Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'respect'

English Word: respect

Key Russian Translations:

• Уважение /ʊˈvaʒənʲjɪ/ - [Noun, Formal]
• Уважать /ʊvaˈʐatʲ/ - [Verb, Formal]

Frequency: High (commonly used in everyday conversations, literature, and formal settings).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate for learners; requires understanding of noun and verb forms, but basic concepts are accessible with intermediate Russian knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

Уважение: /ʊˈvaʒənʲjɪ/

Note on Уважение: The stress falls on the second syllable ("va"), and the "ж" sound is a soft palatal fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers. It can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Уважать: /ʊvaˈʐatʲ/

Note on Уважать: The infinitive ending "-ать" is pronounced with a soft "tʲ," and the stress is on the third syllable. Pay attention to the "ж" sound for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun: Admiration or regard for someone or something, often implying deference or esteem.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Уважение - Used in formal or interpersonal contexts, such as expressing admiration in professional or social settings.

Usage Examples:

• Он заслуживает уважения за свою честность.

  He deserves respect for his honesty. (This example shows the noun in a declarative sentence, emphasizing personal qualities.)

• Уважение к традициям важно в нашей культуре.

  Respect for traditions is important in our culture. (Illustrates the noun in a general statement about societal values.)

• Её уважение к коллегам помогло создать хорошую команду.

  Her respect for colleagues helped build a good team. (Demonstrates the noun in a professional context with possessive structures.)

• Без взаимного уважения отношения не возможны.

  Without mutual respect, relationships are not possible. (Shows the noun in a negative conditional sentence, highlighting interdependence.)

As a verb: To hold someone or something in high regard, often implying admiration or deference.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Уважать - Used in contexts involving personal or professional interactions, such as in advice or opinions.

Usage Examples:

• Я уважаю его за упорство.

  I respect him for his persistence. (This example uses the verb in the first person, focusing on personal admiration.)

• Мы должны уважать чужие мнения.

  We should respect others' opinions. (Illustrates the verb in an imperative or advisory context, promoting social harmony.)

• Она уважает правила и всегда следует им.

  She respects the rules and always follows them. (Shows the verb with a third-person subject in a habitual action.)

• Уважай старших, как тебя учили.

  Respect your elders, as you were taught. (Demonstrates the verb in a command form, often in educational or cultural contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "Уважение" (a neuter noun), it follows the standard third-declension pattern for Russian nouns. It is invariable in some forms but changes by case and number.

For "Уважать" (a verb of the first conjugation), it is a regular verb with standard endings. It conjugates as follows in the present tense:

Past tense: Уважал (masc.), Уважала (fem.), Уважало (neut.); Future: Буду уважать, etc. The verb is regular, so no irregularities to note.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Почтение (pochténie) - Similar to respect but often implies more deference, especially in formal or hierarchical contexts.
  • Благоговение (blagogovéniye) - Conveys a deeper, almost reverential respect, used in spiritual or profound situations.
• Antonyms:
  • Презрение (prezrénije) - Direct opposite, implying contempt or disdain.
  • Невнимание (nevnimániye) - Less intense, meaning disregard or indifference.

Related Phrases:

• С уважением (s uvazheniyem) - Meaning: "With respect" or "Respectfully," often used in closings of letters or emails.
• Уважать чужое мнение (uvazhat' chuzhoye mneniye) - Meaning: "To respect others' opinions," a common phrase in discussions about tolerance.
• Заслуживать уважения (zasluzhiwat' uvazheniya) - Meaning: "To deserve respect," used when evaluating someone's actions or character.

Usage Notes:

"Уважение" and "Уважать" directly correspond to the English "respect" as a noun and verb, respectively, but they carry a stronger connotation of formality in Russian culture. Use "Уважение" in contexts where deference is key, such as professional or familial settings. For verbs, "Уважать" is preferred in formal speech; in informal contexts, it might be softened with particles like "ну" for emphasis. When choosing between translations, opt for "Уважение" for static regard and "Уважать" for actions. Grammatically, ensure agreement with gender, number, and case in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing case endings: English learners often misuse the genitive form, e.g., saying "Я имею уважение" instead of "У меня есть уважение" (correct: "I have respect"). Error: Incorrect prepositional use; Explanation: In Russian, possession uses the genitive with "у меня есть," not direct objects.

• Overusing in informal speech: Learners might say "Я уважаю тебя" in casual chats, but it's too formal; use "Я ценю тебя" instead for lighter contexts. Error: Applying formal verb in everyday talk; Explanation: This can sound stiff; correct by choosing synonyms like "ценить" for informality.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Уважение" is deeply tied to concepts of hierarchy and tradition, such as respecting elders or authority figures, influenced by historical influences like Soviet-era collectivism. It often reflects the value of "коллективизм" (collectivism), where mutual respect strengthens community bonds, unlike more individualistic Western interpretations.

Related Concepts:

• Почтение
• Благоговение
• Толерантность (tolerantnost')