Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plebeian'

English Word: plebeian

Key Russian Translations:

• плебей (plebey) /plʲɪˈbʲej/ - [Noun, Formal, Used in historical or sociological contexts]
• плебейский (plebeyskiy) /plʲɪˈbʲejskʲij/ - [Adjective, Formal, Often implies something common or unrefined]

Frequency: Low - This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in academic, historical, or literary contexts.

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - Learners at this level should understand basic historical vocabulary, but the nuances of social class distinctions may require additional cultural knowledge. For "плебей," it's B2; for "плебейский," it's also B2 due to its adjective form and contextual usage.

Pronunciation (Russian):

плебей: /plʲɪˈbʲej/

плебейский: /plʲɪˈbʲejskʲij/

Note on плебей: The soft sign (ʲ) indicates palatalization, which can be tricky for English speakers; pronounce the 'л' as in "luxury." For плебейский, stress the second syllable and ensure the ending '-ский' sounds like "-skiy" with a soft 'k' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun: Referring to a commoner or ordinary person, often with historical connotations of the lower social class in ancient Rome.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плебей - Used in formal, historical, or sociological discussions to denote someone from the lower classes, similar to "plebeian" in English contexts like ancient Roman society.

Usage Examples:

• В древнем Риме плебеи часто боролись за свои права против патрициев.

  In ancient Rome, plebeians often fought for their rights against patricians.

• Этот персонаж в романе изображен как типичный плебей, живущий в бедности.

  This character in the novel is depicted as a typical plebeian living in poverty.

• Современные плебеи в обществе могут чувствовать себя оторванными от элиты.

  Modern plebeians in society may feel disconnected from the elite.

• Плебей из маленького городка неожиданно стал лидером революции.

  The plebeian from a small town unexpectedly became a leader of the revolution.

• В исторических текстах плебеи описываются как основная сила демократитических изменений.

  In historical texts, plebeians are described as the main force behind democratic changes.

As an adjective: Describing something common, unrefined, or of the lower class.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плебейский - Applied to objects, behaviors, or styles that are ordinary or lacking sophistication, often with a slightly negative connotation in formal writing.

Usage Examples:

• Его плебейский вкус в одежде не соответствовал элегантному мероприятию.

  His plebeian taste in clothing did not match the elegant event.

• Плебейский юмор комика привлекал широкую аудиторию, но не элиту.

  The comedian's plebeian humor attracted a wide audience but not the elite.

• Эта плебейская еда, хотя и простая, была очень вкусной и доступной.

  This plebeian food, though simple, was very tasty and affordable.

• В его плебейском поведении проявлялась непривычная для аристократов искренность.

  In his plebeian behavior, there was an unusual sincerity not typical for aristocrats.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "плебей" (a masculine noun of the second declension), it follows standard Russian noun inflections with regular patterns. Below is a table of its declensions:

For "плебейский" (an adjective), it follows the standard adjectival inflections based on gender, number, and case. It is regular and does not have irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • простолюдин (prostolyudin) - More neutral term for a common person, often used in everyday contexts.
  • обыватель (obyvatel) - Implies an ordinary citizen, with a slight connotation of simplicity.
• Antonyms:
  • патриций (patritsiy) - Refers to the aristocratic class in historical contexts.
  • аристократ (aristokrat) - General term for someone from the upper class, highlighting social contrast.

Related Phrases:

• плебейское происхождение - Refers to a plebeian background or common origins, often used in biographical or historical discussions.
• плебейский стиль - Describes a simplistic or unrefined style, such as in art or fashion, implying lack of elegance.
• борьба плебеев - Means the struggle of the plebeians, commonly referencing class conflicts in history.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "плебей" and "плебейский" directly correspond to the English "plebeian" but are more formal and less common in modern speech. Use "плебей" as a noun in historical or sociological contexts to avoid sounding archaic in casual conversation. For "плебейский," it's often pejorative, so be mindful of tone. When choosing between translations, opt for "плебей" if referring to people and "плебейский" for qualities or attributes. Grammatically, ensure adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "плебей" with "простой" (simple) - Learners might overuse "простой" thinking it means the same, but "плебей" has a historical class connotation. Incorrect: "Он простой человек" (if implying plebeian status). Correct: "Он плебей в историческом смысле." Explanation: "Простой" is more neutral for everyday simplicity, while "плебей" specifies social class.

• Improper inflection - For example, using the wrong case, like saying "с плебей" instead of "с плебеем" in the instrumental case. Incorrect: "с плебей." Correct: "с плебеем." Explanation: Always check the noun's declension to match the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

The term "плебей" originates from ancient Roman history, where plebeians were the common people contrasting with patricians. In Russian culture, it often appears in literature and discussions of social inequality, reflecting themes in works by authors like Tolstoy, who explored class divides. This word carries a sense of historical weight, reminding users of the enduring impact of social structures on society.

Related Concepts:

• патриций
• аристократ
• простонародный