Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nihilism'

English Word: nihilism

Key Russian Translations:

• нигилизм /nʲɪˈɡʲilʲɪzm/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in philosophical, academic, or literary contexts.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; Requires familiarity with abstract philosophical concepts and Russian vocabulary related to ideology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нигилизм: /nʲɪˈɡʲilʲɪzm/

Note on нигилизм: The pronunciation features palatalized consonants, such as the 'н' (/nʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Philosophical denial of all values, beliefs, and meaning

Translation(s) & Context:

• нигилизм - Used in formal discussions of philosophy, literature, or social critique, often referring to the rejection of traditional values.

Usage Examples:

• В 19 веке нигилизм стал символом бунта против традиционных норм в русской литературе.

  In the 19th century, nihilism became a symbol of rebellion against traditional norms in Russian literature.

• Многие философы критикуют нигилизм за его пессимистический взгляд на жизнь.

  Many philosophers criticize nihilism for its pessimistic view of life.

• Нигилизм повлиял на произведения Достоевского, где он изображается как опасная идеология.

  Nihilism influenced Dostoevsky's works, where it is depicted as a dangerous ideology.

• В современном обществе нигилизм иногда проявляется в отчаянии молодых людей.

  In modern society, nihilism sometimes manifests as despair among young people.

• Изучение нигилизма помогает понять кризис идентичности в русской культуре.

  Studying nihilism helps understand the identity crisis in Russian culture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Нигилизм" is a neuter noun borrowed from English/German via French, belonging to the second declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for nouns ending in -изм, which are often indeclinable in informal use but can inflect in formal contexts. However, it is generally invariant in modern Russian.

Note: In casual speech, "нигилизм" often remains unchanged regardless of case, especially in fixed phrases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • скептицизм (skepticism; implies doubt but less extreme than nihilism)
  • абсурдизм (absurdism; focuses on the meaninglessness of life, often in a more literary context)
• Antonyms:
  • оптимизм (optimism; contrasts by affirming positive values)
  • идеализм (idealism; emphasizes pursuit of ideals)

Related Phrases:

• Русский нигилизм - Refers to the specific form of nihilism in Russian history and literature, often linked to 19th-century radicals.
• Крайний нигилизм - Extreme nihilism; used to describe uncompromising rejection of all norms.
• Философский нигилизм - Philosophical nihilism; highlights its theoretical aspects in academic discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Нигилизм" directly corresponds to the English "nihilism" as a philosophical concept, but it carries strong cultural connotations in Russian, often associated with 19th-century literature like Dostoevsky's works. It is typically used in formal or academic settings; avoid it in casual conversation to prevent sounding overly intellectual. When choosing translations, stick with "нигилизм" for precision, as other synonyms may imply subtle differences. Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., "крайний нигилизм").

Common Errors:

• Confusing "нигилизм" with "ничего" (nothing): English learners might mistakenly use "ничего" to express nihilistic ideas, but "ничего" is a pronoun meaning "nothing" in a literal sense, not a philosophical stance. Correct usage: Instead of saying "ничего в жизни" for "nihilism in life," use "нигилизм в жизни" to convey the concept accurately.
• Misinflecting the word: Some learners fail to adjust for cases, e.g., using "нигилизм" in genitive where "нигилизма" is needed. Error example: "Я изучаю нигилизм" (correct for nominative), but incorrectly as "Я думаю о нигилизм" instead of "Я думаю о нигилизме." Always check the case based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "нигилизм" is deeply tied to the 19th-century intellectual movement, exemplified in works by authors like Fyodor Dostoevsky and Ivan Turgenev. It often symbolizes rebellion against tsarist autocracy and traditional values, reflecting themes of existential despair and social upheaval. Understanding this historical context enriches its use beyond a mere philosophical term.

Related Concepts:

• анархизм (anarchism)
• экзистенциализм (existentialism)
• сциентизм (scientism)