Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'perversion'

English Word: perversion

Key Russian Translations:

• извращение [IPA: izvraʃʲenʲije] - [Formal, Psychological/Moral Contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in psychological, ethical, or academic discussions but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves abstract concepts and requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and formal vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

извращение: [izvraʃʲenʲije]

Note on извращение: The stress falls on the third syllable (ʃʲenʲije). Be cautious with the soft 'ш' sound, which is palatalized. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A deviation from what is considered normal, especially in moral, psychological, or sexual contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• извращение - Used in formal discussions of psychology, ethics, or law to describe abnormal behavior or twisted ideas; common in written texts like articles or books.

Usage Examples:

• Русский оригинал: Это извращение человеческой природы, которое психологи часто изучают.

  English Translation: This is a perversion of human nature, which psychologists often study.

• Русский оригинал: В обществе такое извращение моральных норм может привести к хаосу.

  English Translation: In society, such a perversion of moral norms can lead to chaos.

• Русский оригинал: Он обвинил политиков в извращении фактов для личной выгоды.

  English Translation: He accused politicians of perverting facts for personal gain.

• Русский оригинал: Психологическое извращение требует профессиональной помощи.

  English Translation: Psychological perversion requires professional help.

• Русский оригинал: В литературе извращение часто используется как сюжетный элемент для критики общества.

  English Translation: In literature, perversion is often used as a plot element to criticize society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Извращение" is a neuter noun in Russian (2nd declension). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. As a neuter noun, it has regular endings but no irregularities. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • перверсия (perversiya) - More direct borrowing, often used in medical or sexual contexts; implies a clinical tone.
  • вывих (vyvikh) - Less common, metaphorically for a "twist" or deviation, but with a connotation of something fixable.
• Antonyms:
  • норма (norma) - Standard or normal behavior, contrasting with any form of deviation.
  • правильность (pravil'nost') - Correctness or uprightness, emphasizing moral alignment.

Related Phrases:

• Сексуальное извращение - A phrase meaning "sexual perversion," often used in psychological or legal contexts; refers to deviations in sexual behavior.
• Моральное извращение - Meaning "moral perversion," used to describe ethical corruption or twisted values in discussions of society or philosophy.
• Извращение истины - Translates to "perversion of truth," commonly in debates or media to indicate distortion of facts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "извращение" directly corresponds to the English "perversion" in formal contexts, such as psychology or ethics, but it carries a strong negative connotation and is rarely used in casual conversation to avoid offense. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the noun to change based on case (e.g., in prepositional phrases like "о извращении" for "about perversion"). When choosing between translations like "извращение" and "перверсия," opt for "извращение" in general contexts and "перверсия" for medical discussions. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities, as this word can imply judgment.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "извращение" in informal settings without context, which might sound overly dramatic or judgmental in English-influenced speech.

  Correct Usage: В психологии извращение изучается как отклонение (In psychology, perversion is studied as a deviation).

  Incorrect Example: Просто его идея — извращение (Simply, his idea is a perversion) – This can come across as rude; better to say: Его идея кажется искажённой (His idea seems distorted).

  Explanation: English learners often translate directly without considering Russian's preference for euphemisms in sensitive topics.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., using nominative in all cases.

  Correct Usage: Обвинение в извращении (Accusation of perversion, genitive case).

  Incorrect Example: Обвинение в извращение (Missing genitive ending).

  Explanation: Russian grammar requires case agreement, which English lacks, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "извращение" are often linked to historical and literary contexts, such as in the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, where moral perversions reflect societal critiques. It can carry a heavier moral weight due to Russia's conservative traditions, potentially evoking themes from Orthodox Christianity or Soviet-era psychology, where deviations were pathologized.

Related Concepts:

• психология (psychology)
• мораль (morality)
• отклонение (deviation)
• этика (ethics)