личность — meaning in English: personality

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

Guess the translation for personality

личность

lichnost'

вход

vkhod

врач

vrach

настроение

nastroyeniye

Пресс

секретарь

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 often use the word 'личность' in discussions about psychology or character, particularly in contexts like personal development workshops or counseling sessions. It's also common in literary discussions when analyzing characters in novels or plays, where an individual's personality traits are crucial to the story.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'личность' translates to 'personality,' it emphasizes the uniqueness and complexity of an individual. In contrast, 'характер' (character) often refers more to one's moral or ethical traits. You would choose 'личность' when discussing someone's distinctive traits or personal qualities, whereas 'характер' might be more suited for discussions about behavior or moral integrity.

Culture

'Личность' has roots in the Latin word 'persona,' which originally referred to the masks worn by actors in ancient theater. This connection signifies how personality can be seen as a 'mask' one wears in different social situations. Interestingly, the concept of 'личность' has gained a significant place in Russian literature, often reflecting the turbulent psychological states of characters in 19th-century novels.

FAQ

Q.What does the Russian word 'личность' mean in English?

'Личность' translates to 'personality' in English, referring to the distinctive characteristics and qualities of an individual that define how they think, feel, and behave.

Q.How do you use 'личность' in a sentence?

You can use 'личность' in a sentence like, 'Она - интересная личность' (She is an interesting personality), to highlight someone's unique traits.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'личность'?

A common mistake is confusing 'личность' with 'характер.' Remember that 'личность' focuses on individual traits, while 'характер' relates more to behavior and morality.

Learn russian with Maspeak →

Russian 2000