Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'valour'

English Word: valour

Key Russian Translations:

• храбрость [xrɐˈbrosʲtʲ] - [Formal, often used in literary or historical contexts]
• мужество [muˈʐɛstvə] - [Formal, emphasizes moral or physical bravery, sometimes in everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, historical texts, and formal discussions, but not in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and abstract concepts, suitable for learners with basic vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

храбрость: [xrɐˈbrosʲtʲ]

Note on храбрость: The initial 'х' is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'. Stress is on the second syllable, which may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

мужество: [muˈʐɛstvə]

Note on мужество: The 'ж' is a voiced palatal fricative, like the 's' in 'measure'. Stress on the second syllable; pronunciation can soften in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Courage or bravery, especially in the face of danger or adversity

Translation(s) & Context:

• храбрость - Used in formal or heroic contexts, such as describing soldiers or historical figures (e.g., in literature or speeches).
• мужество - Applied to personal or moral bravery, often in everyday situations like overcoming challenges.

Usage Examples:

• Его храбрость в бою спасла всю роту. (His valour in battle saved the entire unit.)

  Translation: His valour in battle saved the entire unit. (This example shows храбрость in a military context.)

• Мужество этой женщины вдохновило всех вокруг. (The valour of this woman inspired everyone around.)

  Translation: The valour of this woman inspired everyone around. (Illustrates мужество in a personal, inspirational setting.)

• В истории России храбрость солдат всегда была легендарной. (In Russian history, the valour of soldiers has always been legendary.)

  Translation: In Russian history, the valour of soldiers has always been legendary. (Demonstrates храбрость in a historical narrative.)

• Его мужество в борьбе с болезнью заслуживает уважения. (His valour in fighting illness deserves respect.)

  Translation: His valour in fighting illness deserves respect. (Shows мужество in a non-combat, everyday challenge.)

• Храбрость и мужество — ключевые качества героя. (Valour is a key quality of a hero.)

  Translation: Valour is a key quality of a hero. (Compares both terms in a general context.)

Secondary Meaning: Noble or heroic behavior, often with an ethical dimension

Translation(s) & Context:

• храбрость - In ethical or philosophical discussions, emphasizing self-sacrifice.
• мужество - In contexts involving resilience, like in sports or personal development.

Usage Examples:

• Храбрость в защите справедливости — это истинное мужество. (Valour in defending justice is true bravery.)

  Translation: Valour in defending justice is true bravery. (Links both translations in an ethical scenario.)

• Его мужество проявилось в повседневных делах. (His valour was evident in everyday affairs.)

  Translation: His valour was evident in everyday affairs. (Highlights мужество in routine life.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "храбрость" and "мужество" are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ость. They are not irregular but do change based on case and number.

Note: "мужество" is often used in singular form and does not frequently pluralize, as it refers to an abstract quality.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • смелость (smelost') - Similar to valour but more general; used for everyday bravery.
  • отвага (otvaga) - Emphasizes boldness, often in adventurous contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • трусость (trusost') - Cowardice, directly opposite to valour.
  • страх (strakh) - Fear, a common antonym in emotional contexts.

Related Phrases:

• С проявлением храбрости (s proyavleniem hrabrosti) - With a display of valour; used in narratives of heroism.
• Дух мужества (dukh muzhestva) - Spirit of valour; refers to inspirational or motivational contexts.
• Героическое мужество (geroicheskoye muzhestvo) - Heroic valour; often in historical or literary phrases, emphasizing noble bravery.

Usage Notes:

"Храбрость" and "мужество" both translate to "valour" but differ subtly: "храбрость" is more about physical or battlefield courage, while "мужество" highlights moral or inner strength. In formal English contexts, choose "храбрость" for military scenarios and "мужество" for personal resilience. Be mindful of Russian's grammatical gender and case changes when using these words in sentences. For example, they must agree with adjectives and verbs in gender and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "храбрость" interchangeably with "мужество" without considering context. For instance, learners might say "Его мужество в бою" when "храбрость" is more appropriate for combat.

  Correct: "Его храбрость в бою" (His valour in battle). Explanation: "Мужество" implies broader moral fortitude, not specifically physical bravery.

• Error: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "без храбрость" instead of "без храбрости" in genitive case.

  Correct: "без храбрости" (without valour). Explanation: Russian nouns must change form based on case, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "храбрость" and "мужество" are deeply tied to historical narratives, such as those from World War II or the feats of figures like Alexander Nevsky. They often carry connotations of national pride and stoicism, reflecting Russia's emphasis on endurance and heroism in literature and folklore.

Related Concepts:

• честь (chest') - Honor
• героизм (geroizm) - Heroism
• стойкость (stoikost') - Resilience