Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prudish'

English Word: prudish

Key Russian Translations:

• пуританский [/pu.rɪˈtan.skʲɪj/] - [Formal, often used in cultural or moral contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is not everyday vocabulary but appears in discussions of social norms or literature.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; requires understanding of nuanced adjectives and cultural connotations in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пуританский: [/pu.rɪˈtan.skʲɪj/]

Note on пуританский: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tan"), and the "й" sound at the end is a soft consonant, which can be tricky for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear "r" roll if speaking in a formal Russian context.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Excessively concerned with propriety, modesty, or moral standards, often to an unreasonable degree.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пуританский - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who is overly strict about social or moral behavior, similar to English "prudish" in discussions of etiquette or sexuality.

Usage Examples:

• Его пуританские взгляды на моду не позволяют ему носить яркую одежду.

  His prudish views on fashion don't allow him to wear bright clothing.

• В пуританском обществе такие темы, как секс, редко обсуждаются открыто.

  In a prudish society, topics like sex are rarely discussed openly.

• Она проявляет пуританский подход к искусству, критикуя всё, что кажется ей вульгарным.

  She exhibits a prudish approach to art, criticizing anything that seems vulgar to her.

• Пуританский стиль воспитания в семье сделал его чрезмерно осторожным в отношениях.

  The prudish style of upbringing in the family made him excessively cautious in relationships.

• В пуританском окружении даже лёгкие шутки могут быть восприняты как оскорбление.

  In a prudish environment, even light jokes can be taken as an insult.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пуританский" is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern of first-declension adjectives. It changes based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This is a regular adjective, so it follows standard rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • привередливый (privereedlivyy) - More general, meaning picky or fussy, but can overlap in moral contexts.
  • скромный (skromnyy) - Emphasizes modesty, often with a positive connotation unlike the negative "prudish".
• Antonyms:
  • либеральный (liberalnyy) - Indicates openness and tolerance, contrasting with the restrictive nature of "prudish".
  • распущенный (raspushchennyy) - Suggests looseness or permissiveness, directly opposing prudishness.

Related Phrases:

• пуританские нравы - Refers to puritanical morals or strict ethical standards in society.
• пуританский стиль - Describes a prudish style, often in fashion or behavior, implying excessive conservatism.
• жить пуританской жизнью - To live a prudish life, meaning to adhere strictly to moral codes.

Usage Notes:

"Пуританский" directly corresponds to the English "prudish" in contexts involving moral judgment or social propriety, but it often carries a historical connotation linked to Puritanism in Russian literature. Use it in formal writing or discussions; in informal speech, Russians might prefer "привередливый" for everyday pickiness. Be cautious with gender and case agreements, as Russian adjectives must match the noun they describe. When choosing between translations, opt for "пуританский" if the context involves cultural or ethical rigidity, rather than simple shyness.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "пуританский" with "застенчивый" (shy), leading to incorrect usage like "Он застенчивый в своих взглядах" instead of "Он пуританский в своих взглядах".

  Correct: "Он пуританский в своих взглядах" (He is prudish in his views). Explanation: "Застенчивый" implies timidity, not moral strictness, so it changes the meaning entirely.

• Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "пуританский женщина" instead of "пуританская женщина".

  Correct: "пуританская женщина". Explanation: Adjectives in Russian must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "пуританский" often evokes references to historical Puritan movements or Soviet-era moral conservatism, where strict social norms were enforced. This word can carry a critical tone, implying hypocrisy or outdated values, especially in modern contexts where individualism is valued. Understanding this helps English speakers grasp how Russians discuss personal freedoms versus traditional restraints.

Related Concepts:

• мораль (morality)
• скромность (modesty)
• либерализм (liberalism)