Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'negro'

English Word: negro

Key Russian Translations:

• негр [ˈnʲeɡr] - [Formal, Historical; Used in literary or outdated contexts, but note its sensitivity]

Frequency: Low (This term is rarely used in modern Russian due to its outdated and potentially offensive connotations; it's more common in historical texts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1; Learners should understand cultural sensitivities and prefer modern alternatives like "афроамериканец" for everyday use.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

негр: [ˈnʲeɡr]

Note on негр: The 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go" in English, but can vary slightly by dialect. Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A historical or outdated term referring to a person of Black African descent.

Translation(s) & Context:

• негр - Used in formal, historical, or literary contexts, but avoided in contemporary speech due to potential offensiveness; often replaced by more neutral terms in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• В романе описывается жизнь негра в Америке XIX века.

  In the novel, the life of a Negro in 19th-century America is described.

• Этот термин, как 'негр', больше не используется в повседневном общении.

  This term, like 'Negro', is no longer used in everyday communication.

• Исторические документы упоминают негра как часть колониальной эпохи.

  Historical documents refer to a Negro as part of the colonial era.

• В школьном учебнике есть глава о негре в африканской истории.

  In the school textbook, there is a chapter about the Negro in African history.

• Хотя 'негр' встречается в старых текстах, сейчас предпочитают 'афроамериканец'.

  Although 'Negro' appears in old texts, 'African American' is preferred now.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'негр' is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, but its use is declining due to social sensitivities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: афроамериканец (more neutral for modern contexts), чёрный (general term for Black individuals) - Note: 'афроамериканец' is preferred in formal settings for its specificity.
• Antonyms: белый (white)

Related Phrases:

• Афроамериканский негр - Refers to a historical or cultural context of African Americans (used cautiously).
• Негр в литературе - A phrase meaning "the Negro in literature," often in historical analysis.
• Чернокожий негр - An outdated way to say "Black Negro," emphasizing skin color, but largely avoided.

Usage Notes:

This Russian translation ('негр') directly corresponds to the English 'negro' but carries similar historical baggage. In modern Russian, it's best avoided in everyday conversation due to its potential to offend; opt for 'афроамериканец' or 'чёрный' instead. Usage is typically limited to formal, academic, or historical contexts. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it agrees with adjectives and verbs in gender and number. When choosing among translations, consider the audience and setting: 'негр' might be appropriate in a literary discussion but not in casual talk.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'негр' in modern, informal contexts as a direct equivalent to 'Negro' without sensitivity. Correct: Replace with 'афроамериканец' in daily speech. Example of error: "Мой друг - негр." (Incorrect in contemporary use). Correct example: "Мой друг - афроамериканец." Explanation: This avoids perpetuating outdated or offensive language.

• Error: Misinflecting the noun, e.g., using 'негра' in nominative case. Correct: Ensure proper case agreement, as in "Я видел негра" (I saw a Negro). Explanation: Russian nouns must follow declension rules to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'негр' echoes the English 'Negro' as a term from colonial and imperial history, often appearing in 19th- and early 20th-century literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin or Tolstoy). However, its use today can evoke racism or insensitivity, reflecting broader global movements toward inclusive language. Understanding this helps English speakers navigate cultural nuances when learning Russian.

Related Concepts:

• афроамериканец
• чёрный
• расизм
• колониализм