Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'yuppie'

English Word: yuppie

Key Russian Translations:

• яппи [ˈjʌpi] - [Informal, Borrowed term, Used in modern urban contexts to describe young professionals]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in media, business, or cultural discussions about Western influences.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2, as it involves understanding cultural and socioeconomic concepts; learners should have basic vocabulary on professions and urban life.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

яппи: [ˈjʌpi] (The stress is on the first syllable, with a soft 'я' sound similar to the English 'ya' in 'yard'.)

Note on яппи: This is a borrowed word from English, so pronunciation closely mirrors the original. Non-native speakers may struggle with the soft consonants if not familiar with Russian phonetics.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A young urban professional, typically affluent, career-oriented, and associated with 1980s consumer culture.

Translation(s) & Context:

• яппи - Used in informal or semi-formal contexts, such as discussions about lifestyle, work, or social trends, to refer to someone embodying the English "yuppie" stereotype.

Usage Examples:

• Он типичный яппи, живущий в центре Москвы и гоняющийся за карьерным ростом.

  He is a typical yuppie, living in the center of Moscow and chasing career advancement.

• В 90-е годы яппи стали символом новой российской элиты после перестройки.

  In the 1990s, yuppies became a symbol of the new Russian elite after perestroika.

• Молодая пара яппи купила квартиру в элитном районе и теперь наслаждается городской жизнью.

  The young yuppie couple bought an apartment in an upscale neighborhood and now enjoys city life.

• Яппи часто критикуют за материализм, но они движут экономику вперед.

  Yuppies are often criticized for their materialism, but they drive the economy forward.

• В фильмах 80-х яппи изображены как амбициозные, но одинокие люди.

  In 1980s films, yuppies are depicted as ambitious but lonely individuals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"яппи" is a borrowed noun from English and typically does not undergo regular Russian inflections due to its status as a foreign word. It remains largely invariable in most contexts, similar to other loanwords like "джинсы" (jeans).

However, if used in a sentence requiring grammatical agreement, it may follow basic noun patterns:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • карьерист (careerist) - Emphasizes ambition over lifestyle.
  • городской профессионал (urban professional) - A more descriptive, less loaded term.
• Antonyms:
  • хиппи (hippie) - Represents a countercultural, anti-materialistic lifestyle.
  • простой человек (ordinary person) - Contrasts with the affluent, status-driven image.

Related Phrases:

• типичный яппи (typical yuppie) - Refers to stereotypical characteristics; used to describe someone fitting the mold exactly.
• жизнь яппи (yuppie life) - Implies a fast-paced, consumer-oriented existence; often in cultural critiques.
• яппи-культура (yuppie culture) - Discusses the broader social phenomenon; common in media analysis.

Usage Notes:

This term directly borrows from English and is not a native Russian word, so it's often used in contexts influenced by Western culture, such as business, media, or social commentary. When translating "yuppie," opt for "яппи" in informal settings to maintain the original connotation of youth, urbanity, and materialism. Be mindful of its somewhat pejorative undertone in Russian, which can imply criticism of consumerism. For formal writing, consider descriptive phrases like "молодой городской профессионал" to avoid direct borrowing. Grammar-wise, it functions as a neuter noun and doesn't require complex inflections.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "яппи" with "яп" (a slang term for Japanese person): Incorrect: "Он яп в городе" (meaning he is Japanese in the city). Correct: "Он яппи в городе" (He is a yuppie in the city). Explanation: "Яп" is a derogatory abbreviation, so always use full context to differentiate.

• Overusing it without cultural context: Incorrect: Treating "яппи" as a positive term in all scenarios. Correct: Use with awareness, e.g., "Он стал яппи после переезда" instead of forcing it into unrelated conversations. Explanation: Learners might misuse it as a neutral descriptor, but it often carries irony in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

The term "яппи" reflects the influence of 1980s Western culture on Russia, particularly post-perestroika in the 1990s, when young professionals emulated American lifestyles. It symbolizes the rise of consumerism and individualism in a society transitioning from Soviet ideals, often critiqued in Russian media as shallow or materialistic, highlighting tensions between traditional values and modern globalization.

Related Concepts:

• хипстер (hipster)
• карьерист (careerist)
• элита (elite)