Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vandalism'

English Word: vandalism

Key Russian Translations:

• вандализм [vandaˈlizm] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This term is moderately common in Russian media, legal contexts, and discussions about public order, but not as everyday as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners at this level should recognize it as a borrowed word, but mastering its nuances and declensions requires familiarity with Russian noun patterns.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вандализм: [vandaˈlizm]

Note on вандализм: The stress falls on the second syllable ("da"). Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) in the ending, which affects pronunciation subtly in connected speech. Pronunciation may vary slightly by dialect, but this IPA reflects standard Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The act of deliberately destroying, damaging, or defacing public or private property.

Translation(s) & Context:

• вандализм - Used in formal contexts such as legal documents, news reports, or educational discussions to describe willful destruction, often implying a criminal act.

Usage Examples:

• В городе участились случаи вандализма: подростки разбивают окна в автобусах и рисуют граффити на стенах.

  In the city, cases of vandalism have increased: teenagers are breaking bus windows and drawing graffiti on walls.

• Вандализм в музее привел к серьезным повреждениям экспонатов, что вызвало общественный резонанс.

  Vandalism in the museum led to serious damage to exhibits, sparking public outrage.

• Чтобы предотвратить вандализм в парке, власти установили камеры видеонаблюдения и ввели штрафы.

  To prevent vandalism in the park, authorities installed surveillance cameras and imposed fines.

• Акт вандализма на историческом памятнике был осужден как нападение на культурное наследие.

  The act of vandalism on a historical monument was condemned as an attack on cultural heritage.

• Вандализм в интернете, такой как хакерские атаки, может привести к потере данных и финансовым убыткам.

  Online vandalism, such as hacker attacks, can lead to data loss and financial damages.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Вандализм" is a masculine noun of the second declension, borrowed from English via French. It follows standard patterns for nouns ending in -изм, which are often indeclinable or have limited changes. However, it can inflect in certain cases.

Note: While "вандализм" is often used in its base form, the plural forms are irregular and not frequently used. It remains unchanged in many compound phrases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • хулиганство (hooliganism; implies rowdy behavior, often less formal than вандализм)
  • разрушение (destruction; broader term for any form of breaking or demolishing)
  • вандальство (a less common variant, similar to вандализм but with a slightly archaic connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • защита (protection; refers to safeguarding property or assets)
  • сохранение (preservation; especially in cultural or historical contexts)

Related Phrases:

• Акт вандализма - An act of vandalism; used in legal or news contexts to describe a specific incident.
• Предотвращение вандализма - Prevention of vandalism; common in discussions about public safety.
• Вандализм в общественных местах - Vandalism in public places; highlights urban issues.

Usage Notes:

"Вандализм" directly corresponds to the English "vandalism" as a borrowed term, making it straightforward for learners. It is primarily used in formal settings like law enforcement, journalism, or academia. Be cautious with context: in everyday Russian, more colloquial alternatives like "хулиганство" might be preferred. When choosing between translations, opt for "вандализм" in written or official English-Russian contexts to maintain precision. Grammatically, it functions as a countable noun and requires appropriate case agreement in sentences.

• Always pair it with verbs like "совершить" (to commit) or "предотвратить" (to prevent) for natural flow.
• In informal speech, Russians might use it ironically or humorously, so tone matters.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "вандализм" with "вандалия" (a non-existent word). Correct: Use "вандализм" as the standard term. Explanation: Learners might misspell due to English influence; always double-check spelling in Russian texts.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying "вандализм" in genitive as "вандализм" instead of "вандализма". Correct: "Это случай вандализма" (This is a case of vandalism). Explanation: Russian requires case changes, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Using it interchangeably with "хулиганство" without nuance. Correct: "Вандализм" implies deliberate destruction, while "хулиганство" suggests rowdy behavior. Explanation: Overgeneralization can dilute meaning; context is key for accurate usage.

Cultural Notes:

The term "вандализм" in Russian often evokes historical references to the Vandals, an ancient Germanic tribe known for sacking Rome in 455 AD. In modern Russian culture, it is frequently discussed in the context of urban decay, public art controversies (e.g., graffiti), and social issues like youth delinquency. This word highlights Russia's emphasis on preserving cultural heritage, as seen in laws protecting historical sites from such acts.

Related Concepts:

• хулиганство
• граффити
• разрушение
• сохранение памятников