преступление — meaning in English: a crime

prestupleniye · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for offence

интерес

interes

преступление

prestupleniye

интеграция

integratsiya

памяти

pamyati

забастовка

zabastovka

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Russian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'преступление' in legal contexts, such as discussing law enforcement or criminal justice. For example, during a news report about a recent crime wave in a city, one might hear the term used to describe various offenses committed by individuals.

Synonyms & nuances

'Преступление' specifically denotes a criminal act that violates the law, while 'правонарушение' refers to any legal infraction, typically less severe. You would choose 'преступление' when discussing serious offenses such as theft or violence, whereas 'правонарушение' might apply to minor violations like traffic infractions.

Culture

The word 'преступление' derives from the verb 'преступить', which means 'to transgress' or 'to violate'. This reflects a concept deeply rooted in Russian legal and moral philosophy, underscoring the idea of crossing ethical boundaries. Interestingly, in Soviet times, the term also encompassed political crimes, highlighting the historical intersections between legality and ideology in Russia.

FAQ

Q.What are the different types of преступления?

There are various types of 'преступления', including felonies and misdemeanors, which can range from violent crimes to property crimes. Each type carries distinct legal consequences.

Q.How is преступление used in a sentence?

You might say, 'Он совершил преступление,' which translates to 'He committed a crime.' This structure is commonly used in both spoken and written Russian.

Q.Is преступление a commonly used word in everyday conversation?

'Преступление' is more often used in formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions, rather than in casual conversation. In everyday speech, people might refer to specific types of crimes instead.

Learn russian with Maspeak →

Russian 2000