Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'irreverence'

English Word: irreverence

Key Russian Translations:

• непочтительность (nʲɪˈpoxtʲɪtʲɪlʲnəsʲtʲ) - [Formal]
• неуважение (nʲɪʊˈvaʐənʲɪjə) - [Informal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, discussions, and formal contexts, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and nuanced vocabulary, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

непочтительность: nʲɪˈpoxtʲɪtʲɪlʲnəsʲtʲ

неуважение: nʲɪʊˈvaʐənʲɪjə

Note on непочтительность: The stress falls on the third syllable ("poxtʲ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft consonants; pronounce it with a clear palatalized 't' sound.

Note on неуважение: The 'zh' sound (ʐ) is similar to the 's' in "measure"; avoid overemphasizing the initial 'nʲ'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Lack of respect or reverence, especially towards traditions, authority, or sacred matters.

Translation(s) & Context:

• непочтительность - Used in formal or written contexts, such as academic or literary discussions, to denote disrespect towards established norms.
• неуважение - Applied in everyday informal situations, like interpersonal relationships, to express a general lack of regard.

Usage Examples:

• Его непочтительность к традициям шокировала всю семью.

  His irreverence towards traditions shocked the entire family.

• В её неуважение к авторитетам часто приводит к конфликтам на работе.

  Her irreverence towards authorities often leads to conflicts at work.

• Молодёжь проявляет непочтительность к историческим памятникам, что вызывает общественное недовольство.

  Youth often show irreverence towards historical monuments, causing public discontent.

• Это неуважение к правилам этикета было заметно во время официального мероприятия.

  This irreverence towards etiquette rules was evident during the official event.

• Его юмор часто граничит с непочтительностью по отношению к религиозным обычаям.

  His humor often borders on irreverence towards religious customs.

Meaning 2: A playful or deliberate disregard for seriousness, often in creative or humorous contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• неуважение - Informal usage in casual conversations, such as in art or comedy, where irreverence is light-hearted.

Usage Examples:

• Комик использует неуважение к социальным нормам, чтобы развеселить аудиторию.

  The comedian uses irreverence towards social norms to amuse the audience.

• В современном искусстве непочтительность к классическим формам считается инновацией.

  In modern art, irreverence towards classical forms is seen as innovation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "непочтительность" and "неуважение" are feminine nouns in Russian, following the standard patterns for abstract nouns. They undergo declension based on case, number, and gender. "Непочтительность" is an abstract feminine noun with regular declension, while "неуважение" also follows regular patterns but can vary slightly in usage.

These nouns do not have plural forms in most contexts as they are uncountable abstracts, but if pluralized for emphasis, they follow standard feminine noun patterns (e.g., непочтительности → plural genitive: непочтительностей).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • небрежность (nebrezhnost' - implies carelessness, often with a milder tone)
  • презрение (prezrenie - conveys contempt, more intense than general irreverence)
• Antonyms:
  • уважение (uvazhenie - respect, the direct opposite)
  • почтение (pochtenie - reverence, especially in formal or traditional contexts)

Related Phrases:

• проявление непочтительности - Manifestation of irreverence (used to describe outward signs of disrespect in social or cultural settings).
• неуважение к авторитету - Irreverence towards authority (common in discussions about rebellion or criticism of leaders).
• богохульное неуважение - Blasphemous irreverence (a phrase implying irreverence in a religious context, with strong connotations).

Usage Notes:

"Непочтительность" is the more precise translation for "irreverence" in formal or literary English contexts, as it captures the nuance of disrespect towards sacred or traditional elements. In contrast, "неуважение" is better for everyday, informal scenarios. English learners should note that Russian often requires specifying the object of irreverence (e.g., using genitive case), such as "к традициям" (towards traditions). Be cautious with context: in Russian culture, irreverence can carry negative implications, so avoid using it lightly in professional settings. When choosing between translations, opt for "непочтительность" for abstract or elevated language and "неуважение" for direct interpersonal interactions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "неуважение" with "неприличие" (impropriety), which means indecency rather than irreverence. Incorrect: "Его неприличие к правилам" (wrong usage). Correct: "Его неуважение к правилам" – This error stems from similar-sounding roots; remember that "неуважение" specifically involves respect, not general propriety.

• Error: Forgetting case declensions, e.g., using nominative in all contexts. Incorrect: "Я увидел неуважение" (in a prepositional phrase). Correct: "Я увидел в неуважении" – Always adjust for case to fit the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, irreverence towards historical traditions or authority figures, such as in Soviet-era dissident literature, often symbolizes resistance or individualism. However, it can be perceived as rude or destabilizing in everyday life, reflecting the value placed on respect for elders and institutions. For instance, irreverence in art or humor might be celebrated as creativity, but in religious contexts, it could lead to social backlash due to the deep-rooted influence of Orthodox Christianity.

Related Concepts:

• бунт (bunt - rebellion)
• презрение (prezrenie - contempt)
• свобода (svoboda - freedom, often linked in contexts of challenging norms)