Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'treason'

English Word: treason

Key Russian Translations:

• измена [ɪzˈmʲenə] - [Formal, Legal contexts, such as in political or historical discussions]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in formal, legal, or historical texts but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and formal vocabulary, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

измена: [ɪzˈmʲenə]

Note on измена: The stress falls on the second syllable ('mʲenə'). Be mindful of the palatalized 'mʲ' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The crime of betraying one's country or a cause, often involving acts against the state.

Translation(s) & Context:

• измена - Used in formal legal, political, or historical contexts to denote betrayal of the state or loyalty.

Usage Examples:

• Он был осуждён за государственную измену во время войны. (On byl osuzhdyon za gosudarstvennuyu izmenu vo vremya voyny.)

  He was convicted of treason during the war. (This example shows the word in a legal and historical context, emphasizing state betrayal.)

• Измена родине считается одним из самых серьёзных преступлений. (Izmenа rodine schitaetsya odnim iz samykh seryoznykh prestupleniy.)

  Treason against the homeland is considered one of the most serious crimes. (Here, it illustrates the word in a broader ethical or patriotic context.)

• В истории России случаи измены часто связаны с политическими интригами. (V istorii Rossii sluchai izmeny chasto svyazany s politicheskimi intrigami.)

  In Russian history, cases of treason are often linked to political intrigues. (This demonstrates usage in historical narratives, highlighting cultural connotations.)

• Её действия были расценены как измена друзьям и семье. (Eyey deystviya byli rascheneny kak izmenа druz'yam i sem'ye.)

  Her actions were seen as treason against friends and family. (This example extends the concept to personal betrayals, showing flexibility in non-state contexts.)

• Измена в бизнесе может привести к потере доверия. (Izmenа v biznese mozhet privesti k potere doveriya.)

  Treason in business can lead to a loss of trust. (Illustrates metaphorical use in professional settings, adapting the word to modern contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Измена" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns, which are regular but require attention to case endings. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • предательство (predatel'stvo) - More general term for betrayal, often used in personal contexts.
  • измена родине (izmenа rodine) - Specifically for national betrayal, with a patriotic nuance.
• Antonyms:
  • лояльность (loyal'nost') - Loyalty, emphasizing faithfulness to a cause or country.
  • верность (vernоst') - Fidelity, often in personal or relational contexts.

Related Phrases:

• государственная измена (gosudarstvennaya izmenа) - High treason; Refers to betrayal against the state, commonly used in legal documents.
• измена присяге (izmenа prisyage) - Breach of oath; Indicates breaking a sworn loyalty, often in military or official settings.
• политическая измена (politicheskaya izmenа) - Political treason; Used for betrayals in governmental or ideological contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Измена" directly corresponds to "treason" in English but is typically reserved for formal, legal, or historical contexts in Russian. It carries a strong negative connotation and is not used lightly in everyday speech. When choosing between translations like "измена" and "предательство," opt for "измена" when the betrayal involves state or national loyalty, as it aligns more closely with legal definitions. Be cautious of grammatical agreement: as a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with other words in the sentence. For example, in phrases involving actions, pair it with verbs that reflect its feminine form.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "измена" with "предательство": English learners often use "предательство" (betrayal) interchangeably, but it's broader. Error: "Он сделал предательство стране" (incorrect). Correct: "Он сделал измену стране" or more accurately, "Он совершил измену родине." Explanation: "Предательство" is for general betrayal, while "измена" specifies treasonous acts against the state.
• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "об измен" instead of "об измене" in prepositional case. Error: "Мы говорим об измен." Correct: "Мы говорим об измене." Explanation: Proper declension ensures grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "измена" is deeply tied to historical events, such as the Soviet-era treason trials during Stalin's purges, where it was used to denote acts against the state. This word evokes strong patriotic sentiments and is often associated with themes of loyalty in Russian literature, like in works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, reflecting the cultural emphasis on national unity and the severe consequences of disloyalty.

Related Concepts:

• шпионаж (shpionazh)
• саботаж (sabotazh)
• предательство (predatel'stvo)