Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ultimatum'

English Word: ultimatum

Key Russian Translations:

• ультиматум /ʊlʲˈtʲimətʊm/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Used primarily in formal or diplomatic contexts, but not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires familiarity with loanwords and formal vocabulary in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ультиматум: /ʊlʲˈtʲimətʊm/

Note on ультиматум: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tʲim"), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the palatalized "lʲ" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ультиматум - Used in formal contexts such as diplomacy, negotiations, or legal settings to denote a non-negotiable ultimatum.

Usage Examples:

• Правительство выдвинуло ультиматум повстанцам, требуя немедленного прекращения огня.

  The government issued an ultimatum to the rebels, demanding an immediate ceasefire.

• В переговорах он поставил ультиматум, угрожая разорвать сделку.

  In the negotiations, he set an ultimatum, threatening to break the deal.

• Международный суд вынес ультиматум странам, не соблюдающим экологические нормы.

  The international court delivered an ultimatum to countries not adhering to environmental standards.

• Она дала ультиматум коллеге, сказав, что это последний шанс на исправление ошибки.

  She gave her colleague an ultimatum, saying it was the last chance to correct the mistake.

• После нескольких предупреждений, компания предъявила ультиматум контрагентам о выплате долга.

  After several warnings, the company presented an ultimatum to the contractors regarding debt repayment.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ультиматум" is a masculine noun in the third declension group, borrowed from English/French via Latin. It follows standard Russian noun inflections but is relatively invariable in common usage due to its status as a foreign loanword. However, it can inflect for case and number as needed.

Note: The plural form is less common, as "ультиматум" typically refers to a single demand, but it can be used in contexts involving multiple ultimatums.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • требование (trebovaniye) - A general demand, often less final than an ultimatum.
  • просьба с угрозой (prosbá s ugrozóy) - A request with a threat, implying ultimatum-like pressure but less formal.
• Antonyms:
  • предложение (predlozheniye) - A proposal or offer, which is the opposite of a demand.
  • компромисс (kompromiss) - Compromise, representing negotiation rather than a final stance.

Related Phrases:

• Выдвинуть ультиматум - To issue an ultimatum; used in contexts of making a final demand.
• Предъявить ультиматум - To present an ultimatum; common in legal or diplomatic scenarios.
• Ультиматум с требованием - Ultimatum with a demand; emphasizes the conditional nature of the statement.

Usage Notes:

"Ультиматум" directly corresponds to the English "ultimatum" as a borrowed term, making it straightforward for English speakers. However, it is restricted to formal contexts like international relations or business negotiations. Avoid using it in casual conversation, where a softer phrase like "требование" might be more appropriate. When choosing between translations, opt for "ультиматум" if the situation involves a clear threat of consequences. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun and requires correct case agreement in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "ультиматум" with "требование" and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я сделал требование" (when meaning ultimatum). Correct: "Я выдвинул ультиматум" – This error stems from underestimating the formality; "требование" is more general and lacks the ultimatum's implied threat.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the wrong case. Incorrect: "О ультиматуме" (should be "Об ультиматуме" in prepositional case). Correct: Ensure proper declension based on sentence structure to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and language, "ультиматум" often carries connotations from historical diplomatic events, such as those in the Cold War era, where ultimatums were common in East-West relations. It symbolizes a break in negotiation and can evoke a sense of urgency or confrontation, reflecting Russia's emphasis on directness in formal communications.

Related Concepts:

• переговоры (negotiations)
• санкции (sanctions)
• угроза (threat)