Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lechery'

English Word: lechery

Key Russian Translations:

• похоть (pɐˈxotʲ) - [Informal]
• разврат (rɐzˈvrat) - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in literary, psychological, or moral discussions.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should understand the nuances, though both translations require familiarity with abstract concepts and formal vocabulary.

Pronunciation (Russian):

похоть: pɐˈxotʲ

Note on похоть: The stress falls on the second syllable; the 'х' is a guttural sound similar to the Scottish 'ch' in "loch." Be cautious with the soft 'тʲ' at the end, which adds a palatalized quality.

разврат: rɐzˈvrat

Note on разврат: Stress on the second syllable; the 'р' is rolled, and the word has a more formal, emphatic tone in speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Excessive indulgence in sexual desire or lustful behavior.

Translation(s) & Context:

• похоть - Used in informal or literary contexts to describe base desires, often with a negative connotation in everyday moral discussions.
• разврат - Applied in formal or legal contexts, emphasizing moral corruption or depravity beyond just sexual aspects.

Usage Examples:

• Его похоть привела к разрушению семьи. (Yego pokhót' privela k razrusheniyu sem'i.)

  His lechery led to the destruction of his family. (This example shows the word in a narrative context, highlighting consequences.)

• В литературе часто изображается разврат как порок общества. (V literature chasto izobrazhaetsya razvrat kak porok obshchestva.)

  In literature, lechery is often depicted as a vice of society. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a broader cultural or societal critique.)

• Она осуждала его похоть, считая её недостойной. (Ona osuzhdayla yego pokhót', schitaya yeyo nedostoynoy.)

  She condemned his lechery, considering it unworthy. (This illustrates the word in personal judgment scenarios.)

• Разврат в этом фильме показан как результат безнравственности. (Razvrat v etom fil'me pokazan kak rezul'tat beznravstvennosti.)

  Lechery in this film is shown as a result of immorality. (Example in media analysis, emphasizing formal usage.)

• Похоть часто упоминается в религиозных текстах как грех. (Pokhót' chasto upominaetsya v religioznykh tekstakh kak grekh.)

  Lechery is often mentioned in religious texts as a sin. (This shows the word in ethical or spiritual contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. "Похоть" is a feminine noun (3rd declension), while "разврат" is a masculine noun (2nd declension). They follow standard Russian inflection patterns but have some irregularities due to their abstract nature.

Note: These words do not change in all contexts and are often used in singular form due to their abstract meanings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сладострастие (sladostrasstiye) - More poetic, emphasizing sensual pleasure.
  • вожделение (vozhdeleniye) - Focuses on strong desire, often sexual.
• Antonyms:
  • воздержание (vozderzhaniye) - Self-restraint or abstinence.
  • благочестие (blagochestiye) - Piety or moral purity.

Related Phrases:

• похоть плоти (pokhót' ploti) - Lust of the flesh; often used in religious or philosophical contexts to describe base instincts.
• разврат общества (razvrat obshchestva) - Moral decay of society; highlights societal implications in discussions or media.
• поддаться похоти (poddast'sya pokhoti) - To give in to lechery; a common expression for yielding to temptation.

Usage Notes:

"Похоть" and "разврат" both translate to "lechery" but differ in tone and context. "Похоть" is more straightforward and informal, often used in everyday or literary language to describe personal desires, while "разврат" carries a formal, judgmental connotation, suitable for legal, ethical, or societal discussions. English speakers should note that Russian vocabulary for such concepts is influenced by cultural norms—avoid using these in polite conversation unless discussing literature or psychology. When choosing between translations, opt for "похоть" in narrative contexts and "разврат" in formal essays. Grammatically, both are nouns and require appropriate case agreement with verbs or prepositions.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "похоть" with "похвала" (praise): Learners might mix up due to similar sounds, leading to sentences like "Его похвала разрушила семью" (incorrectly implying "His praise destroyed the family"). Correct usage: "Его похоть разрушила семью" – This error stems from not recognizing the guttural 'х' sound.
• Overusing in formal settings: Non-native speakers often use "разврат" too casually, e.g., saying "Это разврат!" in a light conversation, which can sound overly dramatic. Instead, use it in serious contexts like "Этот акт разврата осуждается обществом."
• Case mismatches: Forgetting inflections, such as using nominative in genitive contexts, e.g., "Из-за похоть" instead of "Из-за похоти." Always ensure proper declension for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "похоть" and "разврат" often appear in literary works by authors such as Dostoevsky or Tolstoy, where they symbolize moral struggles and the human condition. These words carry a strong Orthodox Christian influence, viewing such desires as sins that lead to spiritual downfall, reflecting historical attitudes toward sexuality and restraint in Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• грех (grekh) - Sin
• страсть (strast') - Passion
• мораль (moral') - Morality