Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'veto'

English Word: veto

Key Russian Translations:

• вето /ˈvʲe.tə/ - [Formal, Used in political or legal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal discussions, politics, and legal texts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with borrowed words and political vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вето: /ˈvʲe.tə/

Note on вето: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'в' is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers accustomed to unvoiced sounds. Variations in regional accents might soften the 'е' vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The right to reject a decision or proposal, especially in a legislative or governmental context

Translation(s) & Context:

• вето - Used in formal political or legal settings, such as vetoing a bill in parliament; implies a constitutional or authoritative power.

Usage Examples:

• Президент наложил вето на законопроект о налогах.

  The president vetoed the tax bill. (This example shows the word in a governmental context, highlighting its use with actions like imposing a veto.)

• Совет Безопасности ООН применил вето к резолюции.

  The UN Security Council applied a veto to the resolution. (Demonstrates usage in international diplomacy, with a focus on collective decision-making.)

• Вето было использовано, чтобы предотвратить принятие закона.

  The veto was used to prevent the law from being passed. (Illustrates the word in a preventive context, showing its role in blocking proposals.)

• Эта страна имеет право вето в международных организациях.

  This country has the right of veto in international organizations. (Shows the word in a phrase indicating privilege or authority.)

• Несмотря на вето, законопроект был пересмотрен и принят позже.

  Despite the veto, the bill was revised and passed later. (Highlights usage in narratives involving outcomes and overrides.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Вето" is a neuter noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflections but is often used in its base form due to its borrowed nature. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: "Вето" is invariable in most cases and does not change form frequently, which makes it straightforward for learners. However, in plural contexts (e.g., multiple vetoes), it remains the same, reflecting its status as an uncountable or rarely pluralized noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • возражение (objection) - More general term, used for any form of disagreement.
  • отказ (refusal) - Implies a direct denial, often in everyday contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • одобрение (approval) - Indicates acceptance or agreement.
  • поддержка (support) - Suggests backing or endorsement of a decision.

Related Phrases:

• право вето - The right of veto; Used in contexts discussing constitutional powers.
• наложить вето - To impose a veto; A common phrase in political discussions.
• вето в ООН - Veto in the UN; Refers to the veto power in international organizations, often with implications of global politics.

Usage Notes:

"Вето" directly corresponds to the English "veto" as a borrowed term, primarily used in formal, legal, or political contexts. It is a neuter noun and does not change form in most cases, making it easier for English speakers. However, be mindful of its formal register; avoid using it in casual conversations. When choosing between synonyms like "возражение" or "отказ," opt for "вето" in official settings for precision. Grammatically, it often pairs with verbs like "наложить" (to impose) or "применить" (to apply).

Common Errors:

• Confusing "вето" with "ветер" (wind): English learners might mishear or misspell due to similar pronunciation. Incorrect: "Президент наложил ветер на законопроект" (The president imposed wind on the bill). Correct: "Президент наложил вето на законопроект" (The president vetoed the bill). Explanation: "Вето" is a specific political term, while "ветер" means a natural phenomenon; always double-check spelling and context.
• Overusing in informal speech: Learners might apply "вето" in everyday refusals, e.g., saying "Я кладу вето на это" for a casual no. Correct approach: Use in formal contexts only; for casual refusals, say "Я отказываюсь" (I refuse). Explanation: This maintains appropriate register and avoids sounding overly dramatic.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and politics, "вето" holds significant weight, often associated with the veto power in the United Nations Security Council, where Russia (as a permanent member) has historically used it to influence global decisions. This reflects Russia's emphasis on sovereignty and international diplomacy, stemming from its Soviet-era legacy.

Related Concepts:

• парламент (parliament)
• законопроект (bill)
• решение (decision)