Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nobody'

English Word: nobody

Key Russian Translations:

• никто [ˈnʲiktə] - [Neutral; Used in general contexts, often in negative sentences or questions]

Frequency: High (This word is commonly used in everyday Russian conversation and writing.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1/B2 on CEFR scale; Involves understanding of indefinite pronouns and negative constructions, which may require practice for English speakers.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

никто: [ˈnʲiktə]

Note on никто: The stress is on the first syllable. Be mindful of the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. In fast speech, it may soften to [nʲɪktə].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: No person; not anyone (Used to indicate the absence of individuals in a context.)

Translation(s) & Context:

• никто - Typically used in negative sentences, questions, or emphatic statements to express that no one is involved. Context: Informal to formal settings, such as daily conversations or literature.

Usage Examples:

• Никто не пришёл на вечеринку вчера вечером.

  Nobody came to the party last night.

• В этом городе никто не знает, что такое настоящая зима.

  Nobody in this city knows what a real winter is like.

• Никто из нас не ожидал такого поворота событий.

  Nobody among us expected such a turn of events.

• Когда я спросил, кто виноват, никто не ответил.

  When I asked who was at fault, nobody answered.

• В этой библиотеке никто не читает старые книги.

  Nobody in this library reads the old books.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Никто is an indefinite pronoun in Russian and generally does not undergo changes for case, number, or gender. It remains invariant in most contexts, which simplifies its use compared to nouns or adjectives. For example:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: ни один (no one specific), никто иной (nobody else) - "Ни один" is more emphatic in contexts involving selection or quantity.
• Antonyms: все (everyone), кто-то (someone) - "Все" implies totality, contrasting with the absence in "никто."

Related Phrases:

• Никто не знает - Nobody knows; Used to express universal ignorance in casual or formal discussions.
• Никто не виноват - Nobody is to blame; Common in apologies or resolving conflicts, with a connotation of shared responsibility.
• Никто не увидит - Nobody will see; Often in secretive contexts, like hiding something.

Usage Notes:

"Никто" directly corresponds to the English "nobody" but is typically used in negative constructions in Russian, such as with "не" (not). For English speakers, remember that Russian sentence structure often requires the negative particle earlier than in English. When choosing between translations like "никто" and "ни один," opt for "никто" in general statements and "ни один" for contexts involving selection from a group. It's versatile across formal and informal settings but avoid overuse in positive sentences, as it inherently implies negation.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "никто" with "ничто" (nothing): English learners might misuse "ничто" when meaning "nobody." Incorrect: "Ничто пришёл" (wrong, as "ничто" means an abstract nothing). Correct: "Никто не пришёл." Explanation: "Никто" refers to people, while "ничто" refers to things or concepts—always check the context for animate vs. inanimate subjects.

• Omitting the negative particle: Forgetting "не" in sentences, e.g., saying "Никто пришёл" instead of "Никто не пришёл." This creates a nonsensical positive statement. Explanation: In Russian, "никто" must pair with "не" to convey negation, unlike English where "nobody" implies it.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, phrases involving "никто" often reflect a sense of modesty or fatalism, as seen in literature like Chekhov's works. For instance, it can underscore themes of isolation or anonymity in a vast society, reminding users that Russian communication sometimes emphasizes collective experiences over individual ones.

Related Concepts:

• кто-то (someone)
• все (everyone)
• ничего (nothing)