Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'privacy'

English Word: privacy

Key Russian Translations:

• приватность /prʲɪˈvatnəsʲtʲ/ - [Informal, commonly used in everyday digital and personal contexts]
• конфиденциальность /kənfʲɪdʲɛnˈtsʲɪalʲnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, often in legal or professional settings]

Frequency: Medium (This term is frequently encountered in modern discussions about data protection and personal rights, but not as common in casual conversation as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and nuanced contexts, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar and vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

приватность: /prʲɪˈvatnəsʲtʲ/

Note on приватность: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the palatalized consonants.

конфиденциальность: /kənfʲɪdʲɛnˈtsʲɪalʲnəsʲtʲ/

Note on конфиденциальность: This word has a complex consonant cluster; focus on the stressed 'e' in the third syllable. It's often pronounced more fluidly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The state of being free from public attention or intrusion, especially regarding personal information.

Translation(s) & Context:

• приватность - Used in informal contexts like social media or daily life, emphasizing personal space and digital security.
• конфиденциальность - Applied in formal contexts such as contracts or official documents, stressing secrecy and legal protections.

Usage Examples:

• В эпоху интернета важно защищать свою приватность от хакеров.

  In the age of the internet, it's important to protect your privacy from hackers.

• Компания гарантирует конфиденциальность данных своих клиентов.

  The company guarantees the confidentiality of its clients' data.

• Он предпочитает приватность, избегая публичных мероприятий.

  He prefers privacy, avoiding public events.

• Вопросы конфиденциальности часто обсуждаются в контексте социальных сетей.

  Issues of privacy are often discussed in the context of social media.

• Потеря приватности может привести к серьезным проблемам в личной жизни.

  The loss of privacy can lead to serious problems in personal life.

Secondary Meaning: A sense of seclusion or intimacy in relationships or spaces.

Translation(s) & Context:

• приватность - In relational contexts, implying a cozy, personal atmosphere.

Usage Examples:

• В этой комнате есть своя приватность, идеальная для романтического ужина.

  This room has its own privacy, perfect for a romantic dinner.

• Они ценят приватность в отношениях, не обсуждая детали с посторонними.

  They value privacy in their relationship, not discussing details with outsiders.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "приватность" and "конфиденциальность" are feminine nouns (abstract, indeclinable in some modern usages, but traditionally follow standard Russian declension patterns). They are derived from foreign loanwords and may not always inflect fully in informal speech.

Note: These nouns do not have plural forms in standard usage, as they are mass nouns. Irregularities may occur in dialectical variations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • секретность (secrecy; more emphasis on hiding information)
  • личная жизнь (personal life; broader, relational context)
• Antonyms:
  • публичность (publicity; often used in media contexts)
  • открытость (openness; implies transparency)

Related Phrases:

• защита приватности - Protection of privacy; commonly used in cybersecurity discussions.
• нарушение конфиденциальности - Breach of confidentiality; refers to legal violations.
• личное пространство - Personal space; a related concept in social interactions.

Usage Notes:

Choose "приватность" for everyday, informal situations like online privacy settings, as it aligns closely with the English "privacy" in a casual sense. "Конфиденциальность" is preferable in formal or professional contexts, such as legal agreements, where it implies a higher level of security. Be mindful of context: Russian speakers may use these terms interchangeably in digital discussions, but "приватность" is more modern and influenced by English. Grammatically, both are feminine nouns and require appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "высокая приватность" for "high privacy").

Common Errors:

• Confusing "приватность" with "приватный" (private as an adjective): Incorrect: "Я хочу приватность дом" (wrong structure). Correct: "Я хочу приватность в доме" (I want privacy in the house). Explanation: "Приватность" is a noun and needs proper prepositional phrases.
• Overusing "конфиденциальность" in casual speech: Incorrect: Using it in everyday chat as if it's synonymous with "приватность." Correct: Opt for "приватность" in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Explanation: This can make speech sound stilted; context dictates the best choice.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts of privacy have evolved with the digital age, influenced by historical contexts like Soviet-era surveillance. Terms like "приватность" often tie to data protection laws, reflecting a growing emphasis on individual rights in post-Soviet society, which contrasts with the collective focus of earlier eras.

Related Concepts:

• личная жизнь
• данные
• безопасность