Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'obscene'

English Word: obscene

Key Russian Translations:

• неприличный [/nʲɪˈprʲilʲɪtɕnɨj/] - [Formal, often used in written or polite contexts]
• вульгарный [/vʊlʲˈɡarnɨj/] - [Informal, implies vulgarity in everyday speech]
• пошлый [/ˈpoʃlɨj/] - [Informal, with a connotation of tastelessness]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of media, literature, and social norms, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of nuanced adjectives and cultural sensitivities in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

неприличный: /nʲɪˈprʲilʲɪtɕnɨj/

вульгарный: /vʊlʲˈɡarnɨj/

пошлый: /ˈpoʃlɨj/

Note on неприличный: The stress is on the third syllable; be careful with the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'ч' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Referring to something offensive, indecent, or morally repulsive, especially in a sexual or vulgar sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• неприличный - Used in formal contexts, such as legal or educational discussions, to describe content that violates social decency.
• вульгарный - Common in informal settings, like casual conversations about pop culture, to highlight crude behavior.

Usage Examples:

• Это неприличное слово нельзя использовать в школьном эссе.

  This obscene word cannot be used in a school essay.

• В фильме было несколько вульгарных сцен, которые шокировали зрителей.

  The film had several obscene scenes that shocked the audience.

• Пошлый юмор на вечеринке обидел некоторых гостей.

  The obscene humor at the party offended some guests.

• Интернет полон неприличных изображений, которые следует избегать.

  The internet is full of obscene images that should be avoided.

• Его вульгарный комментарий был воспринят как оскорбление.

  His obscene comment was taken as an insult.

Meaning 2: Describing something that is lewd or explicit in art, literature, or media.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пошлый - Often applied in cultural critiques, emphasizing tastelessness rather than outright indecency.
• нецензурный [/nʲɪˈtsɛnzʊrnɨj/] - Specifically for uncensored or banned content, in legal or media contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Книга была запрещена из-за пошлого содержания.

  The book was banned due to its obscene content.

• Нецензурные слова в песне сделали её неприемлемой для радио.

  The obscene words in the song made it unacceptable for radio play.

• Этот пошлый рисунок вызвал споры в галерее.

  This obscene drawing sparked controversy in the gallery.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily adjectives, which in Russian undergo inflection based on gender, number, and case. They follow standard adjectival patterns, with some irregularities in spelling due to soft consonants.

Note: These adjectives are regular in most cases but may have spelling changes in certain forms due to palatalization (e.g., 'й' endings). If the word is used predicatively, it remains uninflected.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • нецензурный (more formal, for explicitly banned content)
  • грубый (rude, with a broader sense of coarseness)
  • циничный (cynical, implying moral insensitivity)
• Antonyms:
  • приличный (decent, polite)
  • невинный (innocent, pure)
  • элегантный (elegant, refined)

Related Phrases:

• неприличный жест - A rude or obscene gesture; often used in social etiquette discussions.
• вульгарный юмор - Vulgar humor; refers to crude comedy in entertainment.
• пошлый роман - An obscene novel; typically in literary critiques.
• нецензурная лексика - Obscene language; common in media regulations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, translations like "неприличный" align closely with the English "obscene" in formal contexts, but "вульгарный" may carry a stronger everyday connotation of vulgarity. Always consider the audience: use "неприличный" in professional or written settings, as it's less offensive. Grammatically, these are adjectives, so they must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. For example, choose "пошлый" when emphasizing tastelessness over explicit indecency. English learners should note that Russian culture often views obscenity through a lens of social propriety, so context is key to avoiding misunderstandings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "неприличный" interchangeably with "вульгарный" without considering nuance. For instance, a learner might say "вульгарный слово" (incorrect inflection) instead of "вульгарное слово".

  Correct: "вульгарное слово" (with proper adjective agreement). Explanation: Russian adjectives must inflect; this error stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Overusing these words in casual speech, leading to unintended offense. Example of error: Saying "Это неприличный фильм" in a family setting without realizing its strong implication.

  Correct: Opt for milder terms like "неприятный" if the context doesn't warrant obscenity. Explanation: Russian speakers are sensitive to social hierarchies, so misjudging formality can escalate situations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "неприличный" are often linked to Soviet-era censorship and modern media regulations. Historically, obscenity (known as "мат" in extreme cases) was heavily restricted, reflecting values of modesty and collectivism. Today, it's a common theme in discussions of freedom of expression, especially in art and politics, where what is deemed "obscene" can vary by region or generation.

Related Concepts:

• цензура (censorship)
• грубость (rudeness)
• мораль (morality)
• непристойность (indecency)