Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reprobate'

English Word: reprobate

Key Russian Translations:

• негодяй [nʲɪˈɡodʲəj] - [Informal; often used in everyday speech for a scoundrel or wicked person]
• развратник [rɐzvrɐtʲnʲik] - [Formal; typically in literary or serious contexts for a debauched or morally corrupt individual]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not frequently used in casual conversation but appear in literature, media, or discussions about morality.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of nuanced pejorative language and basic Russian inflection, though 'негодяй' may be slightly easier for beginners while 'развратник' demands more advanced vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

негодяй: [nʲɪˈɡodʲəj]

Note on негодяй: The stress falls on the second syllable ('go-'), which is common in Russian masculine nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'й' sound at the end, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

развратник: [rɐzvrɐtʲnʲik]

Note on развратник: Pronounce the 'р' as a rolled 'r', and note the stress on the third syllable ('rat-'). This word has a more formal tone, so practice in context to capture its weight.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A wicked or unprincipled person

Translation(s) & Context:

• негодяй - Used in informal, everyday contexts to describe someone seen as a scoundrel, often in heated discussions or storytelling.
• развратник - Applied in formal, literary, or moral discussions to denote a person of deep moral corruption, such as in historical or philosophical texts.

Usage Examples:

• Он настоящий негодяй, который обманывает всех вокруг. (He is a real reprobate who deceives everyone around him.)

  He is a real reprobate who deceives everyone around him. (This example shows 'негодяй' in a casual accusatory context.)

• В этом романе главный герой — типичный развратник, не знающий границ. (In this novel, the main character is a typical reprobate with no boundaries.)

  In this novel, the main character is a typical reprobate with no boundaries. (Illustrates 'развратник' in a literary setting.)

• Не верь этому негодяю; он всегда придумывает новые схемы. (Don't trust that reprobate; he always comes up with new schemes.)

  Don't trust that reprobate; he always comes up with new schemes. (Demonstrates 'негодяй' in interpersonal advice.)

• Развратник из прошлого века стал символом упадка общества. (The reprobate from the past century became a symbol of societal decline.)

  The reprobate from the past century became a symbol of societal decline. (Shows 'развратник' in historical or cultural analysis.)

• Она назвала его негодяем за его эгоистичные поступки. (She called him a reprobate for his selfish actions.)

  She called him a reprobate for his selfish actions. (Highlights 'негодяй' in emotional, conversational use.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'негодяй' and 'развратник' are masculine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard masculine declension patterns. 'Негодяй' is more commonly used and has regular inflections, while 'развратник' is similar but can vary slightly in formal contexts.

Note: These nouns do not change in plural forms as frequently, but if needed, 'негодяи' (for негодяй) can be used for multiple scoundrels, following standard plural rules. They are invariable in gender and do not conjugate as verbs.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: подлец (podlets - similar but slightly less intense, often for a traitor); мерзавец (merzavets - direct equivalent for a vile person)
• Antonyms: добряк (dobryak - a kind-hearted person); честный человек (chestnyy chelovek - an honest person; more general)

Related Phrases:

• старый негодяй (starый negodyay) - Meaning: An elderly reprobate or long-time scoundrel, often used in storytelling to describe a persistent wrongdoer.
• настоящий развратник (nastoyashchiy razvratnik) - Meaning: A genuine reprobate, emphasizing authenticity in a formal or judgmental context.
• негодяй без совести (negodyay bez sovesti) - Meaning: A reprobate without conscience, highlighting moral absence in ethical discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Негодяй' is a strong pejorative term best used in informal settings, equivalent to 'reprobate' in English, but it can offend, so reserve it for appropriate contexts like casual conversations or literature. 'Развратник' is more formal and aligns with 'reprobate' in a moral or historical sense, often in written Russian. Choose based on tone: informal for 'негодяй' and elevated for 'развратник'. Grammatically, both follow standard masculine noun rules, so pay attention to case endings in sentences. For English users, note that Russian lacks direct articles, which can affect phrasing.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking 'негодяй' for 'негодный' (negodnyy), which means 'unworthy' as an adjective, not a person. Error: Saying "Он негодный" instead of "Он негодяй". Correct: Use 'негодяй' for a person; explanation: 'Негодный' describes objects or qualities, while 'негодяй' is specifically for individuals.
• Overusing 'развратник' in casual speech; it sounds overly dramatic. Error: Using it in everyday talk like "Мой сосед — развратник" when 'негодяй' would be more natural. Correct: Reserve for formal contexts; explanation: This maintains appropriate register and avoids sounding pretentious.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'негодяй' and 'развратник' often appear in classic literature, such as in Dostoevsky's works, where characters embody moral corruption. These words reflect Russia's historical emphasis on ethics and personal integrity, stemming from Orthodox traditions and 19th-century realism, helping to convey deep societal critiques.

Related Concepts:

• злодей (zlodey - villain)
• преступник (prestupnik - criminal)
• подонок (podonok - lowlife)