Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sinecure'

English Word: sinecure

Key Russian Translations:

• сиекура [sʲɪɪ̯kʊrə] - [Formal, often used in historical or bureaucratic contexts]
• легкая должность [lʲeɡkəjə dɐlʲʒnəsʲtʲ] - [Informal, more descriptive in everyday language]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in modern Russian; it's more prevalent in formal, historical, or literary discussions.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1-C2, suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian vocabulary and grammar, as it involves nuanced bureaucratic concepts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сиекура: [sʲɪɪ̯kʊrə]

легкая должность: [lʲeɡkəjə dɐlʲʒnəsʲtʲ] (Note that "легкая" has a soft 'л' sound, and "должность" features a palatalized 'ж', which can be challenging for non-native speakers.)

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A position or job that requires little or no actual work but provides a salary or benefits.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сиекура - Used in formal or historical contexts, often referring to government or ecclesiastical roles with no real duties.
• легкая должность - Applied in informal settings, emphasizing the ease of the job without the specific historical connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Он получил сиекуру в министерстве, где ему не приходилось много работать.

  He got a sinecure in the ministry, where he didn't have to work much.

• Эта легкая должность в компании оказалась настоящей сиекурой для него.

  This easy position in the company turned out to be a real sinecure for him.

• В старые времена сиекура была распространена среди аристократии.

  In the old days, sinecures were common among the aristocracy.

• Её легкая должность в университете позволяет ей много путешествовать.

  Her easy position at the university allows her to travel a lot.

• Многие ищут сиекуру, чтобы обеспечить стабильный доход без усилий.

  Many people seek a sinecure to ensure a stable income without effort.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translation "сиекура" is a feminine noun (from Latin origin, borrowed into Russian). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table of its inflections:

For "легкая должность", "легкая" is an adjective that agrees with the noun "должность" (feminine, singular). It inflects as follows in its basic forms: Nominative singular - легкая; Genitive singular - лёгкой. The phrase as a whole does not have irregular inflections but must agree in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прибыльная должность (profitable position, often used interchangeably in casual contexts)
  • беззаботная работа (carefree job, emphasizing the lack of effort)
• Antonyms:
  • тяжёлая работа (heavy labor, implying strenuous effort)
  • ответственная должность (responsible position, requiring accountability)

Related Phrases:

• получить сиекуру - To obtain a sinecure (used when someone secures an easy job through connections).
• легкая должность в правительстве - An easy position in the government (common in discussions of bureaucracy).
• сиекура как доход - Sinecure as income (refers to it as a source of unearned money).

Usage Notes:

"Синеcure" directly corresponds to "сиекура" in Russian, but English speakers should note that this term is somewhat archaic and formal in Russian, often appearing in historical or literary texts rather than everyday conversation. When choosing between translations like "сиекура" and "легкая должность", opt for "сиекура" in contexts involving government or tradition, as it carries a more precise historical connotation. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: as a feminine noun, "сиекура" must align with adjectives and verbs accordingly. In informal speech, "легкая должность" is safer for broader audiences to avoid sounding overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "сиекура" without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "Я имею сиекура" instead of "Я имею сиекуру" (accusative case). Correct: "Я имею сиекуру." Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on case, so learners must identify the governing preposition or verb.
• Mistake: Confusing it with similar words like "сила" (strength), leading to mispronunciation. Correct pronunciation is [sʲɪɪ̯kʊrə]. Explanation: The initial "с" is soft, which is a common pitfall for English speakers unfamiliar with Russian phonetics.
• Mistake: Overusing "сиекура" in modern contexts; it might sound outdated. Correct approach: Use "легкая должность" for contemporary discussions. Explanation: This ensures natural language use and avoids anachronisms.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "sinecure" (сиекура) is often linked to historical practices in the tsarist era or Soviet bureaucracy, where certain positions provided income without real responsibilities. This reflects broader themes of nepotism and privilege in Russian history, helping to explain why the term carries a somewhat negative or satirical undertone in modern usage.

Related Concepts:

• бюрократия (bureaucracy)
• привилегия (privilege)
• доход без труда (income without labor)