Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reciprocity'

English Word: reciprocity

Key Russian Translations:

• взаимность /vzɐˈimnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Abstract noun, Used in contexts like diplomacy, law, or social exchanges]
• обоюдность /ɐbɐˈjudnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Slightly more emphatic, Used when emphasizing mutual obligation or symmetry]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, academic discussions, and professional contexts, but less frequent in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding abstract concepts and nominal inflections; for 'обоюдность', also B2 due to similar complexity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

взаимность: /vzɐˈimnəsʲtʲ/ (Stress on the third syllable; the 'щ' sound is soft and palatalized, which can be challenging for beginners)

обоюдность: /ɐbɐˈjudnəsʲtʲ/ (Stress on the second syllable; note the soft 'д' in some dialects, making it sound like /ɐbɐˈjudnəsʲtʲ/)

Note on взаимность: The pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech, where the initial 'в' can soften; practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Note on обоюдность: The 'обо-' prefix adds emphasis; be cautious with the vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Mutual exchange or benefit (The primary meaning, referring to a reciprocal relationship or action)

Translation(s) & Context:

• взаимность - Used in formal contexts like international agreements or social norms, emphasizing equality in exchange.
• обоюдность - Applied in legal or ethical discussions, highlighting mutual benefits or obligations.

Usage Examples:

• В международных отношениях взаимность является ключевым принципом сотрудничества.

  In international relations, reciprocity is a key principle of cooperation.

• Обоюдность в дружбе означает, что обе стороны должны давать и получать поровну.

  Reciprocity in friendship means that both sides should give and receive equally.

• Без взаимности любые договоренности могут рухнуть, как карточный домик.

  Without reciprocity, any agreements can collapse like a house of cards.

• Обоюдность экономических санкций часто приводит к глобальным конфликтам.

  Reciprocity in economic sanctions often leads to global conflicts.

• В культуре обмена подарками взаимность подразумевает ответный жест благодарности.

  In the culture of gift-giving, reciprocity implies a gesture of gratitude in return.

2. Reciprocal action in grammar or logic (A secondary, more technical meaning, e.g., in linguistics or mathematics)

Translation(s) & Context:

• взаимность - Used in academic contexts, such as describing reciprocal verbs or logical reciprocity.

Usage Examples:

• В грамматике взаимность выражается через специальные глагольные формы.

  In grammar, reciprocity is expressed through special verb forms.

• Обоюдность в логических операциях требует симметрии между элементами.

  Reciprocity in logical operations requires symmetry between elements.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'взаимность' and 'обоюдность' are feminine abstract nouns in Russian, following the standard patterns of third-declension nouns. They are invariable in form for most uses but can inflect for case, number, and gender where applicable. 'взаимность' is typically singular and does not change in plural forms as it's an abstract concept.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections; however, in plural forms (if used metaphorically), they follow standard patterns, e.g., взаимности (genitive plural).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • взаимодействие (more dynamic, implying active interaction)
  • обоюдное согласие (emphasizes mutual agreement, often in contracts)
• Antonyms:
  • односторонность (unilateralism, lacking mutual exchange)
  • неравенство (inequality, where reciprocity is absent)

Related Phrases:

• принцип взаимности - Principle of reciprocity (Used in legal or ethical contexts to denote a foundational rule of mutual obligation)
• обоюдные обязательства - Mutual obligations (Refers to reciprocal commitments in agreements or relationships)
• взаимность интересов - Reciprocity of interests (Common in diplomacy, meaning aligned and mutual benefits)

Usage Notes:

'Взаимность' directly corresponds to the English 'reciprocity' in formal settings, such as international law or social etiquette, but it may not always imply a strict tit-for-tat exchange as in English. Choose 'обоюдность' for contexts emphasizing symmetry or equality. Be mindful of Russian's case system; for example, use the genitive case (e.g., взаимности) when indicating possession or relation. In everyday speech, these words are more common in written or professional language rather than casual conversation.

• Grammar tip: These nouns often pair with verbs like 'являться' (to be) or 'обеспечивать' (to ensure) to form complete sentences.
• Context guidance: In Russian culture, reciprocity is highly valued in social interactions, so these words appear frequently in discussions of fairness.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'взаимность' with 'взаимодействие', using the latter when a simpler mutual exchange is meant. For example:

• Incorrect: Взаимодействие в дружбе важна. (This implies active interaction rather than mutual benefit.)
• Correct: Взаимность в дружбе важна. (This accurately conveys reciprocity.)

Explanation: 'Взаимодействие' suggests ongoing action, while 'взаимность' is more static. Another error is forgetting case inflections, e.g., saying "без взаимность" instead of "без взаимности" (genitive case required after prepositions like 'без').

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, reciprocity (взаимность) is deeply embedded in social norms, such as the tradition of gift-giving or hospitality, where returning favors is seen as essential for maintaining harmony. Historically, this concept influenced Soviet-era policies on international relations, emphasizing mutual benefits in alliances.

Related Concepts:

• сотрудничество (cooperation)
• взаимопомощь (mutual aid)
• равенство (equality)