Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tax'

English Word: tax

Key Russian Translations:

• налог /nɐˈlok/ - [Formal, Commonly used in financial and legal contexts]

Frequency: High (The term is frequently encountered in everyday discussions about finance, government, and economics in Russian-speaking contexts.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic vocabulary related to societal structures, but understanding nuances may require some familiarity with Russian grammar and word forms.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

налог: /nɐˈlok/

Note on налог: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈlok/), which is a common feature in Russian nouns. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A compulsory financial charge or contribution imposed by a government on individuals or entities to fund public services.

Translation(s) & Context:

• налог - Typically used in formal settings such as official documents, news reports, or conversations about fiscal policy; it covers various types of taxes like income tax or sales tax.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство увеличило налог на доходы физических лиц.

  The government increased the income tax for individuals.

• Мне нужно заплатить налог на имущество до конца месяца.

  I need to pay the property tax by the end of the month.

• Налог на добавленную стоимость включен в цену товара.

  The value-added tax is included in the price of the goods.

• Бизнесмены часто жалуются на высокий налог на прибыль.

  Business owners often complain about the high corporate tax.

• В России налог на автомобили рассчитывается на основе мощности двигателя.

  In Russia, the vehicle tax is calculated based on the engine's power.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"налог" is a masculine noun in the second declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its primary inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: подать (podat') - Often used interchangeably, but more archaic or specific to certain historical taxes; сбор (sbor) - Refers to a fee or levy, typically for services.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "налог" is a specific concept, but conceptually, words like освобождение (osvobozhdenie) meaning "exemption" could contrast in context.

Related Phrases:

• налоговый кодекс - The tax code; a set of laws governing taxation in Russia.
• уплата налогов - Payment of taxes; commonly used in financial discussions.
• налоговые льготы - Tax benefits or incentives; refers to reductions or exemptions for certain groups.

Usage Notes:

"налог" directly corresponds to the English "tax" in most formal contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian often requires specifying the type of tax (e.g., "income tax" as "налог на доходы"). It is primarily used in neutral or formal registers; avoid in casual conversation. When choosing between translations like "налог" and "сбор", opt for "налог" for government-mandated contributions. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence's case to ensure correct agreement with other elements.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "налог" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я плачу налог" in a context where the genitive is needed, like "Я плачу по налог" (incorrect).
  Correct: "Я плачу по налогу" (using dative for "on the tax"). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must identify the governing preposition or verb.
• Mistake: Confusing "налог" with "сбор", using "налог" for voluntary fees.
  Correct: Use "сбор" for fees; "налог" is for compulsory taxes. Explanation: This can lead to misunderstandings in legal or financial contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "налог" carries significant cultural and historical weight, stemming from the country's complex tax history under the Soviet era and post-Soviet reforms. Taxes are often a topic of public debate due to economic inequalities, and understanding them can provide insight into Russian society's emphasis on state control and social welfare systems.

Related Concepts:

• бюджет (budget)
• финансы (finances)
• экономика (economy)