Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'parvenu'

English Word: parvenu

Key Russian Translations:

• выскочка [vɨˈskot͡ɕkə] - [Informal; often used in everyday conversation to denote social climbers]
• новый богач [ˈnovɨj bɐˈɡat͡ɕ] - [Formal; literal translation, used in more descriptive or literary contexts]

Frequency: Medium - The term is not among the most common in everyday Russian, but it appears frequently in literature, media, and discussions about social status.

Difficulty: B2 - Intermediate level, as it involves understanding nuanced social vocabulary; for 'выскочка', it's straightforward, but 'новый богач' may require familiarity with compound phrases.

Pronunciation (Russian):

выскочка: [vɨˈskot͡ɕkə]

новый богач: [ˈnovɨj bɐˈɡat͡ɕ]

Note on выскочка: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'щ' sound (like 'shch') can be challenging for English speakers; it's a soft, palatalized consonant. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who has recently acquired wealth or social status but lacks traditional background or refinement.

Translation(s) & Context:

• выскочка - Used in informal contexts to describe someone who is ostentatious and socially awkward due to their new status, often with a negative connotation.
• новый богач - Applied in formal or neutral contexts, emphasizing the economic aspect without as much judgment on behavior.

Usage Examples:

• Он — типичный выскочка, который хвастается своим новым богатством на вечеринках.

  He is a typical parvenu, boasting about his new wealth at parties. (Shows informal social criticism)

• В современном обществе многие выскочки пытаются влезть в элиту, но их манеры выдают их происхождение.

  In modern society, many parvenus try to infiltrate the elite, but their manners give away their origins. (Illustrates social dynamics)

• Этот новый богач инвестировал в искусство, но его коллекция выглядит как собрание выскочек.

  This new rich man invested in art, but his collection looks like an assembly of parvenus. (Compares translations in a single sentence)

• Выскочка в деловом мире часто игнорирует традиции, что приводит к конфликтам.

  A parvenu in the business world often ignores traditions, leading to conflicts. (Demonstrates usage in professional contexts)

• Не все новые богачи — выскочки; некоторые адаптируются к обществу без лишнего шума.

  Not all new rich people are parvenus; some adapt to society without making a fuss. (Highlights nuances between translations)

A social climber who uses wealth to gain status quickly.

Translation(s) & Context:

• выскочка - Common in narrative or critical discussions, implying ambition mixed with vulgarity.

Usage Examples:

• Выскочка из провинции быстро поднялся по карьерной лестнице, но его коллеги ему не доверяют.

  The parvenu from the provinces quickly climbed the career ladder, but his colleagues don't trust him. (Focuses on career contexts)

• В литературе выскочка часто изображается как комический персонаж.

  In literature, a parvenu is often depicted as a comic character. (Shows cultural usage)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Выскочка' is a feminine noun (from the root 'выскочить', meaning to jump out or emerge suddenly). It follows standard Russian noun inflections for third declension feminine nouns. 'Новый богач' is a phrase where 'новый' is an adjective and 'богач' is a masculine noun.

For 'выскочка' (feminine, singular):

For 'богач' (masculine noun, from 'новый богач'):

It is invariable in gender but changes by case: e.g., Nominative: богач; Genitive: богача. The full phrase 'новый богач' agrees in case with 'богач'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прихвостень [prikhvostén'] - A flatterer or hanger-on, often with a similar negative connotation.
  • карьерист [karʲjeríst] - A careerist, implying ambition without depth.
• Antonyms:
  • аристократ [arʲistokrát] - An aristocrat, representing established, refined status.
  • традиционалист [traditsɨonəˈlʲist] - A traditionalist, emphasizing heritage over new wealth.

Related Phrases:

• выскочка в обществе - A parvenu in society; refers to someone awkwardly integrating into high society.
• новый богач с претензиями - A new rich person with pretensions; implies false sophistication.

Usage Notes:

'Выскочка' is the most direct and idiomatic translation for 'parvenu' in informal Russian, capturing the social judgment implied in English. Use it in contexts where you want to convey criticism, such as in novels or casual discussions. 'Новый богач' is more neutral and descriptive, suitable for formal writing or when focusing on economic aspects. Be mindful of gender agreement in Russian sentences—'выскочка' is feminine, so it pairs with feminine verbs and adjectives. When choosing between translations, opt for 'выскочка' in everyday speech and 'новый богач' in analytical contexts to avoid overgeneralization.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking 'выскочка' for 'новичок' [novichók], which means 'beginner' or 'novice'. Error: Saying "Он новичок в бизнесе" to mean parvenu. Correct: "Он выскочка в бизнесе". Explanation: 'Новичок' lacks the negative social connotation and focuses on inexperience.
• Overusing 'выскочка' in formal settings. Error: In a business report, writing "Этот выскочка управляет компанией". Correct: "Этот новый богач управляет компанией". Explanation: 'Выскочка' can sound too judgmental for professional contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'выскочка' often reflect historical sensitivities around social mobility, stemming from the class divides in Imperial Russia and the Soviet era. It can evoke criticism of the post-Soviet oligarchs, symbolizing rapid wealth accumulation without cultural depth, and is frequently used in literature (e.g., by Chekhov) to satirize societal pretensions.

Related Concepts:

• буржуазия [burzhuaziya]
• элита [élita]
• социальное расслоение [sotsialnoye rassloyeniye]