Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prostitution'

English Word: prostitution

Key Russian Translations:

• Проституция [prəstɪˈtuʦɨjə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This term is not everyday vocabulary but appears in discussions of social issues, legal contexts, or media, making it moderately common in formal settings.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate to Advanced; learners need familiarity with abstract concepts, formal language, and social topics to use it correctly, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Проституция: [prəstɪˈtuʦɨjə]

Note on Проституция: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("tu"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the Russian "ы" sound (similar to a muffled "i"). Pronunciation may vary slightly by dialect, but this IPA reflects standard Moscow Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The practice of engaging in sexual activity for payment, often as a social or legal issue.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Проституция - Used in formal, legal, or academic contexts to describe the act or industry, such as in discussions about human rights or public policy.

Usage Examples:

• В некоторых странах проституция легализована для регулирования здоровья и безопасности. (In some countries, prostitution is legalized to regulate health and safety.)

  English Translation: In some countries, prostitution is legalized to regulate health and safety.

• Проституция часто рассматривается как следствие экономического неравенства. (Prostitution is often viewed as a result of economic inequality.)

  English Translation: Prostitution is often viewed as a result of economic inequality.

• В исторических текстах проституция описывается как древняя профессия. (In historical texts, prostitution is described as an ancient profession.)

  English Translation: In historical texts, prostitution is described as an ancient profession.

• Правительства борются с проституцией через законы и социальные программы. (Governments combat prostitution through laws and social programs.)

  English Translation: Governments combat prostitution through laws and social programs.

• Проституция может быть частью более широких проблем, таких как торговля людьми. (Prostitution can be part of broader issues, such as human trafficking.)

  English Translation: Prostitution can be part of broader issues, such as human trafficking.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Проституция" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Распутство (more literary, implying moral looseness, but less precise for commercial aspects)
  • Половой торг (focuses on the commercial exchange, used in specific contexts like legal discussions)
• Antonyms:
  • Чистота (purity, referring to moral or sexual abstinence)
  • Брак (marriage, implying committed, non-commercial relationships)

Related Phrases:

• Торговля телом - A phrase meaning "trade in bodies," often used in contexts of human trafficking related to prostitution; implies illegal or exploitative aspects.
• Сексуальные услуги - Refers to "sexual services," a more neutral term for commercial sex work in modern discussions.
• Уличная проституция - Means "street prostitution," highlighting specific settings like urban environments.

Usage Notes:

This Russian term directly corresponds to the English "prostitution" in its core meaning, focusing on the exchange of sexual acts for payment. It is typically used in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts due to its sensitive nature. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may carry strong connotations; opt for euphemisms in polite settings. When choosing between translations like "проституция" and "распутство," select based on context: "проституция" for economic or legal angles, and "распутство" for moral discussions. Grammatically, ensure proper declension to match sentence structure, as Russian nouns change based on case.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "проституция" with "проститутка" (prostitute): Learners might use "проститутка" when referring to the act itself, but this word specifically means the person involved. Correct usage: Say "Она работает в проституции" (She works in prostitution) instead of "Она проститутка" if focusing on the industry.

• Overgeneralizing to informal terms: English speakers might incorrectly adapt English slang, leading to misuse like saying "проститутка бизнес" instead of "бизнес проституции." Error example: "Проституция бизнес" (incorrect, as it doesn't follow Russian word order). Correct: "Бизнес проституции" (The business of prostitution), with proper genitive case.

• Ignoring declension: Forgetting to change the noun in different cases, e.g., saying "о проституция" instead of "о проституции." This makes sentences grammatically incorrect; always adjust for case as shown in the inflections table.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "проституция" often carries historical and social stigma linked to events like the Soviet era's moral campaigns or modern issues with human trafficking. It is frequently discussed in the context of gender inequality and economic hardship, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward sexuality and women's rights. Understanding this term involves recognizing its role in Russian literature and media, where it symbolizes deeper themes of exploitation and survival.

Related Concepts:

• Проститутка (prostitute)
• Торговля людьми (human trafficking)
• Сексуальное насилие (sexual violence)