Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Marxism'

English Word: Marxism

Key Russian Translations:

• марксизм (/ˈmark.sizm/) - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic, political, and historical contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; requires understanding of historical and ideological concepts, suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian vocabulary and grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

марксизм: /ˈmark.sizm/

Note on марксизм: The stress falls on the first syllable. Russian pronunciation can vary slightly by region, but this IPA reflects standard Moscow dialect. Pay attention to the hard 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The political and economic theories of Karl Marx, including class struggle and historical materialism.

Translation(s) & Context:

• марксизм - Used in formal discussions of philosophy, history, and politics, often in academic or ideological contexts, such as debates on socialism.

Usage Examples:

• В советское время марксизм был основой государственной идеологии.

  In Soviet times, Marxism was the foundation of state ideology.

• Многие современные экономисты критикуют марксизм за его предсказания о капитализме.

  Many modern economists criticize Marxism for its predictions about capitalism.

• Изучение марксизма помогает понять развитие социалистических движений в Европе.

  Studying Marxism helps understand the development of socialist movements in Europe.

• В университетском курсе по философии мы обсуждали принципы марксизма.

  In the university philosophy course, we discussed the principles of Marxism.

• Марксизм повлиял на революционные события в России в начале XX века.

  Marxism influenced the revolutionary events in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Марксизм" is a masculine noun (from the neuter loanword category in Russian) and follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on cases and numbers. Below is a declension table:

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to various interpretations or schools of Marxism.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • марксизм-ленинизм (a more specific variant, often used in historical contexts referring to the adapted form in the Soviet Union)
  • диалектический материализм (focuses on the philosophical aspect, with subtle differences in emphasis)
• Antonyms:
  • капитализм (direct ideological opposite)
  • либерализм (emphasizes individual freedoms over class struggle)

Related Phrases:

• марксистская теория - Marxist theory (used in academic discussions to refer to core concepts).
• принципы марксизма - Principles of Marxism (common in educational contexts to outline key ideas).
• критика марксизма - Criticism of Marxism (often in debates about economic systems).

Usage Notes:

"Марксизм" directly corresponds to the English "Marxism" as a borrowed term, maintaining its original meaning in Russian. It is primarily used in formal, academic, or political settings rather than everyday conversation. When choosing this term, ensure the context involves ideological or historical analysis; for general socialism discussions, "социализм" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "марксистский подход" for "Marxist approach"). Be cautious of its charged historical connotations in Russian-speaking countries.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /mar'kizim/ instead of /ˈmark.sizm/, which softens the 'r' incorrectly.

  Correct: Use /ˈmark.sizm/ with a clear, rolled 'r'. Explanation: Russian phonetics require a hard 'r', and stressing the first syllable avoids confusion with similar words.

• Error: Confusing "марксизм" with "коммунизм" and using them interchangeably.

  Correct: "Марксизм" refers specifically to Marx's theories, while "коммунизм" is the broader political system. Explanation: This can lead to inaccurate historical discussions; always specify the context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "марксизм" is deeply tied to the Soviet era, where it formed the ideological backbone of the state from 1917 onward. It symbolizes revolutionary change and class struggle, but also evokes mixed emotions due to its association with authoritarianism and economic hardships under Soviet rule. Understanding this cultural context helps English speakers grasp why the term is often used critically in modern Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• социализм
• коммунизм
• капитализм
• диалектический материализм