Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intercourse'

English Word: intercourse

Key Russian Translations:

• секс [sɛks] - [Informal, Colloquial]
• половой акт [pɐˈlovɨj akt] - [Formal, Medical]
• интимная близость [ɪnˈtʲimnəj blʲɪˈzostʲ] - [Euphemistic, Romantic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in informal conversations, media, and medical discussions, but less frequent in everyday polite speech).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for most translations, as it involves understanding nuances of formality and cultural sensitivity; 'секс' might be A2 (Beginner) for basic vocabulary, while 'половой акт' could be C1 (Advanced) due to its formal register.

Pronunciation (Russian):

секс: [sɛks]

половой акт: [pɐˈlovɨj akt]

интимная близость: [ɪnˈtʲimnəj blʲɪˈzostʲ]

Note on секс: The stress is on the first syllable; be cautious with pronunciation as it can sound identical to the English word, potentially leading to confusion in bilingual contexts.

Note on половой акт: The 'о' in 'половой' is pronounced as a short [o], and 'акт' has a clear [k] sound; practice the rolling 'r' in 'акт' for authenticity.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Sexual intercourse (physical act between individuals)

Translation(s) & Context:

• секс - Used in casual, everyday conversations or media; informal and direct, often in modern Russian youth culture.
• половой акт - Employed in formal, medical, or educational contexts; precise and clinical, avoiding emotional connotations.

Usage Examples:

• Мы обсуждали тему секса в современном обществе. (We discussed the topic of sex in modern society.)

  Translation: We discussed the topic of sex in modern society. (This example shows 'секс' in a neutral, informational context.)

• Врачи объяснили, что половой акт должен быть защищенным. (Doctors explained that sexual intercourse should be protected.)

  Translation: Doctors explained that sexual intercourse should be protected. (Illustrates 'половой акт' in a health-related, formal setting.)

• Интимная близость играет важную роль в отношениях. (Intimate closeness plays an important role in relationships.)

  Translation: Intimate closeness plays an important role in relationships. (Demonstrates 'интимная близость' as a euphemism in romantic discussions.)

• После свадьбы они наслаждались сексом как естественной частью жизни. (After the wedding, they enjoyed sex as a natural part of life.)

  Translation: After the wedding, they enjoyed sex as a natural part of life. (Shows 'секс' in a personal, positive context.)

• В учебнике биологии подробно описан половой акт у млекопитающих. (The biology textbook describes sexual intercourse in mammals in detail.)

  Translation: The biology textbook describes sexual intercourse in mammals in detail. (Highlights 'половой акт' in an academic context.)

Secondary Meaning: General interaction or exchange (less common, metaphorical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• интимная близость - In metaphorical senses, referring to deep emotional exchanges; used in literary or psychological contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Интимная близость между друзьями – это не только секс, но и доверие. (Intimate closeness between friends is not just sex, but also trust.)

  Translation: Intimate closeness between friends is not just sex, but also trust. (This extends 'интимная близость' beyond physical meanings.)

• В деловых переговорах важна культурная близость, а не просто половой акт. (In business negotiations, cultural closeness is important, not just sexual intercourse.)

  Translation: In business negotiations, cultural closeness is important, not just sexual intercourse. (Rare metaphorical use, contrasting with the primary meaning.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Most translations are nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns. 'Секс' is an indeclinable noun (from English loanword), meaning it does not change forms in cases:

For 'половой акт', it is a phrase: 'половой' (adjective) declines as a regular first-declension adjective, and 'акт' (noun) declines as a masculine noun:

'Интимная близость' involves adjectives and nouns that decline regularly based on gender and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • интим (intim) - More general, often implying emotional intimacy.
  • любовь (lyubov') - Focuses on romantic love, with subtle differences in emotional depth.
  • связь (svyaz') - Used for connections, including physical ones, in broader contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • воздержание (vozderzhaniye) - Abstinence, directly opposite in meaning.
  • одиночество (odinočestvo) - Loneliness, contrasting with intimate connections.

Related Phrases:

• Иметь секс (Imet' seks) - To have sex; a direct, informal phrase for casual contexts.
• Защищенный половой акт (Zashchishchennyy polovoy akt) - Protected sexual intercourse; used in health education.
• Интимная жизнь (Intimnaya zhizn') - Intimate life; refers to personal relationships and experiences.

Usage Notes:

Russian translations for 'intercourse' vary by context and formality. 'Секс' is the most straightforward and common in informal settings but can be blunt; opt for 'половой акт' in professional or medical discussions to maintain decorum. Be aware of cultural sensitivities in Russia, where public discourse on this topic is often conservative. When choosing between translations, consider the audience: younger speakers prefer 'секс', while formal writing favors 'половой акт'. Grammatically, these are nouns, so they integrate into sentences with appropriate case endings for flow.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'секс' in formal contexts, e.g., saying "половой секс" instead of just "половой акт". Correct: Stick to 'половой акт' for formality. Explanation: This mixes registers, making speech awkward; English learners often borrow directly from English without adjusting for Russian norms.
• Mistake: Incorrect declension, e.g., saying "в секс" instead of "в сексе". Correct: "В сексе" (in sex). Explanation: 'Секс' requires proper prepositional case; errors stem from its foreign origin, confusing learners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions of 'intercourse' are often linked to traditional values, influenced by Orthodox Christianity. Terms like 'секс' have become more prevalent with globalization and media, but euphemisms like 'интимная близость' reflect a historical preference for discretion in personal matters, especially in literature and family settings.

Related Concepts:

• любовь (love)
• семья (family)
• отношения (relationships)