Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'individualistic'

English Word: individualistic

Key Russian Translations:

• индивидуалистический /ɪndʲɪvʲɪdʊalʲɪstʲɪt͡ɕɪskʲɪj/ - [Formal, used in academic or philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of philosophy, psychology, and social sciences, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding abstract concepts and is typically encountered in intermediate-level texts; suitable for learners with a grasp of basic adjectives and cultural nuances)

Pronunciation (Russian):

индивидуалистический: /ɪndʲɪvʲɪdʊalʲɪstʲɪt͡ɕɪskʲɪj/

Note on индивидуалистический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (du-al-), and the 'щ' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh' (like in 'fish' but softer). Pay attention to the consonant clusters, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Relating to individualism, emphasizing personal independence, self-reliance, and uniqueness over group conformity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• индивидуалистический - Used in formal contexts to describe attitudes or behaviors that prioritize individual rights and freedoms, such as in philosophical debates or psychological analyses.

Usage Examples:

• Его индивидуалистический подход к жизни часто приводит к конфликтам с коллективом.

  His individualistic approach to life often leads to conflicts with the group.

• В американской культуре индивидуалистический менталитет считается нормой.

  In American culture, an individualistic mindset is considered the norm.

• Индивидуалистический стиль воспитания может помочь ребенку развить самостоятельность.

  An individualistic parenting style can help a child develop independence.

• Эта книга критикует индивидуалистический взгляд на успех, подчеркивая роль общества.

  This book criticizes the individualistic view of success, emphasizing the role of society.

• Индивидуалистический характер героя делает его непредсказуемым в сюжете.

  The individualistic nature of the hero makes him unpredictable in the plot.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

индивидуалистический is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard adjective declension patterns. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This word follows regular adjective patterns, so there are no irregularities. Always ensure agreement with the noun for correct usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • индивидуальный (more general, meaning 'individual' or 'personal'; often used interchangeably but less emphatic on individualism)
  • самостоятельный (implies self-reliance, with a nuance of independence in action)
• Antonyms:
  • коллективистский (emphasizes group-oriented behavior, common in discussions of Soviet-era ideology)
  • сообщественный (relating to community, highlighting collective interests)

Related Phrases:

• индивидуалистический подход - An individualistic approach (used in contexts like business or education to describe methods that focus on personal initiative).
• индивидуалистическая культура - An individualistic culture (refers to societies, like in the West, that value personal freedom over group harmony).
• индивидуалистический менталитет - An individualistic mindset (often contrasted with collectivist mentalities in cultural studies).

Usage Notes:

индивидуалистический directly corresponds to the English "individualistic" in formal contexts, such as philosophy or social commentary, but it may sound overly academic in casual speech. English speakers should note that Russian culture often leans towards collectivism, so this word is frequently used in comparative discussions. When choosing between translations like индивидуальный, opt for индивидуалистический when emphasizing ideological aspects. Always ensure adjective agreement with the noun it modifies, as per Russian grammar rules.

• In formal writing, pair it with nouns like "подход" (approach) or "культура" (culture).
• Avoid overuse in everyday conversation, as it might come across as pretentious.

Common Errors:

One common mistake is confusing индивидуалистический with индивидуальный, thinking they are exact synonyms. For example, learners might incorrectly say "индивидуальный человек" when meaning an "individualistic person," which could imply just "individual" rather than the ideological connotation. Correct usage: Use индивидуалистический for the specific sense of individualism. Error example: "Он индивидуальный." (Incorrect for "He is individualistic.") Correct: "Он индивидуалистический." Explanation: The former means "He is individual," while the latter conveys the full ideological meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of индивидуалистический is often viewed through the lens of historical contrasts, such as the collectivist ideals of the Soviet era versus Western influences. It can carry a slightly negative connotation in some contexts, implying selfishness, especially in traditional Russian society where community and mutual support are highly valued. Understanding this helps English learners appreciate the cultural undertones in Russian literature and media.

Related Concepts:

• либерализм (liberalism)
• социализм (socialism)
• самоопределение (self-determination)