Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'totalitarianism'

English Word: totalitarianism

Key Russian Translations:

• тоталитаризм (/tə.tɐ.lʲɪˈta.rʲɪ.zm/) - [Formal]

Frequency: Low - This term is primarily used in academic, political, or historical contexts rather than everyday conversation.

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced) - Requires familiarity with political terminology and abstract concepts in Russian; suitable for upper-intermediate to advanced learners.

Pronunciation (Russian):

тоталитаризм: /tə.tɐ.lʲɪˈta.rʲɪ.zm/

Note on тоталитаризм: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ta.rʲɪ.zm"). Pay attention to the palatalized 'л' (/lʲ/) and the rolled 'r' (/rʲ/), which are common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation can occur based on regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A political system where the state exercises total control over all aspects of public and private life.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тоталитаризм - Used in formal discussions of government structures, history, or philosophy, often in academic or journalistic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В советском союзе тоталитаризм был основной формой правления.

  In the Soviet Union, totalitarianism was the primary form of government.

• Тоталитаризм подавляет индивидуальные свободы ради коллективных целей.

  Totalitarianism suppresses individual freedoms for the sake of collective goals.

• История показывает, как тоталитаризм приводит к массовым репрессиям.

  History shows how totalitarianism leads to mass repressions.

• В современном мире тоталитаризм часто ассоциируется с авторитарными режимами.

  In the modern world, totalitarianism is often associated with authoritarian regimes.

• Критики тоталитаризма подчеркивают его негативное влияние на общество.

  Critics of totalitarianism emphasize its negative impact on society.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тоталитаризм" is a masculine noun in Russian, following the standard third-declension pattern for abstract nouns ending in -изм. It does not have significant irregularities but changes according to case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is uncommon as this concept is typically discussed in singular. It remains unchanged in most adjectival agreements.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • авторитаризм (authoritarianism) - Similar but implies less total control; often used interchangeably in casual discussions.
  • диктатура (dictatorship) - Emphasizes personal rule, with subtle differences in scale and ideology.
• Antonyms:
  • демократия (democracy) - Represents a system based on individual rights and elections.
  • либерализм (liberalism) - Focuses on freedom and limited government intervention.

Related Phrases:

• тоталитарный режим - A system of totalitarian rule; commonly used to describe oppressive governments.
• тоталитарная система - Totalitarian system; refers to the overall structure of control in a society.
• эра тоталитаризма - Era of totalitarianism; often used in historical contexts, such as referring to the Stalinist period.

Usage Notes:

"Тоталитаризм" directly corresponds to the English "totalitarianism" and is typically used in formal or academic settings. It carries a negative connotation, often linked to historical events like the Soviet era. Be mindful of context: in Russian, it's common to pair it with adjectives like "тоталитарный" for related descriptions. When choosing between synonyms like "авторитаризм," opt for "тоталитаризм" if the emphasis is on complete state control. Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun in some contexts but is standardly masculine.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "авторитаризм": Learners might use "авторитаризм" when "тоталитаризм" is more accurate for extreme control. Incorrect: "Этот авторитаризм подавляет все права." Correct: "Этот тоталитаризм подавляет все права." Explanation: "Авторитаризм" implies authority without total control, while "тоталитаризм" denotes absolute domination.

• Improper inflection: Forgetting case changes, e.g., using nominative in genitive contexts. Incorrect: "Изучение тоталитаризм" (should be "тоталитаризма"). Correct: "Изучение тоталитаризма." Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "тоталитаризм" is heavily associated with the Soviet Union's history, particularly under leaders like Stalin, where it involved widespread surveillance, purges, and propaganda. This term evokes strong emotions and is often discussed in the context of anti-totalitarian movements, reflecting Russia's complex 20th-century legacy and ongoing debates about democracy.

Related Concepts:

• диктатура
• авторитаризм
• репрессии