Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'xenophobia'

English Word: xenophobia

Key Russian Translations:

• ксенофобия /ksenəfə'biːə/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic, media, and social discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with borrowed words from English/Greek roots and basic understanding of social terminology)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ксенофобия: /ksenəfə'biːə/

Note on ксенофобия: The stress falls on the third syllable ('fo-'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the word's Greek origin. Pronounce the 'кс' as a voiceless velar fricative, similar to 'x' in "xenon."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Fear or intense dislike of strangers or foreigners, often leading to discrimination.

Translation(s) & Context:

• ксенофобия - Used in formal contexts such as sociological discussions, news articles, or academic papers to describe prejudice against outsiders.

Usage Examples:

• В современном обществе ксенофобия часто проявляется в политике и СМИ.

  In modern society, xenophobia often manifests in politics and media.

• Ксенофобия может привести к социальным конфликтам, если не бороться с ней активно.

  Xenophobia can lead to social conflicts if it is not actively combated.

• Многие эксперты изучают причины ксенофобии в глобализированном мире.

  Many experts study the causes of xenophobia in a globalized world.

• Ксенофобия не только личная предубежденность, но и системная проблема в некоторых странах.

  Xenophobia is not just personal prejudice but also a systemic issue in some countries.

• Образование играет ключевую роль в преодолении ксенофобии среди молодежи.

  Education plays a key role in overcoming xenophobia among young people.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ксенофобия is a feminine noun (from Greek roots) and follows the standard first declension pattern in Russian. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its nominative forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ненависть к чужакам (nenavist' k chuzhkam) - Emphasizes hatred toward outsiders, often in a more emotional context.
  • чуждophobia (chuzhdophobia) - A less common variant, used in psychological discussions with a similar but more specific connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • толерантность (tolerantnost') - Refers to acceptance and openness to differences.
  • космополитизм (kosmopolitizm) - Implies a global, inclusive worldview.

Related Phrases:

• ксенофобские настроения (ksenofobskiye nastroyeniya) - Xenophobic sentiments; Used to describe widespread attitudes in society.
• борьба с ксенофобией (bor'ba s ksenofobiey) - Fight against xenophobia; Common in activist or policy contexts.
• ксенофобия в интернете (ksenofobiya v internte) - Xenophobia on the internet; Refers to online hate speech and discrimination.

Usage Notes:

ксенофобия directly corresponds to the English "xenophobia" as a borrowed term, often used in formal or academic settings rather than everyday speech. It is typically employed in discussions about social issues, politics, or psychology. English speakers should note that Russian sentence structure might place it in different positions for emphasis, and it pairs well with verbs like "проявлять" (to manifest) or "бороться с" (to fight against). When choosing between synonyms, opt for ксенофобия in neutral, professional contexts to maintain precision, as other terms may carry more emotional weight.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "расизм" (racism): Learners might misuse ксенофобия when meaning racism. Incorrect: "Это расизм" instead of "Это ксенофобия" for foreigner-specific prejudice. Correct: Use ксенофобия for fear of strangers, as in "Его поведение — это ксенофобия" (His behavior is xenophobia). Explanation: Racism focuses on race, while xenophobia is broader.

• Improper declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "о ксенофобия" instead of "о ксенофобии" in the prepositional case. Correct: "Мы говорим о ксенофобии" (We talk about xenophobia). Explanation: Always adjust for case to avoid grammatical errors in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, ксенофобия is often discussed in the context of historical events like the Soviet era's emphasis on internationalism versus post-Soviet nationalism. It can carry connotations of tension between Russia's diverse ethnic groups and immigrants, reflecting broader societal debates on identity and globalization. Understanding this helps English speakers grasp why the term frequently appears in media related to migration policies.

Related Concepts:

• расизм (racism)
• шовинизм (chauvinism)
• дискриминация (discrimination)