Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'scandal'

English Word: scandal

Key Russian Translations:

• скандал /skanˈdal/ - [Formal, Informal; Used in general contexts involving public disgrace or controversy]

Frequency: Medium (Common in news, media, and everyday discussions about social or political issues in Russian-speaking contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level can grasp the word with basic exposure, but understanding nuances in formal vs. informal use may require practice)

Pronunciation (Russian):

скандал: /skanˈdal/

Note on скандал: The stress is on the second syllable ('dal'), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronounce the 's' as a soft, voiceless alveolar fricative.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A situation or event that causes public outrage, disgrace, or controversy, often involving unethical behavior.

Translation(s) & Context:

• скандал - Used in formal and informal contexts, such as news reports or casual conversations about political scandals.

Usage Examples:

• Это был громкий скандал в мире политики. (This was a loud scandal in the world of politics.)

  Translation: This was a loud scandal in the world of politics. (Example shows the word in a formal, news-related context.)

• Скандал разразился после публикации документов. (A scandal erupted after the documents were published.)

  Translation: A scandal erupted after the documents were published. (Illustrates the word in a dynamic, event-driven scenario.)

• В семейном кругу они обсуждали маленький скандал с соседями. (In the family circle, they discussed a small scandal with the neighbors.)

  Translation: In the family circle, they discussed a small scandal with the neighbors. (Demonstrates informal, everyday usage.)

• Скандал вокруг компании привёл к её банкротству. (The scandal surrounding the company led to its bankruptcy.)

  Translation: The scandal surrounding the company led to its bankruptcy. (Shows the word in a business or legal context.)

• Из-за скандала звезда фильма потеряла популярность. (Due to the scandal, the film star lost popularity.)

  Translation: Due to the scandal, the film star lost popularity. (Example in entertainment media contexts.)

Meaning 2: An action or behavior that is shocking or morally offensive.

Translation(s) & Context:

• скандал - Applied in interpersonal or ethical contexts, such as arguments or moral breaches.

Usage Examples:

• Его поведение на вечеринке устроило настоящий скандал. (His behavior at the party caused a real scandal.)

  Translation: His behavior at the party caused a real scandal. (Highlights personal or social misuse.)

• Скандал в офисе был вызван необоснованными обвинениями. (The scandal in the office was triggered by unfounded accusations.)

  Translation: The scandal in the office was triggered by unfounded accusations. (Shows workplace dynamics.)

• Этот скандал мог бы быть avoided, если бы все были честны. (This scandal could have been avoided if everyone had been honest.)

  Translation: This scandal could have been avoided if everyone had been honest. (Emphasizes preventive contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Скандал" is a masculine noun in Russian (from the first declension). It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no irregular forms. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: The plural form is used for multiple instances of scandals, and the word does not change in gender or have verbal inflections since it is a noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: сенсация (sensation; implies something exciting but less negative), инцидент (incident; for less severe events), конфликт (conflict; focuses on disputes)
• Antonyms: спокойствие (calmness; opposite in terms of emotional intensity), гармония (harmony; for peaceful situations)

Related Phrases:

• Вызвать скандал (To cause a scandal) - Used to describe actions that trigger controversy or outrage.
• Вовлекать в скандал (To involve in a scandal) - Refers to drawing someone into a disreputable situation.
• Скандал в прессе (Scandal in the press) - Common in media contexts for public exposure of issues.

Usage Notes:

"Скандал" directly corresponds to "scandal" in English but is often used in Russian to emphasize public or emotional aspects more than private ones. It can be applied in both formal (e.g., legal or political contexts) and informal settings, but avoid using it in overly polite conversations. When choosing between translations, "скандал" is the most precise for events involving disgrace, while related words like "сенсация" might be better for sensational news. Grammatically, ensure correct case agreement, such as using the genitive for possession (e.g., скандала компании - the scandal of the company).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form in all contexts, e.g., "говорить о скандал" instead of "говорить о скандале". Correct: "говорить о скандале". Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case for phrases like "about [something]", so learners must adjust for case endings to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "сенсация" when "скандал" is needed for a negative event. Correct: Choose "скандал" for disgraceful situations. Explanation: "Сенсация" implies excitement without inherent negativity, leading to miscommunication in serious contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "скандал" often reflects societal values around honor and reputation, especially in historical contexts like the Soviet era, where public scandals could lead to severe consequences. It may carry connotations of dramatic interpersonal conflicts, as seen in Russian literature (e.g., in works by Dostoevsky), emphasizing emotional intensity over mere factual reporting.

Related Concepts:

• коррупция (corruption)
• сенсация (sensation)
• конфликт (conflict)