I'm learning русский

характер — meaning in English: character

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

Guess the translation for character
Здоровье
Zdorov'ye
порода
poroda
характер
kharakter
споры
spory
грудь
grud'
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
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use 'характер' when discussing a person's personality traits, often in social settings or casual conversations. For instance, if friends are talking about someone they know, they might say, 'У неё хороший характер' (She has a good character), highlighting her positive attributes. It's also common in literature and film discussions when analyzing character development.
Synonyms & nuances
'Характер' is often used to refer specifically to personality traits, while 'личность' (lichnost') refers more broadly to a person's identity or individuality. You might choose 'характер' when discussing specific traits, whereas 'личность' might be more appropriate in discussions about one's overall self or identity.
Culture
'Характер' comes from the Greek word 'charaktēr,' which means 'to engrave' or 'to mark.' This etymology reflects how personality traits are often deeply ingrained in individuals, as if etched into their being. In Russian culture, discussions of 'характер' often extend to the idea of moral fiber or resilience, emphasizing the profound importance of personal character in social relationships.
FAQ
Q.What does 'характер' mean in English?
'Характер' translates to 'character' in English, referring to the set of traits or qualities that define an individual’s personality. It's commonly used in both casual and formal discussions.
Q.How do you use 'характер' in a sentence?
'Характер' can be used in sentences such as 'Его характер очень дружелюбный' (His character is very friendly) to describe someone's personality traits effectively.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'характер'?
A common mistake is to confuse 'характер' with 'личность.' While both pertain to aspects of a person, 'характер' focuses on traits while 'личность' encompasses a broader sense of identity.
Learn russian with Maspeak →
Russian 2000