Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prerogative'

English Word: prerogative

Key Russian Translations:

• прерогатива [/prʲɪrɐˈɡatʲɪvə/] - [Formal, Legal contexts]
• привилегия [/prʲɪvlʲɪˈɡʲijə/] - [Formal, General privilege contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Used in formal writing and discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of formal vocabulary and noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

прерогатива: /prʲɪrɐˈɡatʲɪvə/

привилегия: /prʲɪvlʲɪˈɡʲijə/

Note on прерогатива: The stress falls on the third syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'р' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class

Translation(s) & Context:

• прерогатива - Used in legal or official contexts, emphasizing an exclusive right (e.g., in government or constitutional matters).
• привилегия - Applied more broadly to any special advantage or benefit, often in social or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Это прерогатива президента, и никто не может оспорить её. (This is the prerogative of the president, and no one can challenge it.)

  This is the prerogative of the president, and no one can challenge it.

• В этой компании привилегия принимать решения принадлежит только руководителю. (In this company, the prerogative of making decisions belongs only to the manager.)

  In this company, the prerogative of making decisions belongs only to the manager.

• Прерогатива голосования за рубежом – это привилегия для граждан, живущих за границей. (The prerogative of voting from abroad is a privilege for citizens living overseas.)

  The prerogative of voting from abroad is a privilege for citizens living overseas.

• Как привилегия, эта прерогатива даёт ему право на особое обращение. (As a prerogative, this privilege gives him the right to special treatment.)

  As a prerogative, this privilege gives him the right to special treatment.

• В конституции указано, что прерогатива помилования – это привилегия главы государства. (The constitution states that the prerogative of granting pardons is a privilege of the head of state.)

  The constitution states that the prerogative of granting pardons is a privilege of the head of state.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "прерогатива" and "привилегия" are feminine nouns (feminine singular in their base form). They follow standard Russian noun declension patterns for first-declension feminine nouns, which include changes for case, number, and gender. These words are not irregular but require attention to case endings.

Note: These nouns do not change in the plural for all cases as regularly as in singular; always check context for accuracy.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • преимущество (precedence; often used for a general advantage, less formal than прерогатива)
  • льгота (concession; implies a benefit with specific conditions)
• Antonyms:
  • обязанность (obligation; directly opposes the idea of a voluntary right)
  • запрет (prohibition; indicates something forbidden rather than privileged)

Related Phrases:

• исключительная прерогатива (exclusive prerogative) - Refers to a right held by only one entity, often in legal contexts.
• привилегия рождения (privilege of birth) - Denotes advantages based on family or social status.
• королевская прерогатива (royal prerogative) - A historical or constitutional right of a monarch.

Usage Notes:

"Прерогатива" is a direct borrowing from English/Latin and is best used in formal, legal, or academic settings to match the precise meaning of "prerogative" as an exclusive right. In contrast, "привилегия" is more versatile and can be used for everyday privileges, but it may not convey the same level of exclusivity. When choosing between translations, opt for "прерогатива" in constitutional or governmental discussions. Be mindful of Russian case endings, as they affect sentence structure—e.g., use genitive for possession. This word pair highlights how Russian often differentiates nuances through context rather than a single term.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "прерогатива" interchangeably with "привилегия" without considering context. For example, an English learner might say "Моя привилегия поехать" when meaning an exclusive right, but it should be "Моя прерогатива поехать" in formal contexts.

  Correct: "Это прерогатива, а не просто привилегия." (This is a prerogative, not just a privilege.)

  Explanation: "Прерогатива" implies exclusivity, while "привилегия" can be more general; confusing them dilutes the meaning.

• Error: Forgetting noun declensions, such as using nominative in all cases (e.g., "без прерогатива" instead of "без прерогативы").

  Correct: "Без прерогативы" (Without the prerogative.)

  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust endings based on the sentence's grammatical role.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and legal systems, concepts like "прерогатива" often relate to historical autocracy or Soviet-era privileges, where certain rights were reserved for leaders. This can evoke discussions of inequality, as seen in literature like Dostoevsky's works, emphasizing how privileges reinforce social hierarchies.

Related Concepts:

• права (rights)
• обязанности (duties)
• льготы (concessions)