Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'treachery'

English Word: treachery

Key Russian Translations:

• Предательство (/prʲɪdʲɪˈrastvə/) - [Formal, Singular]
• Измена (/ɪzˈmʲɛnə/) - [Formal, can be Singular or Plural depending on context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in literature, historical discussions, and everyday conversations about betrayal, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary).

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; requires understanding of noun declensions and contextual nuances. For 'Предательство', it's B1; for 'Измена', it's B2 due to potential overlaps with legal contexts).

Pronunciation (Russian):

Предательство: /prʲɪdʲɪˈrastvə/

Измена: /ɪzˈmʲɛnə/

Note on Предательство: The stress is on the third syllable ('ras'), and the 'дʲ' sound is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'd' as in 'dew'.

Note on Измена: The 'з' is voiced, similar to 'z' in 'zoo', and the word ends with a soft vowel sound. Be mindful of the stress on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The act of betraying someone's trust or loyalty (e.g., in personal relationships or politics).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предательство - Used in formal contexts like historical events or legal discussions, implying a deliberate and severe breach of trust.
• Измена - Often applied in contexts involving infidelity or treason, such as in marital or national affairs.

Usage Examples:

• Его предательство шокировало всю семью. (His treachery shocked the entire family.)

  Translation: His treachery shocked the entire family. (This example shows the word in a familial context, highlighting emotional betrayal.)

• В истории полно примеров измены со стороны союзников. (History is full of examples of treachery from allies.)

  Translation: History is full of examples of treachery from allies. (Illustrates use in historical or political narratives.)

• Предательство друга — это непростительный грех. (Treachery from a friend is an unforgivable sin.)

  Translation: Treachery from a friend is an unforgivable sin. (Demonstrates the word in interpersonal relationships with moral undertones.)

• Измена в политике часто приводит к падению правительств. (Treachery in politics often leads to the fall of governments.)

  Translation: Treachery in politics often leads to the fall of governments. (Shows application in broader societal or governmental contexts.)

• Она не ожидала такого предательства от коллеги. (She didn't expect such treachery from her colleague.)

  Translation: She didn't expect such treachery from her colleague. (This highlights surprise and professional betrayal.)

2. Deceitful behavior or actions intended to harm (e.g., in strategy or warfare).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предательство - Preferred in contexts involving strategic deception, such as in military or espionage scenarios.
• Измена - Used when the deceit involves breaking an oath or loyalty, like in legal or ethical breaches.

Usage Examples:

• Во время войны предательство может стоить тысяч жизней. (In wartime, treachery can cost thousands of lives.)

  Translation: In wartime, treachery can cost thousands of lives. (Example in a military context, emphasizing consequences.)

• Его измена раскрыла шпионскую сеть. (His treachery uncovered the spy network.)

  Translation: His treachery uncovered the spy network. (Illustrates espionage and unintended outcomes.)

• Предательство в бизнесе часто маскируется под дружбу. (Treachery in business is often disguised as friendship.)

  Translation: Treachery in business is often disguised as friendship. (Shows deceptive tactics in professional settings.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Предательство' and 'Измена' are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. They are invariable in gender but change based on case and number.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, but 'Измена' can sometimes be used in plural to denote multiple instances of betrayal, while 'Предательство' is more commonly singular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Предательство - Коварство (subtle deceit, often in personal contexts)
  • Измена - Обман (general deception, but less severe than outright betrayal)
• Antonyms:
  • Верность (loyalty, implying steadfastness)
  • Честность (honesty, contrasting with deceitful behavior)

Related Phrases:

• Акт предательства (Act of treachery) - Refers to a specific instance of betrayal, often in dramatic contexts.
• Измена родине (Treachery to the homeland) - Used for treason against one's country, with strong patriotic connotations.
• Предательство доверия (Betrayal of trust) - Highlights the breaking of personal or professional faith.

Usage Notes:

Treachery translates most directly to 'Предательство' in formal Russian contexts, emphasizing intentional betrayal, while 'Измена' is better for scenarios involving infidelity or state treason. English speakers should note that Russian nouns like these decline based on case, so always adjust for grammar (e.g., use genitive after prepositions like 'of'). In everyday speech, 'Предательство' is more neutral, but 'Измена' carries a legal tone. Choose based on context: use 'Предательство' for emotional betrayals and 'Измена' for institutional ones.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'Предательство' with 'Обман': English learners often misuse 'Обман' (deception) for 'Предательство', thinking they mean the same. Error: Saying "Он сделал обман" instead of "Он совершил предательство". Correct: "Он совершил предательство" (He committed treachery), as 'Обман' implies simple lying without betrayal of trust.

• Forgetting declensions: A common mistake is using the nominative form in all cases, e.g., saying "Измена друга" instead of the correct genitive "Измены друга". Explanation: In Russian, the genitive is required after certain prepositions or in possessive structures, so always check the case for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'Предательство' and 'Измена' often evoke historical events, such as betrayals during wars or the Soviet era, symbolizing deep moral failings. For instance, 'Измена' is frequently associated with themes in Russian literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky), where treachery reflects internal conflict and societal instability, helping users understand the emotional weight these words carry beyond simple translation.

Related Concepts:

• Ложь (lie)
• Коварство (deviousness)
• Вероломство (perfidy)