Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mafia'

English Word: mafia

Key Russian Translations:

• мафия /mɐˈfʲijə/ - [Formal, Used in contexts of organized crime]

Frequency: Medium - The term is commonly encountered in discussions of crime, media, and history, but not in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - As a borrowed word, it is straightforward for English speakers to recognize and use, but understanding its nuances in Russian contexts requires some intermediate language proficiency.

Pronunciation (Russian):

мафия: /mɐˈfʲijə/

Note on мафия: The stress is on the second syllable ('fʲijə'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'fʲ' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for non-native speakers. Variations in regional accents might soften the vowel sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The criminal organization or syndicate

Translation(s) & Context:

• мафия - Typically used in formal or journalistic contexts to refer to an organized crime group, similar to the Italian Mafia, often with historical or global connotations.

Usage Examples:

• В России мафия часто ассоциируется с организованной преступностью 1990-х годов.

  In Russia, the mafia is often associated with organized crime from the 1990s.

• Мафия контролирует нелегальный бизнес в некоторых регионах.

  The mafia controls illegal businesses in some regions.

• Фильмы о мафии популярны во всем мире, включая русские кинематографисты.

  Movies about the mafia are popular worldwide, including those made by Russian filmmakers.

• Мафия может иметь сложные структуры, включающие боссов и подчиненных.

  The mafia can have complex structures, including bosses and subordinates.

• В современной России термин "мафия" используется для описания коррупционных сетей.

  In modern Russia, the term "mafia" is used to describe corrupt networks.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "мафия" is a feminine noun in Russian, borrowed from Italian, and follows standard noun declension patterns for foreign words ending in -я. It is relatively regular but can vary based on case and number. Below is a declension table for clarity:

Note: As a foreign borrowing, "мафия" does not have irregular forms, but its plural is less commonly used since it often refers to a singular entity. Always consider context for correct case usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: преступная группировка (a more general term for a criminal group, often used in legal contexts); синдикат (syndicate, emphasizing organization); банда (gang, for smaller-scale operations)
• Antonyms: законопослушная организация (law-abiding organization, highlighting legality); полиция (police, as an opposing force)

Related Phrases:

• русская мафия - Refers specifically to Russian organized crime groups, often with historical ties to the post-Soviet era.
• мафиозная война - Describes conflicts or wars between mafia groups, commonly used in media narratives.
• бороться с мафией - Means "to fight against the mafia," indicating efforts by authorities or society.

Usage Notes:

The Russian translation "мафия" directly corresponds to the English "mafia" as a term for organized crime, but it carries specific cultural connotations in Russian contexts, such as references to the 1990s oligarchs or post-Soviet criminal networks. Use it in formal writing, news, or discussions rather than casual speech to avoid sensationalism. When choosing between synonyms like "преступная группировка," opt for "мафия" if emphasizing international or historical aspects. Grammatically, ensure it agrees with the case required by the sentence structure, as Russian nouns must decline.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing the word as "мафи" (an incorrect shortening). Correct: Always use the full form "мафия." Explanation: Russian words borrowed from other languages retain their full endings; shortening can lead to confusion or non-standard usage.

• Error: Failing to decline it properly, e.g., using "мафия" in all cases. Correct: In genitive case, say "мафии" (of the mafia). Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian case systems, which can make sentences grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Confusing it with "мафиозный" (mafia-like), which is an adjective. Correct: Use "мафиозный" for descriptions, e.g., "мафиозный стиль" (mafia style). Explanation: This adjective form is derived from "мафия," but mixing them can alter the meaning unintendedly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "мафия" often evokes the turbulent 1990s era of economic transition, where criminal organizations influenced politics and business. It's tied to real historical events, like the rise of oligarchs and organized crime in post-Soviet Russia, making it a sensitive term that can imply corruption or social instability. Understanding this context helps English speakers grasp why it's frequently used in media critiques of governance.

Related Concepts:

• гангстер
• преступность
• коррупция