Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'recreant'

English Word: recreant

Key Russian Translations:

• Предатель [prʲɪˈdatʲɪlʲ] - [Formal, often used in contexts of betrayal or treason]
• Трус [trus] - [Informal, commonly used for cowardice in everyday speech]
• Изменник [ɪzˈmʲɛnʲnʲɪk] - [Formal, emphasizing disloyalty or defection]

Frequency: Medium (These words appear regularly in literature, media, and conversation, but are not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of nuanced contexts and basic Russian grammar, with 'Предатель' and 'Изменник' being slightly more challenging due to formal connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Предатель: [prʲɪˈdatʲɪlʲ]

Трус: [trus]

Изменник: [ɪzˈmʲɛnʲnʲɪk]

Note on Предатель: The stress is on the third syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 'т' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in fast speech may soften the final consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person who is cowardly or betrays loyalty (e.g., in battle, relationships, or duties).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предатель - Used in formal or serious contexts, such as historical events or legal discussions, to denote betrayal of trust.
• Трус - Applied in informal settings, like everyday conversations, to describe someone avoiding danger out of fear.
• Изменник - Employed in political or ideological contexts, emphasizing defection or treason against a group or nation.

Usage Examples:

• Он был обвинён в том, что оказался предателем в критический момент. (He was accused of being a recreant at a critical moment.)

  Translation: He was accused of being a recreant at a critical moment.

• Не будь трусом и признай свою ошибку. (Don't be a recreant and admit your mistake.)

  Translation: Don't be a recreant and admit your mistake. (This shows informal usage in personal interactions.)

• Изменник был изгнан из страны за свои действия. (The recreant was exiled from the country for his actions.)

  Translation: The recreant was exiled from the country for his actions. (Highlights formal, historical contexts.)

• В битве он проявил себя как предатель, бросив товарищей. (In the battle, he proved himself a recreant by abandoning his comrades.)

  Translation: In the battle, he proved himself a recreant by abandoning his comrades. (Demonstrates usage in military or group settings.)

• Трус всегда ищет excuses, чтобы избежать ответственности. (A recreant always looks for excuses to avoid responsibility.)

  Translation: A recreant always looks for excuses to avoid responsibility. (Illustrates idiomatic expression in daily life.)

Meaning 2: Displaying traits of unfaithfulness or weakness in character.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предатель - In metaphorical contexts, such as in literature, to describe emotional or moral betrayal.
• Трус - In psychological or self-reflective contexts, to point out personal flaws.

Usage Examples:

• Её предательство разрушило нашу дружбу. (Her recreant behavior destroyed our friendship.)

  Translation: Her recreant behavior destroyed our friendship.

• Он трус в отношениях, всегда избегает конфликтов. (He's a recreant in relationships, always avoiding conflicts.)

  Translation: He's a recreant in relationships, always avoiding conflicts.

• Изменник в семье может привести к разрыву. (A recreant in the family can lead to a breakup.)

  Translation: A recreant in the family can lead to a breakup. (Shows familial context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These words are primarily nouns and follow standard Russian declension patterns. 'Предатель' and 'Изменник' are masculine nouns, while 'Трус' is also masculine but can vary slightly. Below is a table for their inflections:

Note: These follow regular first-declension patterns for masculine nouns, with no irregularities. 'Трус' remains unchanged in some informal uses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Предатель: Изменник (similar, but more political); Лжец (liar, with a nuance of deception)
  • Трус: Трусоватый (somewhat cowardly, milder tone)
  • Изменник: Отступник (renegade, often religious or ideological context)
• Antonyms:
  • Герой (hero)
  • Верный (loyal)
  • Храбрый (brave)

Related Phrases:

• Предать доверие - (To betray trust; used in personal or professional relationships to describe recreant behavior.)
• Быть трусом - (To be a coward; a common phrase for avoiding challenges, often in motivational contexts.)
• Изменить родине - (To betray one's homeland; implies recreant actions against a nation or group.)

Usage Notes:

'Recreant' corresponds closely to 'Предатель' in formal English-Russian translations, especially for historical or literary contexts, but 'Трус' is better for everyday cowardice. Be cautious with formality: 'Изменник' is ideal for political scenarios, while 'Трус' fits informal speech. In Russian, these words often carry strong emotional weight, so use them judiciously to avoid offense. When choosing among translations, consider the context's tone—opt for 'Предатель' in written narratives and 'Трус' in casual dialogue.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'Предатель' with 'Предательница' (feminine form) when referring to a female subject. Correct: Use 'Предательница' for women to match gender agreement in Russian sentences. Example of error: Saying "Она предатель" (incorrect); Correct: "Она предательница". This stems from overlooking Russian noun gender.

• Error: Using 'Трус' in formal writing, which can sound too colloquial. Correct: Opt for 'Предатель' in official contexts. Example of error: "В договоре он был трусом" (awkward); Correct: "В договоре он был предателем". Explanation: 'Трус' is informal and may undermine the seriousness of the situation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'Предатель' and 'Изменник' evoke strong historical associations, such as betrayals during wars or the Soviet era, symbolizing deep dishonor. They often appear in literature (e.g., in Tolstoy's works) to highlight moral failings, reflecting Russia's emphasis on loyalty and collective identity.

Related Concepts:

• Лжец (liar)
• Коварный (deceitful)
• Герой (hero)
• Предательство (betrayal)