Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vandal'

English Word: vandal

Key Russian Translations:

• вандал [vɐnˈdaɫ] - [Neutral; commonly used in both formal and informal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in discussions of property damage, crime, or social issues, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; as a borrowed word from English, it is straightforward for learners with basic vocabulary, but requires understanding of noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вандал: [vɐnˈdaɫ]

Note on вандал: The stress falls on the second syllable ("daɫ"), which is common in Russian borrowed words. Be mindful of the soft "л" sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person who deliberately destroys or damages property, often for no apparent reason.

Translation(s) & Context:

• вандал - Used in contexts involving vandalism, such as urban graffiti or historical preservation; applicable in neutral, formal, or informal settings, e.g., in news reports or everyday complaints.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Вандал разрисовал исторический памятник в центре города.

  English translation: The vandal covered the historical monument in the city center with graffiti.

• Русский пример: Полиция поймала вандала, который ломал уличные фонари.

  English translation: The police caught the vandal who was breaking street lamps.

• Русский пример: Вандалы часто действуют под покровом ночи, чтобы избежать наказания.

  English translation: Vandals often act under the cover of night to avoid punishment.

• Русский пример: Школа пострадала от вандала, который разбил окна.

  English translation: The school suffered from a vandal who broke the windows.

• Русский пример: Вандал оставил следы разрушения в парке, но был быстро идентифицирован.

  English translation: The vandal left traces of destruction in the park but was quickly identified.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"вандал" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but may vary slightly due to its borrowed nature. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively easy for learners, but always pay attention to case endings in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • хулиган (hooligan; implies more rowdy or mischievous behavior, often in a social context)
  • деструктор (destructor; a more formal or technical term, used in legal or psychological discussions)
• Antonyms:
  • защитник (defender; refers to someone who protects property or values)
  • хранитель (guardian; emphasizes preservation and care)

Related Phrases:

• Акт вандализма - An act of vandalism; used in legal or news contexts to describe specific incidents.
• Вандализм в общественных местах - Vandalism in public places; common in discussions about urban maintenance and community issues.
• Борьба с вандалами - Fight against vandals; refers to efforts to prevent or punish such behavior, often in social campaigns.

Usage Notes:

"Вандал" directly corresponds to the English "vandal" as a borrowed word, making it a precise translation for contexts involving deliberate destruction. It is neutral in tone and can be used across various registers, but avoid it in highly formal academic writing where "деструктор" might be preferred for precision. When choosing between translations, opt for "вандал" in everyday or journalistic contexts. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on the sentence structure, as Russian requires case agreement (e.g., "вандала" in accusative for direct objects).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "вандал" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел вандал" instead of "Я видел вандала" (in accusative case).

  Correct: Я видел вандала. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; here, "вандала" is the accusative form after the verb "видел".

• Error: Confusing it with "ванна" (bathtub), which sounds similar but has no relation.

  Correct: Always double-check pronunciation and context to avoid homophone errors; "вандал" relates to destruction, not household items.

Cultural Notes:

The term "вандал" originates from the historical Vandals, a Germanic tribe known for their sack of Rome in 455 AD, which symbolized barbaric destruction. In modern Russian culture, it carries a similar connotation, often evoking discussions on youth delinquency, urban decay, or the loss of cultural heritage, as seen in media coverage of graffiti in cities like Moscow.

Related Concepts:

• граффити (graffiti)
• хулиганство (hooliganism)
• разрушение (destruction)