Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'maniac'

English Word: maniac

Key Russian Translations:

• маньяк [mɐˈnʲak] - [Informal, Used in contexts involving mental instability or criminal behavior]

Frequency: Medium (Common in media, literature, and discussions about psychology or crime, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and borrowed words from English)

Pronunciation (Russian):

маньяк: [mɐˈnʲak]

Note on маньяк: The stress is on the second syllable ('nʲak'). Be careful with the palatalized 'nʲ' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it softly as in 'new'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A person with an obsessive or dangerous mental disorder, often implying violence or insanity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• маньяк - Used in informal or dramatic contexts, such as describing a serial killer in news reports or thrillers. Avoid in formal psychological discussions where more precise terms are preferred.

Usage Examples:

• Он был известным маньяком, который терроризировал город в 90-е годы.

  He was a notorious maniac who terrorized the city in the 90s.

• В фильме главный герой борется с маньяком, скрывающимся в лесу.

  In the movie, the main character fights a maniac hiding in the forest.

• Не путай обычного эксцентрика с настоящим маньяком – это разные вещи.

  Don't confuse a regular eccentric with a real maniac – they are different things.

• Маньяк оставлял загадочные записки на месте преступления.

  The maniac left mysterious notes at the crime scene.

• В психологии термин "маньяк" часто используется в неформальном смысле, но не в клинических диагнозах.

  In psychology, the term "maniac" is often used in an informal sense, but not in clinical diagnoses.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Маньяк" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows standard noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its common inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сумасшедший (sumasshedshiy) - More general for "crazy" or insane; псих (psikh) - Informal slang for a mentally unstable person.
• психопат (psikhopat) - Emphasizes antisocial behavior, often with subtle differences in connotation from маньяк, which implies obsession.
• Antonyms: нормальный (normal'nyy) - Meaning "normal" or sane; спокойный (spokoynyy) - Meaning "calm" or composed.

Related Phrases:

• Серийный маньяк - Serial maniac; a phrase used in crime stories to describe a repeat offender.
• Маньяк с топором - Maniac with an axe; common in horror contexts, referring to a violent attacker.
• Ловить маньяка - To catch a maniac; used in narratives about law enforcement.

Usage Notes:

"Маньяк" directly corresponds to the English "maniac" in informal contexts, especially in media or casual speech, but it carries a strong negative connotation and is rarely used in formal or professional settings like psychology. English speakers should note that Russian has no exact equivalent for lighter uses of "maniac" (e.g., a sports fanatic), so choose synonyms like "фанат" (fanat) for non-violent obsessions. When using this word, pay attention to gender agreement in sentences, as it is masculine. For multiple translations, opt for "маньяк" when emphasizing criminality, but "псих" for everyday insanity to match the context.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "маньяк" to describe someone who is just eccentric or overly enthusiastic, as in English slang (e.g., "gym maniac").

  Correct Usage: В русском это звучит как "он фанат фитнеса" (he is a fitness fan). Incorrect: "он маньяк фитнеса" – This could imply dangerous obsession and offend.

  Explanation: Russian speakers associate "маньяк" with serious mental illness or violence, so it lacks the playful tone of English usage.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun properly in sentences, e.g., saying "Я боюсь маньяк" instead of "Я боюсь маньяка".

  Correct Usage: "Я боюсь маньяка" (I am afraid of the maniac).

  Explanation: Always adjust for genitive case after prepositions like "боюсь" (afraid of).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "маньяк" often evokes images from Soviet and post-Soviet crime literature and films, such as those inspired by real-life serial killers like Andrei Chikatilo. This word highlights a fascination with psychological thrillers in Russian media, reflecting broader societal concerns about mental health and public safety, which can differ from Western portrayals.

Related Concepts:

• убийца (ubiytsa) - Killer
• психопат (psikhopat) - Psychopath
• преступник (prestupnik) - Criminal