Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nigger'

English Word: nigger

Key Russian Translations:

• негр (/nʲɛɡr/) - [Informal, Potentially Offensive; Use with extreme caution as it can be derogatory in certain contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term and its translations are rarely used in modern, respectful language; high in historical or problematic contexts)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; due to cultural sensitivities, ethical implications, and the need for nuanced understanding of racial language)

Pronunciation (Russian):

негр: /nʲɛɡr/

Note on негр: The pronunciation involves a palatalized 'n' (/nʲ/), which is a soft sound in Russian. Be careful with intonation, as context can alter perceived offensiveness. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A derogatory term for a Black person, often used in racist contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• негр - Used in historical or neutral descriptive contexts (e.g., in literature), but avoid in modern conversations due to potential offense; [Informal, Historical].

Usage Examples:

• В старых книгах иногда встречается слово "негр", но в современном языке это может оскорбить. (In old books, the word "негр" sometimes appears, but in modern language, it can offend.)

  Translation: In old books, the word "Negro" sometimes appears, but in modern language, it can offend.

• Он использовал устаревший термин "негр", что вызвало споры. (He used the outdated term "Negro," which sparked controversy.)

  Translation: He used the outdated term "Negro," which sparked controversy.

• В контексте истории, "негр" относится к описанию этнической группы, но всегда проверяйте контекст. (In the context of history, "Negro" refers to describing an ethnic group, but always check the context.)

  Translation: In the context of history, "Negro" refers to describing an ethnic group, but always check the context.

• Избегайте слова "негр" в повседневной речи, чтобы не показаться нечувствительным. (Avoid the word "Negro" in everyday speech to avoid appearing insensitive.)

  Translation: Avoid the word "Negro" in everyday speech to avoid appearing insensitive.

• В СМИ "негр" заменяется на более нейтральные термины, такие как "афроамериканец". (In media, "Negro" is replaced with more neutral terms, such as "African American.")

  Translation: In media, "Negro" is replaced with more neutral terms, such as "African American."

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, but its use is highly context-dependent and often avoided in contemporary Russian due to sensitivity.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • африканец (africanets) - More neutral, refers to someone from Africa.
  • человек с тёмной кожей (chelovek s tyomnoi kozhei) - Descriptive phrase, non-offensive.
• Antonyms:
  • белый (belyi) - Meaning "white" or "Caucasian," used in contrast.

Related Phrases:

• Афроамериканец - (Afroamericanets) - Refers to an African American; used in neutral, modern contexts to avoid offense.
• Люди с тёмной кожей - (Lyudi s tyomnoi kozhei) - People with dark skin; a polite, descriptive phrase for everyday use.

Usage Notes:

The English word "nigger" is an extremely derogatory racial slur and should never be used. Its Russian translation "негр" was historically neutral but is now considered outdated and potentially offensive in many contexts. English speakers learning Russian must prioritize cultural sensitivity: always opt for inclusive language like "афроамериканец" or descriptive phrases. This word highlights the importance of context in language; in formal settings, avoid it entirely. When choosing translations, select based on the audience and situation to prevent misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Directly translating "nigger" as "негр" without considering cultural implications, leading to unintended offense. Correct: Use "афроамериканец" instead. Example of error: Saying "Он негр" in a casual conversation. Correct example: "Он афроамериканец" – This maintains respect and accuracy.

• Error: Assuming "негр" is always neutral, as in English. Explanation: In Russian, it may not carry the same weight, but in international contexts, it can still offend. Correct approach: Educate yourself on local norms and use safer alternatives.

Cultural Notes:

The word "негр" in Russian stems from historical contexts, such as 19th-century literature and colonialism, similar to "Negro" in English. However, in modern Russian society, there is growing awareness of racial sensitivity due to global influences, and its use is declining in favor of more respectful terms. This reflects broader cultural shifts toward anti-racism, emphasizing that language evolves with social progress.

Related Concepts:

• расизм (rasizm)
• дискриминация (diskriminatsiya)
• этническая группа (etnicheskaya gruppa)