Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rabble'

English Word: rabble

Key Russian Translations:

• сброд [ˈsbrɔt] - [Informal, Derogatory]
• толпа [ˈtolpə] - [Neutral, Common]

Frequency: Medium (Used in literature, news, and casual discussions, but not as common in everyday speech.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and contextual nuances. For 'сброд', it may be slightly more advanced due to its derogatory connotation.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сброд: [ˈsbrɔt]

Note on сброд: The 'р' is a rolled alveolar trill, which can be challenging for English speakers; stress is on the first syllable. A common variant in fast speech might soften the 'р' to a flap.

толпа: [ˈtolpə]

Note on толпа: The final 'a' is a schwa sound [ə], unstressed; pronounce with a clear 'л' as a voiced lateral approximant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A disorderly or rowdy crowd, often with a negative connotation (e.g., a mob or rabble-rousing group).

Translation(s) & Context:

• сброд - Used in informal or derogatory contexts to describe a disreputable group, often implying low social status or chaos.
• толпа - Applied in neutral contexts for a large, unruly crowd, without strong judgment.

Usage Examples:

• В городе собрался сброд, протестующий против новых законов.

  In the city, a rabble gathered to protest against the new laws. (Shows 'сброд' in a political, derogatory context.)

• Толпа на концерте была такой шумной, что никто не слышал музыку.

  The rabble at the concert was so noisy that no one could hear the music. (Illustrates 'толпа' in an everyday, neutral setting.)

• Этот сброд всегда устраивает беспорядки на улицах.

  This rabble always causes disturbances on the streets. (Demonstrates 'сброд' with a habitual action and negative tone.)

• В исторических фильмах толпа часто изображается как неконтролируемая сила.

  In historical films, the rabble is often depicted as an uncontrollable force. (Uses 'толпа' in a narrative or cultural context.)

• Сброд из соседнего района пришел, чтобы устроить драку.

  The rabble from the neighboring district came to start a fight. (Highlights 'сброд' in a confrontational scenario.)

Meaning 2: A group of common or ordinary people, sometimes implying inferiority (less common in modern usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• сброд - In literary or archaic contexts, to refer to the masses with disdain.

Usage Examples:

• В старых романах сброд часто противопоставляется элите общества.

  In old novels, the rabble is often contrasted with the elite of society. (Shows 'сброд' in a literary comparison.)

• Этот политик игнорирует мнение сброда, фокусируясь на богатеях.

  This politician ignores the opinion of the rabble, focusing on the wealthy. (Illustrates 'сброд' in a social critique.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'сброд' and 'толпа' are masculine nouns in Russian, undergoing declension based on case, number, and gender. 'Сброд' is irregular and often treated as indeclinable in modern usage, while 'толпа' follows standard patterns.

Note: 'Сброд' is less commonly inflected due to its collective nature, making it simpler for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • отребье [ɐˈtrʲebʲjə] - Similar to 'сброд', but more emphatic on social outcasts; often used in formal or literary contexts.
  • масса [ˈmasə] - Neutral term for a large group, less derogatory than 'сброд'.
• Antonyms:
  • элита [ɪˈlʲitə] - Refers to the elite or upper class.
  • интеллигенция [ɪntʲɪlʲɪˈɡʲentsʲɪjə] - Intellectuals or educated society.

Related Phrases:

• Сбродный элемент - A disruptive or undesirable element in a group; used to describe troublemakers in society.
• Толпа на улице - A crowd on the street; common in urban or event-related contexts.
• Взбудораженный сброд - An agitated rabble; implies excitement or unrest in a crowd.

Usage Notes:

'Rabble' translates most directly to 'сброд' when conveying a derogatory sense, but 'толпа' is safer for neutral descriptions to avoid offense. In Russian, these words are context-dependent: use 'сброд' in informal or critical discussions, but be cautious of its negative undertones, which can escalate in heated conversations. Grammatically, ensure proper declension based on sentence structure; for example, in prepositional phrases, 'о сброде' is correct. When choosing between translations, opt for 'толпа' in everyday scenarios and 'сброд' for literary or historical references.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'сброд' in formal writing without context, which can come across as overly harsh. Correct: Replace with 'толпа' for neutrality. Example of error: "The group was сброд." (Incorrectly intensifies negativity.) Correct: "The group was толпа."
• Mistake: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "в сброд" instead of "в сброде". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; always check the governing preposition.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'сброд' often evoke historical contexts, such as the Russian Revolution, where crowds were depicted as chaotic forces against authority. This reflects a broader theme in Russian literature (e.g., in works by Dostoevsky) where the 'rabble' symbolizes social unrest, highlighting class divides and the potential for mob mentality.

Related Concepts:

• бунт (rebellion)
• протест (protest)
• массовое сознание (mass consciousness)