Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'impunity'

English Word: impunity

Key Russian Translations:

• безнаказанность (/bʲɪz.nɐ.kɐˈzan.nəsʲtʲ/) - [Formal, used in legal, political, or journalistic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in formal discussions, news, and legal texts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves abstract legal concepts and requires understanding of Russian noun declensions; suitable for learners with a solid grasp of vocabulary and grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

безнаказанность: /bʲɪz.nɐ.kɐˈzan.nəsʲtʲ/

Note on безнаказанность: The stress falls on the third syllable ("zan"), and the initial "б" is softly palatalized. Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech, potentially softening the "з" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being exempt from punishment, especially for wrongdoing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• безнаказанность - Used in formal contexts to describe situations where individuals or groups escape consequences, such as in legal debates or discussions of corruption.

Usage Examples:

• Преступники действуют с полной безнаказанностью в этом регионе.

  Criminals act with complete impunity in this region.

• В условиях безнаказанности коррупция только усугубляется.

  In conditions of impunity, corruption only worsens.

• Безнаказанность за такие преступления недопустима в демократическом обществе.

  Impunity for such crimes is unacceptable in a democratic society.

• Он наслаждался безнаказанностью, пока не был разоблачен.

  He enjoyed impunity until he was exposed.

• Безнаказанность правонарушителей приводит к росту насилия.

  The impunity of offenders leads to an increase in violence.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Безнаказанность" is a feminine noun ending in -ость, which follows the standard third-declension pattern in Russian. It is invariable in the nominative singular but changes in other cases and numbers. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • безнаказание (similar, but slightly more general; often used interchangeably)
  • иммунитет (implies legal protection, with a nuance of immunity from prosecution)
• Antonyms:
  • наказание (punishment; direct opposite, emphasizing consequences)
  • ответственность (responsibility; highlights accountability)

Related Phrases:

• Оставаться в безнаказанности - To remain with impunity (used in contexts of ongoing evasion of justice)
• Полная безнаказанность - Complete impunity (emphasizes total lack of repercussions)
• Безнаказанность за преступления - Impunity for crimes (common in legal or human rights discussions)

Usage Notes:

"Безнаказанность" directly corresponds to the English "impunity" in legal and ethical contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal writing or speech rather than casual conversation. English learners should note that it is a abstract noun and requires appropriate declension based on its role in the sentence (e.g., genitive for possession). When choosing between synonyms like "безнаказание," opt for "безнаказанность" in contexts involving systemic issues. Be mindful of word order in Russian sentences, as adjectives or modifiers often precede the noun.

Common Errors:

• Confusing declensions: Learners might incorrectly use the nominative form in all cases, e.g., saying "о безнаказанность" instead of "о безнаказанности" (correct genitive). Error: "Я думаю о безнаказанность." Correct: "Я думаю о безнаказанности." Explanation: Always decline based on the case required by the preposition or sentence structure.

• Overgeneralizing synonyms: Mistaking "иммунитет" for an exact synonym, leading to misuse in non-legal contexts. Error: Using "иммунитет" for everyday impunity. Correct: Stick with "безнаказанность" for moral or criminal contexts. Explanation: "Иммунитет" implies legal immunity, which is narrower.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, concepts like "безнаказанность" often arise in discussions of corruption, authoritarian regimes, or post-Soviet reforms. For instance, it is frequently referenced in critiques of the justice system, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on accountability in society, as seen in literature like Dostoevsky's works or modern media coverage of political scandals.

Related Concepts:

• коррупция (corruption)
• наказание (punishment)
• ответственность (responsibility)