Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'oligarchy'

English Word: oligarchy

Key Russian Translations:

• олигархия /ɐlʲɪˈɡarxʲɪjə/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in political, historical, or academic discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - As a borrowed term, it requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and political vocabulary, but the word itself is straightforward for learners at this level.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Олигархия: /ɐlʲɪˈɡarxʲɪjə/

Note on олигархия: The stress falls on the third syllable ("gar"), which is common in Russian borrowed words. Be mindful of the palatalized "л" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A form of government in which power is vested in a small group of people, often based on wealth or family ties.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Олигархия - Used in formal contexts such as political analysis, history, or critiques of governance, especially in discussions of modern Russian politics or ancient history.

Usage Examples:

• В современной России олигархия часто ассоциируется с периодом после перестройки.

  In modern Russia, oligarchy is often associated with the post-perestroika period.

• Олигархия может привести к социальному неравенству, если не регулируется законом.

  Oligarchy can lead to social inequality if not regulated by law.

• В древней Греции аристократия иногда переходила в олигархию.

  In ancient Greece, aristocracy sometimes transitioned into oligarchy.

• Критики утверждают, что олигархия подрывает демократические принципы.

  Critics argue that oligarchy undermines democratic principles.

• Олигархия в бизнес-сфере может доминировать над рынком.

  Oligarchy in the business sphere can dominate the market.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Олигархия" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "олигархия" typically refers to a system rather than multiple instances.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Автократия (autocracy) - Similar in implying concentrated power, but often with a single ruler rather than a group.
  • Деспотия (despotism) - Used when the power is tyrannical, with nuances of oppression.
• Antonyms:
  • Демократия (democracy) - Represents rule by the people, contrasting with elite control.
  • Республика (republic) - Emphasizes representation, often without oligarchic elements.

Related Phrases:

• Олигархическая система - An oligarchic system; refers to a structured form of governance dominated by a few.
• Власть олигархии - Power of the oligarchy; used in discussions of influence and control.
• Олигархический режим - Oligarchic regime; often in historical or political contexts to describe authoritarian setups.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "олигархия" directly corresponds to the English "oligarchy" and is typically used in formal or academic settings. It carries a neutral to negative connotation, especially in modern contexts referring to post-Soviet Russia. When choosing this term, ensure it fits the context—avoid it in casual conversations. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules, as shown in the inflections table. If multiple translations exist, "олигархия" is the most precise for political systems, while synonyms like "автократия" might be used for broader power structures.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "олигархия" in all cases, e.g., saying "в олигархия" instead of "в олигархии".

  Correct: "В олигархии преобладает элита." (In oligarchy, the elite prevails.)

  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; "в" requires the prepositional case.

• Error: Confusing it with "олигарх" (oligarch, an individual), leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: "Олигархия — это система, а олигарх — это человек." (Oligarchy is a system, while oligarch is a person.)

  Explanation: These are related but distinct; ensure the context clarifies the meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "олигархия" often evokes the era of the 1990s and early 2000s in post-Soviet Russia, where wealthy business magnates (known as "олигархи") gained significant political influence. This term carries implications of corruption and inequality, reflecting broader societal debates about wealth distribution and governance in Russia today.

Related Concepts:

• Демократия
• Авторитаризм
• Аристократия