Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spendthrift'

English Word: spendthrift

Key Russian Translations:

• расточитель [rəsˈtoʧʲɪtəlʲ] - [Formal, Literary]
• транжир [trənˈʐir] - [Informal, Colloquial]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in formal writing or literature.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it requires understanding of abstract personality traits and Russian noun inflections; for 'транжир', it may be slightly easier at B1 due to its informal nature.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

расточитель: [rəsˈtoʧʲɪtəlʲ]

транжир: [trənˈʐir]

Note on расточитель: The stress falls on the third syllable ('toʧʲ'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Note on транжир: The 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure', and should be pronounced softly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who spends money in an extravagant, reckless, or wasteful manner.

Translation(s) & Context:

• расточитель - Used in formal or literary contexts, such as describing characters in novels or economic discussions.
• транжир - Applied in informal, everyday situations, like casual conversations about personal finances.

Usage Examples:

• Его отец всегда был известен как расточитель, тратящий семейное состояние на ненужные покупки.

  His father was always known as a spendthrift, spending the family fortune on unnecessary purchases.

• Не будь транжиром; подумай о будущем, прежде чем тратить все деньги на развлечения.

  Don't be a spendthrift; think about the future before spending all your money on entertainment.

• В этом романе главный герой предстает как расточитель, чьи привычки приводят к финансовому краху.

  In this novel, the main character appears as a spendthrift whose habits lead to financial ruin.

• Моя сестра — настоящий транжир, она никогда не экономит на модной одежде.

  My sister is a real spendthrift; she never saves money on fashionable clothes.

• Из-за своей репутации расточителя он потерял доверие инвесторов.

  Because of his reputation as a spendthrift, he lost the trust of investors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'расточитель' and 'транжир' are masculine nouns. 'Расточитель' follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, while 'транжир' is less common and may not inflect as regularly in informal use. Below is a table for 'расточитель' inflections:

For 'транжир', it inflects similarly but is often used in fixed phrases without full inflection: e.g., Genitive: транжира. Note that these nouns do not change for gender but may require agreement in adjectives.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: транжир (more informal), расточительный человек (descriptive phrase) - 'транжир' implies a habitual behavior, while 'расточительный человек' is more neutral.
• Antonyms: скупец (miser) - Refers to someone who is excessively frugal.

Related Phrases:

• Быть расточителем - To be a spendthrift; often used to warn about wasteful habits in financial contexts.
• Транжир на деньги - A spendthrift with money; highlights specific extravagance in spending.
• Расточительский образ жизни - A spendthrift lifestyle; refers to a way of living that involves excessive expenditure.

Usage Notes:

'Расточитель' is a more formal equivalent to 'spendthrift' and is commonly found in literary or professional contexts, such as economics or psychology, whereas 'транжир' is better suited for casual conversations. English users should note that Russian often pairs these words with verbs like 'тратить' (to spend) for emphasis. When choosing between translations, opt for 'расточитель' in written or formal settings and 'транжир' in spoken language to match the appropriate register. Grammatically, ensure agreement with adjectives and cases, as Russian nouns inflect based on sentence role.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'расточитель' with 'скупец': English learners might mistakenly use 'скупец' (miser) thinking it means spendthrift, but it actually means the opposite. Incorrect: "Он скупец." (He is a spendthrift – wrong). Correct: "Он расточитель." Explanation: 'Скупец' implies stinginess, so always check the antonym before use.

• Forgetting noun inflections: Beginners often use the nominative form everywhere, e.g., saying "Я видел расточитель" instead of "Я видел расточителя" in accusative case. Correct usage: Adjust for case, as in "Я видел расточителя денег" (I saw the spendthrift of money).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a 'spendthrift' like 'расточитель' often appears in literature, such as in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where it symbolizes moral or financial downfall. It reflects historical values of frugality in Russian society, influenced by economic hardships, and is sometimes used humorously in modern media to critique consumerism.

Related Concepts:

• экономия (economy, saving money)
• богатство (wealth)
• скупость (stinginess)