Dec 1, 2004 09:50
19 yrs ago
Russian term
Native in: English 
, Russian
Works in: English to Russian, Spanish to Russian, Russian to English
бессовестный
Russian to English
Art/Literary
General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters
You know, I have never found a suitable translation for this word that would carry into English the tone of disgust (of the speaker to the party addressed) that it has in Russian, particularly as used during the Soviet era. There is something about this word that carries such judgemental character, so much drama.....I'm just lost every time I want to use it in an English context. Any suggestions?
Proposed translations
(English)
| 3 +4 | a couple of options... |
Mikhail Kropotov
|
| 5 +3 | Unconscionable |
Kurt Porter
|
| 4 +3 | shameless |
Konstantin Kisin
|
| 4 | ... who has no concsience |
Alexander Onishko
|
Proposed translations
+4
39 mins
Mikhail Kropotov
Germany
Germany
Native in Russian
Works in field
Germany
US-educated, precise & thorough
Native in: Russian
Works in: English to Russian, Russian to English, Russian
Related KudoZ points
:
488
Russian term (edited):
�����������
Selected
a couple of options...
Alina, I am of the thought that words such as this one cannot have one true translation that will work in all cases. Surely the English language is rich enough to offer more than one option, particularly when it comes to expressive and emotional language.
Please see below for a modest list of options.
shameless
Synonyms: shameless, brazen, barefaced, brash1, impudent, unblushing
These adjectives apply to that which defies social or moral proprieties and is marked by a bold lack of shame.
- Shameless implies a lack of modesty, sense of decency, or regard for others' rights or feelings: a shameless liar; a shameless accusation.
- Brazen suggests flagrant, insolent audacity: a brazen impostor; brazen arrogance.
- Barefaced specifies undisguised brazenness: a barefaced hypocrite; a barefaced lie.
- Brash stresses impetuousness, lack of tact, and often crass indifference to consequences or to considerations of decency: a brash newcomer; brash demands.
- Impudent suggests offensive boldness or effrontery: an impudent student; an impudent misrepresentation.
- Unblushing implies an inappropriate lack of shame or embarrassment: an unblushing apologist; unblushing obsequiousness.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/shameless
Please see below for a modest list of options.
shameless
Synonyms: shameless, brazen, barefaced, brash1, impudent, unblushing
These adjectives apply to that which defies social or moral proprieties and is marked by a bold lack of shame.
- Shameless implies a lack of modesty, sense of decency, or regard for others' rights or feelings: a shameless liar; a shameless accusation.
- Brazen suggests flagrant, insolent audacity: a brazen impostor; brazen arrogance.
- Barefaced specifies undisguised brazenness: a barefaced hypocrite; a barefaced lie.
- Brash stresses impetuousness, lack of tact, and often crass indifference to consequences or to considerations of decency: a brash newcomer; brash demands.
- Impudent suggests offensive boldness or effrontery: an impudent student; an impudent misrepresentation.
- Unblushing implies an inappropriate lack of shame or embarrassment: an unblushing apologist; unblushing obsequiousness.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/shameless
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Svetlana Potton
37 mins
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Thank you!
|
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| agree |
JoeYeckley (X)
: It depends on the context. The adjective that fits for a politician will be different from what you would apply to an athlete or scientist.
42 mins
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Thank you for that comment, I fully agree!
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| agree |
Alexander Demyanov
4 hrs
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THANKS
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| agree |
Alexandra Tussing
5 hrs
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Thank you.
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you for all the options. I think I've completed my negative proof that no exact, one-applicable translation for the word exists in English. The different synonyms and the explanations are great, though :)"
22 mins
Alexander Onishko
Native in Russian
Veni Vidi Vici
Native in: Russian , Ukrainian
Works in: Russian to English, English to Russian, Ukrainian to English, and 5 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
71
Russian term (edited):
�����������
... who has no concsience
"I Used to Think I Loved You"
... kept it hid. For you provide a handle A means to hurt and maim To those
who have no concsience Who play the romance game. For one ...
www.spydersempire.com/forum/poetry/messages3/1342.htm
... kept it hid. For you provide a handle A means to hurt and maim To those
who have no concsience Who play the romance game. For one ...
www.spydersempire.com/forum/poetry/messages3/1342.htm
+3
19 mins
Konstantin Kisin
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in Russian
&
English
Works in field
United Kingdom
Bilingual Finance, Law & Business Pro
Native in: English , Russian
Works in: Russian to English, English, English to Russian
Related KudoZ points
:
32
Russian term (edited):
�����������
shameless
imho :)
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 32 mins (2004-12-01 10:23:36 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
imho means in my humble opinion
as for my proposal - imho :) it really depends on the context.
Shameless exploitation of workers is quite a common combination and here it means exactly \"bessovestnyi\".
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 32 mins (2004-12-01 10:23:36 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
imho means in my humble opinion
as for my proposal - imho :) it really depends on the context.
Shameless exploitation of workers is quite a common combination and here it means exactly \"bessovestnyi\".
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Alexander Demyanov
4 hrs
|
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thanks
|
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| agree |
Alexandra Tussing
6 hrs
|
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thanks
|
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| agree |
TranslatonatoR
19 hrs
|
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thank you
|
+3
1 hr
Kurt Porter
Native in English
Specializes in field
Experienced translator/interpreter
Native in: English
Works in: Russian to English, English to Russian, English, and 1 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
42
Russian term (edited):
�����������
Unconscionable
1. Beyond all reason: obscene, outrageous, preposterous, ridiculous, shocking, unreasonable. Idioms: out of bounds, out of sight. See USUAL. 2. Vastly exceeding a normal limit, as in cost: sky-high, steep1, stiff, stratospheric. See BIG, USUAL. 3. Lacking scruples or principles: conscienceless, ruthless, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous. See HONEST.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
David Knowles
: While no one word will do in all contexts, I think this is the best single translation.
19 mins
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Thank you, David.
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| agree |
GaryG
2 hrs
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Gary, thank you.
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| neutral |
Alexander Demyanov
: These don't work for "the tone of disgust " I've heard the exact expression (w/"got") in movies often enough to rebuff your "correct/incorrect" notion. If it's the way ppl choose to express themselves, it's legit
3 hrs
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Native speakers of English don't use this word to sugarcoat how they're feeling when they use it. The tone is reflected in English. Also, I wouldn't use "Have you got no shame?" "Have you no shame?" is correct.
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| agree |
Kevin Kelly
: I'm with David. Alexander, some people say "Ain't you got no shame?" The issue is not legimitacy, it's which form is preferable in a given context. As for me, "ain't ain't a word, and I ain't gonna use it."
18 hrs
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Thank you Kevin! I know, I'm unconscionable, and I have no shame! :) :) :)
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Discussion
There are lots more. When in doubt you may want to check with www.acronymfinder.com
HTH!
IMHO = in my humble opinion
HIH = hope it helps