Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'impotent'

English Word: impotent

Key Russian Translations:

• импотент [ɪm.pɐˈtɛnt] - [Formal; Noun, often used in medical contexts]
• импотентный [ɪm.pɐˈtɛnt.nɨj] - [Formal; Adjective, applicable to states of powerlessness]

Frequency: Medium - This word is not everyday vocabulary but appears in medical, psychological, or formal discussions.

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Requires familiarity with specialized vocabulary; the noun form may be slightly more challenging due to its sensitive connotations.

Pronunciation (Russian):

импотент: [ɪm.pɐˈtɛnt]

Note on импотент: The stress falls on the second syllable; pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech, potentially softening the 'т' sound.

импотентный: [ɪm.pɐˈtɛnt.nɨj]

Note on импотентный: The ending '-ный' is pronounced with a soft 'н', common in adjectives; be cautious of vowel reduction in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Lacking physical strength, power, or sexual capability (e.g., inability to perform sexually or act effectively)

Translation(s) & Context:

• импотент - Used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a person with erectile dysfunction; formal and sensitive.
• импотентный - Applied as an adjective to describe a state of impotence, such as in health-related discussions; avoid in casual conversation due to stigma.

Usage Examples:

• Врачи диагностировали у него импотент как следствие стресса.

  Doctors diagnosed him with impotence as a result of stress.

• Он чувствовал себя импотентным в этой ситуации, не в силах изменить исход.

  He felt impotent in this situation, unable to change the outcome.

• Импотентный мужчина может испытывать эмоциональные трудности.

  An impotent man may experience emotional difficulties.

• После операции он стал импотентным, но лечение помогло.

  After the surgery, he became impotent, but treatment helped.

• В повседневной жизни импотентный человек часто скрывает свою проблему.

  In everyday life, an impotent person often hides their issue.

Meaning 2: Figuratively powerless or ineffective (e.g., in a non-physical sense, like in politics or decision-making)

Translation(s) & Context:

• импотентный - Used metaphorically in formal writing or discussions to indicate ineffectiveness; less common in spoken Russian.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство оказалось импотентным перед лицом экономического кризиса.

  The government proved impotent in the face of the economic crisis.

• Его аргументы были импотентными и не убедили аудиторию.

  His arguments were impotent and failed to convince the audience.

• В этой роли лидер выглядел импотентным, неспособным к действиям.

  In this role, the leader appeared impotent, incapable of action.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The Russian translations of "impotent" vary by word class. "Импотент" is a noun (masculine), while "импотентный" is an adjective. Both follow standard Russian inflection patterns.

Note: "Импотентный" follows regular adjective declension with no irregularities. For "импотент," as a masculine noun, it declines predictably in the standard pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бессильный (powerless; more general and less clinical)
  • неспособный (incapable; used for broader ineffectiveness)
• Antonyms:
  • мощный (powerful; implies strength and capability)
  • эффективный (effective; contrasts with ineffectiveness)

Brief note: "Бессильный" is a common synonym for "импотентный" in everyday contexts, but it lacks the specific medical connotation.

Related Phrases:

• сексуальная импотенция - Refers to sexual impotence; a common medical term meaning "sexual impotence."
• импотенция власти - Describes the impotence of authority; used figuratively for "powerlessness of power."
• психогенная импотенция - Indicates psychogenic impotence; translates to "psychogenic impotence" in contexts of mental health.

Usage Notes:

These translations correspond closely to the English "impotent," but use them with care due to their sensitive nature. "Импотент" is primarily a noun for a person with erectile dysfunction, while "импотентный" serves as an adjective for states of powerlessness. In Russian, these words are more formal and medical than in English, so avoid them in casual conversations to prevent offense. When choosing between translations, opt for "импотентный" in figurative contexts (e.g., political weakness) and "импотент" for literal medical scenarios. Grammatically, adjectives like "импотентный" must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "импотент" as an adjective (e.g., "импотент ситуация" instead of "импотентная ситуация"). Correct: "Импотент" is a noun; use "импотентный" for adjectival forms. Explanation: This confuses word classes, leading to grammatical errors; always check the context to select the right form.

• Error: Mispronouncing the stress (e.g., stressing the first syllable in "импотент"). Correct: Stress on the second syllable [ɪm.pɐˈtɛnt]. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or alter its perceived meaning in Russian speech.

• Error: Overusing in non-medical contexts (e.g., saying "импотентный" for minor ineffectiveness). Correct: Reserve for significant powerlessness; use "бессильный" for milder cases. Explanation: This can exaggerate or offend, as Russian speakers may associate it strictly with medical issues.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions around "импотенция" (impotence) are often taboo, linked to masculinity and personal shame, influenced by historical attitudes in Soviet and post-Soviet society. It's advisable to approach the topic with sensitivity, as it may carry more stigma than in English-speaking cultures, potentially affecting social interactions.

Related Concepts:

• неспособность
• бессильность
• стерильность
• эректильная дисфункция