Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'stereotype'

English Word: stereotype

Key Russian Translations:

• стереотип [stʲɪrʲɪˈtʲip] - [Formal, Used in academic and social discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in media, literature, and everyday conversations about social issues, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Requires understanding of abstract concepts and cultural nuances; suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

стереотип: [stʲɪrʲɪˈtʲip]

Note on стереотип: The stress is on the third syllable ('тип'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'т' sound. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A fixed, oversimplified idea about a group or thing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• стереотип - Used in formal contexts like sociology, media, or casual discussions about cultural biases.

Usage Examples:

• Это распространенный стереотип о русских, что они все любят водку.

  This is a common stereotype about Russians that they all love vodka.

• В кино часто используют стереотипы для создания узнаваемых персонажей.

  In movies, stereotypes are often used to create recognizable characters.

• Мы должны бороться с гендерными стереотипами в обществе.

  We should fight against gender stereotypes in society.

• Стереотип о том, что все математики – социофобы, не всегда верен.

  The stereotype that all mathematicians are social phobics isn't always true.

• Ее книга разрушает старые стереотипы о роли женщин в истории.

  Her book breaks down old stereotypes about women's roles in history.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Стереотип" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian. It follows the standard third-declension pattern for many borrowed words. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and has regular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • предубеждение (prejudice) - Often implies a negative bias, similar to stereotype but with more emotional connotation.
  • клише (cliché) - Used for overused ideas in media or language, with a lighter tone.
• Antonyms:
  • оригинальность (originality) - Refers to uniqueness and avoidance of fixed ideas.
  • индивидуальность (individuality) - Emphasizes personal differences over generalizations.

Related Phrases:

• Разрушить стереотип - To break a stereotype; Used in contexts of challenging misconceptions.
• Поддерживать стереотип - To maintain a stereotype; Common in discussions about cultural perpetuation.
• Социальный стереотип - Social stereotype; Refers to group-based generalizations in society.

Usage Notes:

"Стереотип" directly corresponds to the English "stereotype" and is used in similar contexts, such as social commentary or psychology. However, in Russian, it often carries a more neutral or academic tone. Be mindful of the formal register; in informal speech, alternatives like "клише" might be preferred. When choosing between translations, use "стереотип" for broader, societal concepts. Always consider the grammatical case based on sentence structure, as Russian requires declension.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "стереотип" with "предубеждение": Learners might overuse "стереотип" when "предубеждение" is more appropriate for deeply negative biases. Incorrect: "Это предубеждение о русских." Correct: "Это стереотип о русских, но он может перерасти в предубеждение." Explanation: "Стереотип" is about fixed ideas, while "предубеждение" implies active judgment.

• Forgetting declension: English speakers often leave it in nominative form. Incorrect: "Я думаю о стереотип." Correct: "Я думаю о стереотипе." Explanation: In prepositional phrases, use the prepositional case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, stereotypes often relate to national identity, such as the global stereotype of Russians being stoic or fond of vodka. These can stem from historical events like the Soviet era, influencing media portrayals. Understanding these helps learners navigate conversations about Russian society without reinforcing biases.

Related Concepts:

• предрассудок (prejudice)
• дискриминация (discrimination)
• культурные нормы (cultural norms)