Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'shame'

English Word: shame

Key Russian Translations:

• стыд (/stɨd/) - [Formal, Noun; Used in emotional or moral contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in literature, everyday conversations, and media, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary like "hello").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should grasp its basic usage, but mastering inflections may require familiarity with Russian noun declensions).

Pronunciation (Russian):

стыд: /stɨd/ (The 'ы' sound is a central vowel, similar to the 'i' in 'bit' but more centralized; stress is on the first syllable).

Note on стыд: Be cautious with the soft sign (ь) in related words; it can affect pronunciation subtly. For non-native speakers, the 'ы' vowel is a common challenge.

Audio: [Here, insert an audio player or link, e.g., for pronunciation of 'стыд'].

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A painful feeling of humiliation or embarrassment due to one's actions or circumstances.

Translation(s) & Context:

• стыд - Used in formal or introspective contexts, such as personal reflections or moral discussions (e.g., in literature or psychology).

Usage Examples:

• Он почувствовал стыд за свои действия. (He felt shame for his actions.)

  Translation: He felt shame for his actions. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, highlighting personal responsibility.)

• Стыд не позволил ей признаться в ошибке. (Shame prevented her from admitting the mistake.)

  Translation: Shame prevented her from admitting the mistake. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a causal structure, common in narrative contexts.)

• В культуре стыд часто связан с социальными нормами. (In culture, shame is often linked to social norms.)

  Translation: In culture, shame is often linked to social norms. (This usage illustrates the word in a broader, abstract discussion, varying grammatical roles.)

• Её лицо покрылось румянцем стыда. (Her face flushed with shame.)

  Translation: Her face flushed with shame. (This shows idiomatic expression in descriptive writing.)

• Испытывать стыд полезно для личностного роста. (Experiencing shame can be useful for personal growth.)

  Translation: Experiencing shame can be useful for personal growth. (This example places the word in a positive psychological context, demonstrating versatility.)

Meaning 2: Something that brings disgrace or is regrettable (e.g., as in "a shame" meaning a pity).

Translation(s) & Context:

• стыд (less common in this sense) or жаль (more idiomatic for pity) - Used in expressions of regret, often in informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• Какой стыд, что мероприятие отменили! (What a shame that the event was canceled!)

  Translation: What a shame that the event was canceled! (This adapts to exclamatory sentences for expressing disappointment.)

• Это был стыд для всей команды. (This was a shame for the whole team.)

  Translation: This was a shame for the whole team. (Illustrates use in group contexts, with potential for inflection.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Стыд" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard third declension pattern for inanimate nouns. It has regular inflections based on case and number, with no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: As a singular-concept noun, plural forms are less common and may not apply in all contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: позор (more intense, implying public disgrace; often used in formal or historical contexts), смущение (milder, for temporary embarrassment).
• Antonyms: гордость (pride; used to contrast positive self-regard), честь (honor; highlights moral integrity).

Related Phrases:

• испытывать стыд (to feel shame) - A common phrase for expressing internal emotional conflict.
• стыд и позор (shame and disgrace) - Used idiomatically to emphasize severe embarrassment or moral failure; implies strong cultural judgment.
• терпеть стыд (to endure shame) - Often in narratives about overcoming humiliation.

Usage Notes:

"Стыд" directly corresponds to the English "shame" in emotional contexts but carries a stronger connotation of moral or social judgment in Russian culture. It is typically used in formal or reflective speech; for informal settings, alternatives like "смущение" might be more appropriate. When choosing between translations, opt for "стыд" in serious discussions and be mindful of case inflections to match sentence structure. For example, in prepositional phrases, it changes to "стыде" to indicate location or state.

• Grammar tip: Always decline according to the governing preposition (e.g., "о стыде" for "about shame").
• Context guidance: In modern Russian, it's less common in casual conversations compared to English, where "shame" can be lighthearted.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "стыд" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я думаю о стыд" instead of "Я думаю о стыде".
  Correct: "Я думаю о стыде" (I think about shame). Explanation: Russian requires noun agreement with prepositions, so learners must memorize declensions to avoid grammatical errors.
• Error: Confusing "стыд" with "позор" in mild contexts, leading to overstated emotion.
  Correct: Use "стыд" for personal feelings and "позор" for public scandals. Explanation: Overgeneralizing can make speech sound dramatic or inappropriate.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "стыд" is deeply tied to concepts of collective honor and social norms, often influenced by historical events like the Soviet era, where public shaming was a tool for social control. This can make it a more internalized emotion compared to English usage, reflecting values of community and personal integrity rather than individual privacy.

Related Concepts:

• совесть (conscience)
• честь (honor)
• вина (guilt)