Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'unselfish'

English Word: unselfish

Key Russian Translations:

• бескорыстный [bʲɪskɐˈrɨstnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• неэгоистичный [nʲɪ‿ɪɡoˈɪstʲɪtɕnɨj] - [Informal, Less common, Used in everyday conversations]

Frequency: Medium (This word is encountered in literature, discussions on ethics, and formal writing, but not in casual daily speech.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and adjective inflections, which can be challenging for learners beyond basic levels.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бескорыстный: [bʲɪskɐˈrɨstnɨj]

неэгоистичный: [nʲɪ‿ɪɡoˈɪstʲɪtɕnɨj]

Note on бескорыстный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("rɨst"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Not selfish; generous and altruistic

Translation(s) & Context:

• бескорыстный - Typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe actions or people motivated by selflessness, such as in ethical or philosophical discussions.
• неэгоистичный - Applied in informal settings, like everyday conversations about personal relationships, but less precise than бескорыстный.

Usage Examples:

• Его бескорыстные действия во время кризиса спасли множество жизней.

  His unselfish actions during the crisis saved many lives. (This example shows the word in a formal, heroic context.)

• Она всегда проявляет бескорыстность, помогая друзьям без ожидания награды.

  She always shows unselfishness, helping friends without expecting any reward. (Illustrates use in personal relationships with a focus on moral character.)

• В этой книге автор подчеркивает, насколько неэгоистичны были поступки героя.

  In this book, the author emphasizes how unselfish the hero's actions were. (Demonstrates informal usage in literary analysis.)

• Бескорыстный подход к работе делает его ценным сотрудником.

  An unselfish approach to work makes him a valuable employee. (Shows application in professional settings.)

• Неэгоистичные люди часто игнорируют свои нужды ради других.

  Unselfish people often ignore their own needs for the sake of others. (Highlights everyday informal usage with a psychological angle.)

Selfless in a broader sense; not seeking personal gain

Translation(s) & Context:

• бескорыстный - Used when emphasizing lack of self-interest in charitable or volunteer work.

Usage Examples:

• Бескорыстный волонтер потратил годы на помощь обездоленным.

  The unselfish volunteer spent years helping the disadvantaged. (Context: Social activism.)

• Ее бескорыстность в браке стала примером для подражания.

  Her unselfishness in marriage became an example to follow. (Context: Family dynamics.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. "Бескорыстный" follows standard first-declension adjective patterns, while "неэгоистичный" is similar but less common. Adjectives in Russian agree with the nouns they modify.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward once basic Russian declension is learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • альтруистический (more formal, emphasizing altruism in a psychological sense; often used in academic contexts)
  • самоотверженный (implies self-sacrifice, slightly more intense than бескорыстный)
• Antonyms:
  • эгоистичный (directly opposite, meaning selfish)
  • корыстный (implies greed or self-interest for personal gain)

Related Phrases:

• бескорыстная помощь - Selfless help (Used in contexts of charity or volunteering, emphasizing aid without expectation of return.)
• неэгоистичный поступок - Unselfish act (Common in everyday language for describing kind behaviors in personal interactions.)
• бескорыстный дар - Selfless gift (Refers to giving without strings attached, often in cultural or familial settings.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "бескорыстный" is the most precise translation for "unselfish" in formal contexts, aligning closely with English connotations of altruism. Choose "неэгоистичный" for informal speech to avoid sounding overly literary. Be mindful of adjective agreement: always inflect based on the noun's gender, number, and case. For example, use "бескорыстная" with feminine nouns. This word often appears in ethical discussions, so it's ideal for advanced learners exploring Russian literature or philosophy.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "бескорыстный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "бескорыстный женщина" instead of "бескорыстная женщина".
  Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "Его бескорыстная помощь" (His selfless help). Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun they describe, unlike in English where no change is needed.
• Mistake: Confusing with "эгоистичный" due to similarity in sound.
  Correct: Use "бескорыстный" for positive traits; "эгоистичный" is its antonym. Explanation: Beginners often mix up roots, so focus on context to differentiate.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "бескорыстный" are often linked to themes in literature, such as in the works of Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where selflessness is portrayed as a moral ideal. This reflects a historical emphasis on communal values in Russian society, stemming from Orthodox Christian influences and collectivist traditions, which may make the concept more nuanced than in individualistic Western cultures.

Related Concepts:

• альтруизм
• самоотверженность
• доброта