Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'indifference'

English Word: indifference

Key Russian Translations:

• равнодушие [rɐvnəˈduʂʲje] - [Formal, implies a neutral lack of concern]
• безразличие [bʲɪzˈrazlʲɪt͡ɕɪje] - [Informal, everyday usage for general apathy]
• апатия [ɐˈpatʲɪjə] - [Formal, suggests a deeper, more intense form of indifference, often with emotional detachment]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, psychological discussions, and everyday conversations, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of abstract emotions and nuanced vocabulary. For 'апатия', it may lean towards B2 due to its psychological connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

равнодушие: [rɐvnəˈduʂʲje]

Note on равнодушие: The stress falls on the third syllable ('duʂʲje'), which can be tricky for learners due to the soft 'ш' sound; practice with native speakers for accuracy.

безразличие: [bʲɪzˈrazlʲɪt͡ɕɪje]

Note on безразличие: The 'щ' sound in 't͡ɕɪje' is a palatalized affricate; it's softer than in English 'ch' and common in Russian words.

апатия: [ɐˈpatʲɪjə]

Note on апатия: Stress on the second syllable; the 'тʲ' is palatalized, making it sound more like 'ty' in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Lack of interest or concern (primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• равнодушие - Used in formal contexts like philosophical texts or professional discussions, where a neutral emotional state is described.
• безразличие - Common in informal settings, such as casual conversations about daily life or relationships.
• апатия - Applied in contexts involving mental health or intense emotional numbness, like in psychology or literature.

Usage Examples:

• Он проявил равнодушие к её проблемам, несмотря на их давнюю дружбу.

  He showed indifference to her problems, despite their long-standing friendship. (Demonstrates formal usage in interpersonal relationships.)

• Её безразличие к политике удивило всех на собрании.

  Her indifference to politics surprised everyone at the meeting. (Illustrates informal, everyday context.)

• В период кризиса, апатия охватила общество, делая людей пассивными.

  During the crisis, apathy gripped society, making people passive. (Shows usage in broader social or psychological scenarios.)

• Равнодушие к искусству не помешало ему стать успешным бизнесменом.

  Indifference to art did not prevent him from becoming a successful businessman. (Highlights contrast in personal development.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns for masculine nouns (e.g., равнодушие and безразличие are neuter; апатия is feminine). They exhibit regular inflections based on case, number, and gender.

Note: These are regular declensions; no irregular forms. Always check context for correct case usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • апатия (similar to indifference but with stronger emotional connotation)
  • инертность (implies laziness or lack of initiative, often in physical or motivational contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • интерес (interest, directly opposite in emotional engagement)
  • энтузиазм (enthusiasm, suggesting high energy and passion)

Related Phrases:

• Проявлять равнодушие - To show indifference (used in contexts of emotional response or reaction).
• Безразличие к чему-либо - Indifference to something (common in everyday expressions about apathy towards topics).
• Впасть в апатию - To fall into apathy (implies a state of deep indifference, often temporary or crisis-related).

Usage Notes:

Choose 'равнодушие' for more formal or philosophical discussions, as it aligns closely with the neutral English 'indifference'. 'Безразличие' is ideal for informal, conversational English equivalents. 'Апатия' should be used when the indifference involves a stronger sense of emotional detachment, similar to 'apathy' in English. Be mindful of grammatical gender and case in sentences; for example, always decline according to the noun's role. In Russian culture, these words often carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of vitality, so use them carefully in social contexts.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'равнодушие' with 'апатия': Learners might overuse 'апатия' for general indifference, but it's more intense. Incorrect: "Я чувствую апатию к еде" (if it's just mild disinterest). Correct: "Я чувствую равнодушие к еде" – This distinguishes the levels of emotional depth.

• Improper declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "Я не интересуюсь равнодушие" instead of "равнодушием" in the instrumental case. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'равнодушие' and 'апатия' often reflect themes in literature and history, such as the stoicism during Soviet times or in works by authors like Chekhov, where indifference symbolizes societal malaise. This can help English speakers understand the deeper emotional undercurrents in Russian media and conversations.

Related Concepts:

• эмоции (emotions)
• психология (psychology)
• индифферентность (a more scientific term for indifference)