Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'recalcitrance'

English Word: recalcitrance

Key Russian Translations:

• упрямство /ʊˈprʲamstvə/ - [Formal, often used in contexts of stubborn resistance or obstinacy]
• сопротивление /səprəˈtivlʲenʲje/ - [General, implying active resistance or opposition]
• неповиновение /nʲɪpəvʲɪˈnɔvʲenʲje/ - [Informal, specifically for disobedience or defiance]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literary, psychological, or everyday discussions of behavior in Russian media and texts, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and nuanced contexts. For 'упрямство', it's B2; for 'сопротивление', it could be B1 if focusing on basic forms, but generally B2 due to contextual usage).

Pronunciation (Russian):

упрямство: /ʊˈprʲamstvə/ (The stress is on the second syllable; note the palatalized 'р' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.)

сопротивление: /səprəˈtivlʲenʲje/ (Emphasize the third syllable; the 'лʲ' indicates a soft 'l', common in Russian.)

неповиновение: /nʲɪpəvʲɪˈnɔvʲenʲje/ (Stress on the fourth syllable; pay attention to the soft consonants for accurate pronunciation.)

Note on упрямство: This word often has a slightly rolled 'р' in informal speech, which may vary by region. In formal contexts, enunciate clearly to avoid confusion with similar words.

Note on сопротивление: The 'е' in the third syllable can sound more like a schwa in fast speech, making it blend quickly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Stubborn resistance to authority or control (the primary meaning of recalcitrance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• упрямство - Used in formal or psychological contexts, such as describing a child's defiance or an adult's obstinacy in negotiations.
• сопротивление - Applied in broader scenarios, like political or social resistance, emphasizing active opposition.

Usage Examples:

• Его упрямство в переговорах помешало достигнуть соглашения. (His recalcitrance in negotiations prevented reaching an agreement.)

  English Translation: His recalcitrance in negotiations prevented reaching an agreement.

• Дети часто проявляют сопротивление, когда им говорят, что делать. (Children often show recalcitrance when they're told what to do.)

  English Translation: Children often show recalcitrance when they're told what to do.

• Это непокорное упрямство характерно для подростков в период бунта. (This recalcitrant behavior is typical of teenagers during rebellion.)

  English Translation: This recalcitrant behavior is typical of teenagers during rebellion.

• В истории России сопротивление тирании часто приводило к революциям. (In Russian history, recalcitrance against tyranny often led to revolutions.)

  English Translation: In Russian history, recalcitrance against tyranny often led to revolutions.

• Её непокорность проявилась в отказе подчиниться приказу. (Her recalcitrance manifested in refusing to obey the order.)

  English Translation: Her recalcitrance manifested in refusing to obey the order.

2. General unwillingness to comply or cooperate

Translation(s) & Context:

• неповиновение - Informal contexts, such as everyday disobedience or minor acts of defiance.
• упрямство - When emphasizing persistent stubbornness in personal relationships.

Usage Examples:

• Упрямство этого сотрудника создаёт проблемы в команде. (The recalcitrance of this employee creates problems in the team.)

  English Translation: The recalcitrance of this employee creates problems in the team.

• Его непокорность правилам дороги привела к авариям. (His recalcitrance to road rules led to accidents.)

  English Translation: His recalcitrance to road rules led to accidents.

• Сопротивление изменениям часто тормозит прогресс. (Recalcitrance to change often hinders progress.)

  English Translation: Recalcitrance to change often hinders progress.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are nouns, which in Russian undergo declension based on case, number, and gender. 'Упрямство' is a neuter noun, while 'сопротивление' and 'неповиновение' are neuter as well. They follow standard third-declension patterns for neuter nouns.

These nouns are regular in their inflections, with no irregular forms. In plural, they are less commonly used but indicate multiple acts of recalcitrance.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • настойчивость (/nʲastʲɪˈvostʲ/) - More neutral, implying persistence rather than negative stubbornness.
  • упорство (/ʊˈpɔrstvə/) - Similar to recalcitrance but with a connotation of determination in challenging situations.
• Antonyms:
  • послушность (/pəsˈluʃnəstʲ/) - Obedience or compliance, directly opposite in behavioral contexts.
  • гибкость (/ˈɡʲibkəstʲ/) - Flexibility, indicating adaptability rather than resistance.

Related Phrases:

• Проявлять упрямство - (To show recalcitrance; used in contexts of demonstrating stubborn behavior.)
• Сопротивление судьбе - (Resistance to fate; a phrase often in literature to describe defying destiny.)
• Неповиновение авторитету - (Disobedience to authority; common in discussions of rebellion or protest.)

Usage Notes:

'Упрямство' is the closest direct equivalent to 'recalcitrance' in formal English-Russian translation, often carrying a negative connotation of irrational stubbornness. Use 'сопротивление' for broader resistance in social or political contexts, as it aligns with English usage in activism. Be mindful of gender and case agreements in sentences; for example, in Russian, these nouns must agree with the subject or object. When choosing among translations, opt for 'неповиновение' in everyday, informal scenarios like family dynamics. These words are versatile but can sound overly dramatic in casual speech, so context is key.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'упрямство' with 'упорство': Learners might use 'упорство' (perseverance) when meaning 'recalcitrance', as both involve persistence. Error: "Его упорство в работе" (implying positive determination). Correct: "Его упрямство в работе" (for negative stubbornness). Explanation: 'Упорство' is more neutral or positive, while 'упрямство' emphasizes defiance.
• Misapplying case endings: For instance, using nominative in a genitive context, e.g., Error: "Из-за упрямство" (incorrect). Correct: "Из-за упрямства". Explanation: Always check the required case based on prepositions or sentence structure.
• Overusing in formal writing: Beginners might translate 'recalcitrance' directly without nuance, leading to awkward phrasing. Error: Using 'сопротивление' in a personal argument. Correct: Opt for 'упрямство' for interpersonal contexts. Explanation: Match the word to the specific type of resistance for natural expression.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'упрямство' often appear in literature and folklore, such as in stories of Cossacks or Soviet-era dissidents, symbolizing resilience against oppression. This reflects a historical valuing of defiance in the face of authority, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy, where recalcitrance is portrayed as both a flaw and a heroic trait.

Related Concepts:

• стойкость (/stɔjˈkəstʲ/ - endurance or resilience)
• бунт (/bʊnt/ - rebellion)
• твердость (/ˈtvʲerdəstʲ/ - firmness or resolve)