Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'respectability'

English Word: respectability

Key Russian Translations:

• уважаемость /u.vɐ.ʐa.ˈjɛ.məsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, used in contexts emphasizing social respect or esteem]
• респектабельность /rʲɪ.spʲɛk.tɐ.ˈbʲɛlʲ.nəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, borrowed from English, often in modern or business contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, literature, and discussions about social status, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and formal vocabulary; 'уважаемость' may be slightly easier for beginners, while 'респектабельность' involves recognizing loanwords)

Pronunciation (Russian):

уважаемость: /u.vɐ.ʐa.ˈjɛ.məsʲtʲ/

Note on уважаемость: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('jɛ'), and the 'ʐ' sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers—similar to the 'zh' in 'measure'. Pay attention to the soft ending.

респектабельность: /rʲɪ.spʲɛk.tɐ.ˈbʲɛlʲ.nəsʲtʲ/

Note on респектабельность: This word has a palatalized 'rʲ' at the start, common in Russian loanwords, and stress on the fourth syllable ('bʲɛlʲ'). It's pronounced more fluidly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality of being worthy of respect or having a good social reputation

Translation(s) & Context:

• уважаемость - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe inherent esteem or moral standing, often in social or ethical discussions.
• респектабельность - Applied in modern, business, or urban settings to denote outward appearances of respectability, such as in professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Его уважаемость в обществе основана на многолетней честности и вкладе в культуру.

  His respectability in society is based on years of honesty and contributions to culture. (Shows use in a biographical or historical context.)

• Респектабельность этой компании подчеркивается ее строгим соблюдением этических норм.

  The respectability of this company is emphasized by its strict adherence to ethical standards. (Illustrates business usage with a borrowed term.)

• В старом обществе уважаемость часто определялась родословной и социальным статусом.

  In old society, respectability was often determined by lineage and social status. (Demonstrates historical or comparative usage.)

• Она старается поддерживать респектабельность, избегая скандалов и публичных ошибок.

  She strives to maintain respectability by avoiding scandals and public mistakes. (Highlights personal or everyday formal application.)

• Уважаемость политика выросла после реформ, которые улучшили жизнь граждан.

  The respectability of the politician grew after reforms that improved citizens' lives. (Shows evolution in a political context.)

A state of being socially acceptable or conventional

Translation(s) & Context:

• уважаемость - In contexts where social conformity is key, such as family or community settings.
• респектабельность - Often in urban or professional scenarios emphasizing appearances.

Usage Examples:

• Для поддержания уважаемости в семье важно соблюдать традиции.

  To maintain respectability in the family, it's important to observe traditions. (Focuses on familial and cultural contexts.)

• Респектабельность квартала повысилась благодаря новым паркам и школам.

  The respectability of the neighborhood increased due to new parks and schools. (Applies to community development.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'уважаемость' and 'респектабельность' are feminine abstract nouns (ending in -ость), which follow standard first-declension patterns in Russian. They are invariable in form for most uses but decline according to grammatical case.

Note: These words do not change for number as they are uncountable abstract concepts. The inflections are regular, following standard patterns for -ость nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • почтительность (pochtitel'nost') - More about respectful behavior, with a nuance of politeness.
  • репутация (reputatsiya) - Focuses on public image, often interchangeable in professional contexts.
  • достоинство (dostoinstvo) - Emphasizes inherent worth, used when respectability stems from personal qualities.
• Antonyms:
  • бесчестие (beschesti'ye) - Implies dishonor or lack of respect.
  • позор (pozor) - Suggests shame or disgrace, particularly in social settings.

Related Phrases:

• сохранить респектабельность - To maintain respectability; used in contexts of upholding one's image.
• поддерживать уважаемость - To sustain respectability; often in ethical or social discussions.
• терять респектабельность - To lose respectability; implies a fall from grace in professional life.

Usage Notes:

'Уважаемость' is more rooted in traditional Russian values, emphasizing moral and social esteem, while 'респектабельность' is a modern loanword better suited for contemporary or Western-influenced contexts. English speakers should choose based on formality: use 'уважаемость' for cultural or historical topics, and 'респектабельность' for business. Be mindful of case declensions in sentences, as Russian requires agreement with other elements. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; instead, consider the broader context to ensure natural usage.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'уважаемость' with 'уважение' (respect): Learners might use 'уважение' incorrectly as a noun for 'respectability', but 'уважение' means 'respect' as an action. Correct: "Его уважаемость" (His respectability) vs. Error: "Его уважение" (which means "His respect [for someone]").
• Overusing 'респектабельность' in informal speech: This word sounds overly formal; in casual contexts, it might come across as pretentious. Correct: Use in professional writing; Error: Saying it in everyday conversation where 'хорошая репутация' (good reputation) suffices.
• Ignoring declensions: English learners often forget to change endings, e.g., saying "в уважаемость" instead of "в уважаемости" for prepositional case. Correct: "Я верю в уважаемость" should be "Я верю в уважаемости" in certain constructions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'уважаемость' often ties to historical concepts of honor and community standing, influenced by traditions like those in literature by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where social respectability reflects moral integrity. 'Респектабельность', however, may carry connotations of Westernization, symbolizing post-Soviet aspirations for modernity and status, highlighting cultural shifts in contemporary Russia.

Related Concepts:

• честь (chest') - Honor
• достоинство (dostoinstvo) - Dignity
• репутация (reputatsiya) - Reputation