Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prestige'

English Word: prestige

Key Russian Translations:

• престиж /prʲɪˈstʲiʐ/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium - The word is commonly used in formal contexts such as business, education, and social discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Learners with a solid grasp of basic Russian vocabulary and grammar can handle this borrowed word, though its pronunciation and inflection may require practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

престиж: /prʲɪˈstʲiʐ/

Note on престиж: The pronunciation involves a palatalized 'r' sound (/rʲ/), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

High respect or status derived from success, achievement, or association.

Translation(s) & Context:

• престиж - Used in formal contexts to describe social or professional status, such as in academic or corporate settings.

Usage Examples:

• Этот университет известен своим престижем в области науки.

  This university is known for its prestige in the field of science.

• Владение роскошным автомобилем добавляет престижа его владельцу.

  Owning a luxury car adds prestige to its owner.

• Престиж компании вырос после получения международной награды.

  The company's prestige grew after receiving an international award.

• В некоторых культурах престиж семьи зависит от социального положения.

  In some cultures, a family's prestige depends on their social standing.

• Престиж профессии врача часто связан с её ответственностью и уважением.

  The prestige of the medical profession is often linked to its responsibility and respect.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Престиж" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from French, following the third declension pattern in Russian. It undergoes regular inflection for cases and numbers, but as a modern loanword, its forms are straightforward and predictable.

Note: The plural forms are less common, as "prestige" is often used in singular contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • слава (slava) - Often implies fame or glory, with a more historical connotation.
  • возвышенность (vozvyshennost') - Emphasizes elevation or nobility, used in poetic or formal contexts.
  • авторитет (avtoritet) - Focuses on authority and influence, particularly in professional settings.
• Antonyms:
  • непрестижность (neprestizhnost') - Directly means lack of prestige, used in critical discussions.
  • позор (pozor) - Means shame or disgrace, with a stronger negative emotional weight.

Related Phrases:

• Социальный престиж - Social prestige; Refers to status derived from societal factors like wealth or education.
• Повысить престиж - To raise prestige; Used in contexts of improving reputation, e.g., in business or politics.
• Престижный район - Prestigious district; Describes upscale neighborhoods in cities.
• Престижная работа - Prestigious job; Indicates a high-status career with social admiration.

Usage Notes:

"Престиж" directly corresponds to the English "prestige" as a noun, emphasizing intangible respect or status. It is typically used in formal or written Russian, such as in essays, news articles, or professional discussions. Be mindful of case inflections when using it in sentences; for example, in the genitive case, it becomes "престижа" to indicate possession. When choosing among synonyms like "слава" or "авторитет," opt for "престиж" in modern, urban contexts to maintain a neutral, borrowed tone. Avoid using it in casual speech, as it may sound overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я хочу престиж" instead of "Я хочу престижа" in contexts requiring the genitive (e.g., "I want prestige" implying possession).

  Correct: "Я хочу престижа в своей карьере." (I want prestige in my career.)

  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with their governing words; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "престижный" (prestigious, an adjective), leading to incorrect sentence structure.

  Correct: Use "престижный университет" (a prestigious university) instead of forcing "престиж" as an adjective.

  Explanation: "Престиж" is a noun, so learners should pair it with appropriate adjectives or verbs for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "престиж" often ties to historical and social hierarchies, such as the prestige associated with education from elite institutions like Moscow State University. It reflects values of achievement in a society influenced by Soviet-era emphasis on intellectual and professional status, but in modern Russia, it's increasingly linked to consumerism and global influences, like owning luxury brands for social climbing.

Related Concepts:

• статус (status)
• репутация (reputation)
• авторитет (authority)
• социальное положение (social position)