cultural influence.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Империализм" is a masculine noun (from the 2nd declension group) and follows standard Russian noun patterns for words ending in -изм. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, but can show changes in number and case when used in sentences. Below is a table of its basic forms:

Note: While the base form is often used without change, plural forms are less common and typically appear in abstract or historical contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • экспансионизм (expansionism; implies aggressive territorial growth, often used interchangeably but with a focus on military aspects)
  • колониализм (colonialism; emphasizes historical colonization, suitable for contexts involving empire-building)
• Antonyms:
  • антиимпериализм (anti-imperialism; directly opposes the concept)
  • изоляционизм (isolationism; refers to policies of non-intervention and self-containment)

Related Phrases:

• империалистическая политика - Imperialistic policy; refers to strategies of dominance in international affairs.
• борьба с империализмом - Struggle against imperialism; commonly used in historical or revolutionary contexts.
• глобальный империализм - Global imperialism; describes modern forms of worldwide influence, often economic.

Usage Notes:

"Империализм" directly corresponds to the English term "imperialism" as a loanword, making it a precise translation in formal and academic settings. It is typically used in written Russian, such as essays or news articles, rather than casual speech. Be mindful of its neutral to negative connotations in Russian discourse, especially in post-Soviet contexts where it may evoke historical anti-colonial sentiments. When choosing between synonyms like "колониализм," opt for "империализм" if the focus is on broader power dynamics rather than specific colonial actions. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun and should agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying words.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: Learners might incorrectly use the nominative form in all contexts, e.g., saying "борьба с империализм" instead of the correct genitive "борьба с империализмом." Correct usage: Always adjust for case, as in "против империализма" (against imperialism).

• Overgeneralization: English speakers may translate "imperialism" too literally without context, leading to misuse in sentences like "Американский империализм хороший" (implying it's positive), which could be seen as insensitive. Correct approach: Use it critically, as in "Американский империализм вызывает споры" (American imperialism sparks controversy).

• Mispronouncing the stress: Placing stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., pronouncing it as [ɪm.pʲɪ.rʲɪ.'lʲi.zm] instead of [ɪm.pʲɪ.rʲɪ.ɐˈlʲi.zm]. Explanation: Listen to native audio to master the correct emphasis, as Russian stress patterns can alter meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "империализм" is often associated with the expansion of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union's influence during the Cold War. It carries a strong anti-imperialist undertone in modern Russian discourse, influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology, where it symbolizes oppression and is frequently critiqued in literature and media. Understanding this context helps English speakers grasp why the term is loaded with historical baggage in Russian-speaking regions.

Related Concepts:

• капитализм (capitalism)
• социализм (socialism)
• колонизация (colonization)
• экспансия (expansion)