Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prostitute'

English Word: prostitute

Key Russian Translations:

• проститутка [prɐs.tʲɪˈtut.kə] - [Informal, Feminine, Singular; Used in everyday contexts, though often avoided in formal writing due to its sensitive nature]
• проститут [prɐs.tʲɪˈtut] - [Informal, Masculine, Singular; Less common, typically used for male prostitutes, but may sound archaic or less precise in modern Russian]
• шлюха [ʃlʲʊˈxa] - [Very Informal, Vulgar, Feminine; Used in slang or derogatory contexts, not recommended for polite conversation]

Frequency: Medium; This term appears in discussions related to social issues, media, or literature, but is not commonly used in everyday polite conversation due to its taboo status.

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate); Learners at this level should understand the vocabulary, but mastering its nuances, including social connotations and gender-specific forms, requires contextual exposure. For "шлюха", it may be C1 (Advanced) due to its vulgarity and cultural sensitivity.

Pronunciation (Russian):

проститутка: [prɐs.tʲɪˈtut.kə]

проститут: [prɐs.tʲɪˈtut]

шлюха: [ʃlʲʊˈha]

Note on проститутка: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tut"), and the "т" is palatalized before "к", which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: A person who engages in sexual activity in exchange for payment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• проститутка - Used in informal or neutral contexts to describe a female prostitute, often in discussions about social issues or law.
• проститут - Applied in contexts specifying a male prostitute, though it's less frequent and may be replaced by more descriptive phrases in modern usage.
• шлюха - Employed in highly informal or derogatory settings, such as heated arguments or slang, to imply not just profession but moral judgment.

Usage Examples:

• Она работала проституткой в большом городе, чтобы заработать на жизнь.

  She worked as a prostitute in the big city to make a living.

• В фильме главный герой встречает проститутку, которая рассказывает свою историю.

  In the film, the main character meets a prostitute who shares her story.

• Он был обвинён в том, что нанял проститутку для вечеринки.

  He was accused of hiring a prostitute for the party.

• Шлюха на углу улицы предлагала свои услуги прохожим, но полиция вмешалась.

  The slut on the street corner was offering her services to passersby, but the police intervened. (Note: This uses vulgar language; in polite contexts, use "проститутка".)

• Молодой проститут искал клиентов в интернете, рискуя своей безопасностью.

  The young male prostitute was seeking clients online, risking his safety.

Secondary meaning: Figurative use, e.g., to describe someone who betrays principles for gain (metaphorical).

Translation(s) & Context:

• проститутка - In metaphorical contexts, e.g., "политическая проститутка" (political prostitute) to mean someone who switches allegiances for personal benefit.

Usage Examples:

• Этот политик — настоящая проститутка, он продаёт свои идеи за деньги.

  This politician is a real prostitute; he sells his ideas for money.

• Журналист назвал его проституткой системы, подразумевая коррупцию.

  The journalist called him a prostitute of the system, implying corruption.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Проститутка" is a feminine noun (first declension), while "проститут" is masculine and may follow standard patterns. "Шлюха" is also feminine. Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and gender. Below is a table for "проститутка" as an example; others follow similar rules with variations.

For "проститут" (masculine), it follows a similar pattern but with masculine endings, e.g., Nominative: проститут, Genitive: проститута. "Шлюха" is irregular in some regional uses but generally follows feminine patterns. These words do not change for verb conjugations as they are nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • блудница [bludnitsa] - More archaic, often literary, implying moral looseness.
  • куртизанка [kurtizanka] - Refers to a high-class or historical prostitute, with a connotation of sophistication.
  • потаскушка [potaskushka] - Vulgar slang, similar to "шлюха" but more regional.
• Antonyms:
  • святой [svyatoj] - Meaning "saint" or "pure," contrasting the moral implications.
  • добродетельный [dobrodetelnyj] - Meaning "virtuous," used in ethical discussions.

Related Phrases:

• Уличная проститутка - Street prostitute; Refers to someone working in public areas, often in urban contexts.
• Проституция как профессия - Prostitution as a profession; A phrase used in debates about legalization or social issues.
• Шлюха судьбы - Whore of fate; A metaphorical expression for bad luck or betrayal by circumstances.

Usage Notes:

This term and its translations are highly sensitive and should be used cautiously. In Russian, "проститутка" directly corresponds to "prostitute" but carries strong negative connotations; prefer neutral alternatives like "работник секс-индустрии" in formal settings. Gender forms matter: use "проститутка" for females and "проститут" for males, but in practice, "проститутка" is often gender-neutral in informal speech. Avoid "шлюха" in professional or polite contexts due to its vulgarity. When discussing this topic, consider cultural taboos and legal restrictions in Russian-speaking regions.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "проститутка" for males. Correct: Opt for "проститут" or rephrase as "мужчина-проститут". Example of error: "Он проститутка" (incorrect, as it implies female). Correct: "Он проститут". Explanation: Russian nouns are gender-specific, and misuse can lead to confusion or offense.
• Mistake: Overusing in formal writing. Correct: Use euphemisms like "лицо, занимающееся проституцией". Example of error: Writing "проститутка" in an academic paper. Explanation: Academic or professional Russian prefers indirect language to maintain decorum.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "проститутка" are often linked to historical and social issues, such as the impact of the Soviet era on morality and the rise of sex work in post-Soviet times. It can carry stigma, reflecting broader attitudes toward gender and sexuality, and is frequently discussed in literature (e.g., in works by Dostoevsky) as a symbol of societal corruption or desperation.

Related Concepts:

• бордель [bordel] - Brothel
• проституция [prostytucya] - Prostitution
• секс-работник [seks-rabocnik] - Sex worker