Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vengeance'

English Word: vengeance

Key Russian Translations:

• месть (/mʲesʲtʲ/) - [Formal, often used in literary or serious contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations appear regularly in literature, media, and discussions of justice, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level should understand basic noun forms and contexts, though mastering inflections may require practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

месть: /mʲesʲtʲ/ (The 'м' is palatalized, making it sound like 'm-yehs-t', with stress on the first syllable.)

Note on месть: The palatalization of 'с' and 'т' can be tricky for English speakers; it's softer than in English equivalents. Pronounce it with a quick, light 's' sound followed by a soft 't'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The act of inflicting harm as retribution for an injury or wrong.

Translation(s) & Context:

• месть - Used in formal or narrative contexts, such as literature or discussions of justice, to denote a deliberate act of revenge.

Usage Examples:

• Его жажда мести не знала границ, и он планировал отомстить за предательство.

  His thirst for vengeance knew no bounds, and he planned to get revenge for the betrayal.

• В истории часто показывается, как месть приводит к разрушительным последствиям.

  In history, vengeance is often shown to lead to destructive consequences.

• Она одержала месть над соперником, используя хитрые тактики.

  She exacted vengeance on her rival using cunning tactics.

• Месть может быть сладкой, но она редко приводит к настоящему миру.

  Vengeance can be sweet, but it rarely leads to true peace.

• В культуре месть часто изображается как путь к справедливости, но с моральными дилеммами.

  In culture, vengeance is often depicted as a path to justice, but with moral dilemmas.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Месть" is a feminine noun in the third declension (first conjugation group for nouns). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word is invariant in terms of gender but changes with case as shown. It does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • возмездие (vozmeydie) - Implies a more formal or legal retribution, often with a sense of justice.
  • отплата (otplata) - Used in contexts of repayment or settling scores, slightly less emotional than месть.
• Antonyms:
  • прощение (proshchenie) - Forgiveness, directly opposite in emotional and moral connotations.
  • милосердие (miloserodie) - Mercy, emphasizing compassion over retaliation.

Related Phrases:

• Жажда мести (Zhazhda mesti) - Thirst for vengeance; a common expression in literature to describe an overwhelming desire for revenge.
• Отомстить за (Otomstit' za) - To avenge for; used in contexts like "to avenge for a wrong," e.g., in personal or historical narratives.
• Кровная месть (Krovnaya mest') - Blood vengeance; refers to familial or tribal retribution, often with cultural implications.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "месть" directly corresponds to "vengeance" in English, but it carries a more intense, often literary tone. It's typically used in formal or narrative contexts rather than everyday speech. When choosing between translations like "месть" and "возмездие," opt for "месть" in emotional or personal scenarios, as it emphasizes raw retribution. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: as a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying words. For example, in phrases involving actions, pair it with verbs in the appropriate form.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "месть" with "мщение" (another rare synonym) and using it incorrectly in sentences. Incorrect: "Я мщение за друга" (grammatically wrong). Correct: "Я ищу мести за друга" (I seek vengeance for my friend). Explanation: "Месть" is a noun and requires proper case agreement; learners often forget to decline it properly in genitive contexts.

• Error: Overusing "месть" in informal settings where a milder term like "отплата" might fit better. Incorrect usage might sound overly dramatic. Explanation: In casual conversation, Russians might avoid "месть" altogether; instead, use it sparingly in written or formal contexts to match the word's weight.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "месть" often appears in literature and folklore, such as in works by Pushkin or Dostoevsky, where it symbolizes themes of honor and justice. It reflects historical contexts like blood feuds in rural areas, highlighting a cultural emphasis on personal retribution over institutional law, which can differ from Western approaches to vengeance.

Related Concepts:

• справедливость (spravedlivost') - Justice
• предательство (predatel'stvo) - Betrayal
• мораль (moral') - Morality