Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'propriety'

English Word: propriety

Key Russian Translations:

• приличие [priˈlʲitɕɪje] - [Formal, often used in contexts of social norms and etiquette]
• должное поведение [ˈdolʒnəje pərɨˈvɛdənʲɪje] - [Formal, literal phrase for "proper behavior"]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in formal writing, literature, and discussions about etiquette, but not in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and Russian noun declensions, which may vary slightly between translations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

приличие: [priˈlʲitɕɪje] (Stress on the second syllable; the 'лʲ' represents a palatalized 'l' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

должное поведение: [ˈdolʒnəje pərɨˈvɛdənʲɪje] (Stress on the first syllable of 'должное'; note the soft 'н' in 'должное'.)

Note on приличие: The pronunciation may vary slightly in different Russian dialects, with the 'ч' sound being softer in some regions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The state of conforming to conventional standards of proper behavior or morals.

Translation(s) & Context:

• приличие - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe adherence to social etiquette, such as in professional settings or cultural discussions.
• должное поведение - Applied in educational or advisory contexts, emphasizing expected behavior in society.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда соблюдает приличие в обществе.

  He always observes propriety in society.

• В этом ресторане ожидается должное поведение от всех посетителей.

  In this restaurant, proper behavior is expected from all visitors.

• Приличие требует, чтобы мы извинились за опоздание.

  Propriety demands that we apologize for being late.

• Её должное поведение на собеседовании впечатлило работодателя.

  Her proper behavior during the interview impressed the employer.

• В русской культуре приличие часто подразумевает уважение к старшим.

  In Russian culture, propriety often implies respect for elders.

2. The quality of being appropriate or suitable in a given situation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• приличие - Used metaphorically in everyday language to discuss situational appropriateness.

Usage Examples:

• Приличие не позволяет ему обсуждать личные дела на публике.

  Propriety does not allow him to discuss personal matters in public.

• Должное поведение в этой ситуации — молчать и слушать.

  The proper behavior in this situation is to remain silent and listen.

• Соблюдение приличия помогает избежать конфликтов.

  Observing propriety helps avoid conflicts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Приличие" is a neuter noun in the second declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for case and number. "Должное поведение" is a phrase where "поведение" is a neuter noun.

For "поведение" in "должное поведение": It is also neuter and follows similar patterns, but as a phrase, it remains relatively stable.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вежливость (vezhlivost') - More focused on politeness, often interchangeable in social contexts.
  • этикет (etiket) - Refers specifically to formal rules of behavior.
• Antonyms:
  • бесстыдство (besstydstvo) - Implies shamelessness or impropriety.
  • невежливость (nevezhlivost') - Direct opposite, meaning rudeness.

Related Phrases:

• Соблюдать приличия - To observe proprieties; used to mean maintaining social decorum.
• Нарушить должное поведение - To breach proper behavior; refers to acting inappropriately in a situation.
• Приличие и такт - Propriety and tact; a common pairing in discussions of interpersonal skills.

Usage Notes:

"Приличие" directly corresponds to the English "propriety" in formal contexts, emphasizing social and moral appropriateness. It is typically used in written Russian or formal speech, and learners should note its abstract nature. When choosing between translations like "приличие" and "должное поведение," opt for the former in literary or cultural discussions, as it is more concise. Be mindful of gender agreements in sentences, as "приличие" is neuter.

• In informal settings, Russians might use simpler terms like "вежливость" instead.
• Grammar note: Always decline "приличие" according to its case in a sentence for correct agreement.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "приличие" with "вежливость," using them interchangeably. For example, an incorrect usage might be: "Он показал вежливость" when meaning "propriety" in a broader sense. Correctly, it should be: "Он показал приличие" to emphasize moral standards. Another error is failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying "в приличие" instead of "в приличии" in prepositional case, which sounds unnatural and grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "приличие" holds significant importance, rooted in historical traditions of social hierarchy and collectivism. It reflects values from literature like Tolstoy's works, where maintaining propriety is key to social harmony. This concept often ties into the idea of "культурность" (kulturnost'), emphasizing refined behavior as a marker of education and upbringing.

Related Concepts:

• этикет
• воспитанность
• мораль