Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'libido'

English Word: libido

Key Russian Translations:

• либидо - /lʲiˈbʲidə/ - [Formal, Psychological term]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in psychological, medical, or academic contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with psychological terminology and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

либидо: /lʲiˈbʲidə/

Note on либидо: The stress is on the second syllable ('bʲi'). Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, with the 'л' being soft (palatalized) in standard Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Sexual drive or instinct, often in psychological contexts

Translation(s) & Context:

• либидо - Used in formal or medical discussions about human psychology, particularly in Freudian theory or sexology. Context: Academic papers, therapy sessions, or health-related conversations.

Usage Examples:

• У него наблюдается снижение либидо из-за стресса.

  His libido is decreased due to stress. (This example shows the noun in a nominative case within a sentence discussing psychological effects.)

• В психоанализе либидо играет ключевую роль в развитии личности.

  In psychoanalysis, libido plays a key role in personality development. (Illustrates usage in an abstract, theoretical context.)

• Лечение должно учитывать уровень либидо пациента.

  Treatment should take into account the patient's level of libido. (Demonstrates the word in a medical or therapeutic setting.)

• Повышенное либидо может быть симптомом гормональных изменений.

  Increased libido can be a symptom of hormonal changes. (Shows variation in adjective modification and real-world application.)

• Она изучает, как либидо влияет на отношения в браке.

  She is studying how libido affects relationships in marriage. (Highlights the word in a social or relational context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"либидо" is a neuter noun in Russian, borrowed from Latin, and follows the standard third declension pattern for neuter nouns. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, meaning it does not change form in different cases. However, in formal or literary Russian, it may occasionally follow basic neuter patterns.

Note: As an indeclinable noun, "либидо" remains the same in all forms, which simplifies its use but requires attention to context for correct grammatical agreement.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сексуальное влечение (sexual attraction; more general and less technical)
  • эрос (Eros; poetic or philosophical connotation, from Greek mythology)
• Antonyms:
  • апатия (apathy; lack of interest or drive)
  • фригидность (frigidity; specifically in sexual contexts)

Related Phrases:

• снижение либидо - Decrease in libido; used in medical contexts to discuss loss of sexual drive.
• повышенное либидо - Increased libido; refers to heightened sexual energy, often in psychological or hormonal discussions.
• либидо в психоанализе - Libido in psychoanalysis; a phrase common in academic settings to explore Freudian concepts.

Usage Notes:

"либидо" directly corresponds to the English "libido" as a term from psychology, particularly Freudian theory. It is primarily used in formal, academic, or medical contexts rather than casual conversation. When choosing this word over synonyms like "сексуальное влечение," opt for "либидо" in scientific writing for precision. Be mindful of its neuter gender and indeclinable nature, ensuring agreement with adjectives or verbs in sentences. In everyday Russian, speakers might prefer more native equivalents to avoid sounding overly technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /liˈbido/ without the soft 'л' sound. Correct: /lʲiˈbʲidə/. Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian palatalization; practice with native audio to master the soft consonants.

• Error: Using in informal contexts, e.g., saying "У меня либидо" in casual talk. Correct: Avoid or replace with "сексуальное влечение" for everyday use. Explanation: This can sound pretentious; reserve for professional settings to maintain appropriate register.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., treating it as fully declinable like "либида" in genitive. Correct: It remains "либидо" in all cases. Explanation: As an indeclinable loanword, forcing changes leads to grammatical errors; always keep it unchanged.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "либидо" is heavily associated with Freudian psychoanalysis, which gained popularity in the early 20th century through translations of Western psychology. It carries connotations of suppressed desires and human instincts, often discussed in literature and films exploring personal repression, as seen in works by authors like Dostoevsky or in Soviet-era psychological studies.

Related Concepts:

• эрос
• психоанализ
• сексуальность