Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'monopoly'

English Word: monopoly

Key Russian Translations:

• монополия [mɐnɐˈpolʲɪjə] - [Formal, used in economic, legal, or business contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in business, economics, and legal discussions, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves economic terminology; learners at this level should grasp it with some context, though familiarity with Russian noun declensions is helpful)

Pronunciation (Russian):

монополия: [mɐnɐˈpolʲɪjə]

Note on монополия: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-po-), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. The 'й' sound is a soft palatal approximant, similar to 'y' in 'yes'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The exclusive control or possession of a commodity or service in a particular market.

Translation(s) & Context:

• монополия - Used in formal contexts like business reports, legal documents, or economic discussions to describe market dominance.

Usage Examples:

• Эта компания имеет монополию на рынке нефти в регионе.

  This company has a monopoly on the oil market in the region.

• Монополия часто приводит к повышению цен для потребителей.

  A monopoly often leads to higher prices for consumers.

• Правительство ввело меры против монополии в телекоммуникациях.

  The government introduced measures against monopoly in telecommunications.

• В некоторых странах государственная монополия на алкоголь регулирует его продажу.

  In some countries, a state monopoly on alcohol regulates its sale.

• Монополия может быть полезной, если она предотвращает неконтролируемую конкуренцию.

  A monopoly can be beneficial if it prevents uncontrolled competition.

2. A board game involving property trading and strategy (specific cultural reference).

Translation(s) & Context:

• монополия - Informally used to refer to the game, often in casual or recreational settings, though it's less common than in English-speaking contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Мы играли в монополию всю ночь, и я выиграл все имущество!

  We played Monopoly all night, and I won all the property!

• Монополия - это классическая игра, которая учит основам экономики.

  Monopoly is a classic game that teaches the basics of economics.

• В русской версии монополии улицы названы в честь исторических мест.

  In the Russian version of Monopoly, the streets are named after historical places.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Монополия' is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard feminine noun patterns with regular inflections. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • доминирование (dominirovaniye) - More general, implying dominance without full exclusivity.
  • гегемония (gegemoniya) - Often used in geopolitical contexts, with a connotation of leadership or control.
• Antonyms:
  • конкуренция (konkurentsiya) - Direct opposite, referring to competition in the market.
  • рынок (rynok) - In the sense of a free market, contrasting with monopolistic control.

Related Phrases:

• государственная монополия - State monopoly; refers to government-controlled exclusive rights, often in regulated industries like utilities.
• монополия на информацию - Monopoly on information; used in discussions about media or data control, with implications for freedom of information.
• разрушить монополию - To break a monopoly; a common phrase in antitrust contexts, emphasizing efforts to promote competition.

Usage Notes:

'Монополия' directly corresponds to the English 'monopoly' in economic and business contexts, but it's more formal in Russian and rarely used in casual speech. English speakers should note that Russian requires correct declension based on sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession). When choosing between synonyms like 'доминирование', opt for 'монополия' if the context implies complete market control. It's gender-specific as feminine, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'монополия' without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я имею монополия" instead of "Я имею монополию" (accusative case).
  Correct: "Я имею монополию на этот рынок." (I have a monopoly on this market.)
  Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case; failing to do so can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
• Mistake: Confusing it with 'монополист' (monopolist), e.g., using it to mean the person or entity instead of the concept.
  Correct: Use 'монополия' for the system and 'монополист' for the entity, as in "Монополист контролирует монополию."
  Explanation: These are related but distinct; mixing them up alters the meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'монополия' often evokes historical contexts like the Soviet-era state monopolies on resources, which shaped economic policies. Today, it's a key term in discussions about capitalism and regulation, reflecting Russia's transition from a planned economy. The board game 'Monopoly' is popular but adapted with local themes, symbolizing strategic thinking in a competitive society.

Related Concepts:

• картель (kartel) - Refers to a group of companies colluding for market control.
• олигополия (oligopoliya) - Similar to monopoly but involving a few dominant players.
• антимонопольное законодательство (antimonopolnoye zakonodatelstvo) - Antitrust legislation.