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
характер
kharakter
аналитик
analitik
черный
chernyy
спальня
spal'nya
подход
podkhod
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Russian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
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
