Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'subsistence'

English Word: subsistence

Key Russian Translations:

• существование [suʂʲiʃʲstvəˈvanʲje] - [Formal]
• средства к существованию [sreːdstva k suʂʲiʃʲstvəˈvanʲju] - [Formal, Economic context]

Frequency: Medium - This term appears in discussions of philosophy, economics, and survival, but is not everyday vocabulary.

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Requires understanding of abstract concepts; for "существование," it's B2, while "средства к существованию" may lean towards B2-C1 due to economic nuances.

Pronunciation (Russian):

существование: [suʂʲiʃʲstvəˈvanʲje]

средства к существованию: [sreːdstva k suʂʲiʃʲstvəˈvanʲju]

Note on существование: The stress falls on the fourth syllable; be mindful of the soft sign (ʲ) which affects pronunciation, making it softer and more palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The state of existing or maintaining oneself at a basic level (e.g., survival or livelihood).

Translation(s) & Context:

• существование - Used in philosophical or general contexts to denote mere existence or survival, such as in discussions of human rights.
• средства к существованию - Applied in economic or practical scenarios, referring to means of support or basic necessities.

Usage Examples:

• В условиях кризиса обеспечение существования становится приоритетом.

  In times of crisis, ensuring subsistence becomes a priority.

• Его работа barely покрывает средства к существованию семьи.

  His job barely covers the means of subsistence for his family.

• Философы часто размышляют о смысле человеческого существования.

  Philosophers often ponder the meaning of human subsistence.

• Правительство предоставляет субсидии для обеспечения средств к существованию малоимущим.

  The government provides subsidies to ensure the means of subsistence for the underprivileged.

• В дикой природе животные борются за свое существование каждый день.

  In the wild, animals struggle for their subsistence every day.

2. In economic contexts, referring to a minimal level of income or resources.

Translation(s) & Context:

• средства к существованию - Common in financial discussions, emphasizing basic survival needs.

Usage Examples:

• Минимальная зарплата рассчитана на покрытие средств к существованию.

  The minimum wage is calculated to cover subsistence needs.

• Без средств к существованию многие семьи сталкиваются с голодом.

  Without means of subsistence, many families face hunger.

• Программа помощи предоставляет средства к существованию беженцам.

  The aid program provides subsistence means to refugees.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Существование" is a neuter noun in Russian, following the standard declension pattern for nouns ending in -ие. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

"Средства к существованию" is a phrase where "средства" is a plural noun (neuter, from "средство") and inflects accordingly, but as a fixed phrase, it often remains stable in context. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • выживание (more survival-oriented, with a connotation of struggle)
  • прожиточный минимум (specifically for economic subsistence)
• Antonyms:
  • гибель (perishment or destruction)
  • роскошь (luxury, implying abundance)

Related Phrases:

• Средства к существованию - Basic necessities for survival; often used in welfare contexts.
• Обеспечение существования - Provision of subsistence; refers to support systems like aid programs.
• Борьба за существование - Struggle for existence; a phrase from Darwinian theory, implying survival of the fittest.

Usage Notes:

"Существование" directly translates to the abstract concept of subsistence in English, making it suitable for philosophical or existential discussions, while "средства к существованию" is more concrete and economic. Use "существование" in formal writing or when emphasizing mere survival. Be cautious with context: in Russian, these terms can imply a minimalist lifestyle, unlike English where "subsistence" might include farming or self-sufficiency. For learners, choose based on whether the focus is on existence (существование) or resources (средства к существованию).

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing "существование" with "существующий" (existing as an adjective). Correct: Use "существование" as a noun; e.g., Incorrect: "Он существующий." Correct: "Он борется за существование." Explanation: "Существующий" is an adjective, not a noun form.
• Mistake: Overusing in informal speech. Correct: Reserve for formal contexts; e.g., Incorrect: Everyday casual talk. Explanation: In Russian, these terms sound overly formal in daily conversation, potentially making speech sound stilted.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "существование" often carries a philosophical weight, influenced by thinkers like Dostoevsky, who explored themes of human existence and survival. This reflects Russia's historical context of hardship, such as during wars or economic crises, where subsistence is a recurring motif in literature and society.

Related Concepts:

• выживание
• прожиточный минимум
• жизнеобеспечение