небезопасность
nebezopasnostʹ
The English word insecurity can be translated into Russian in several ways depending on the context. If unsure, use небезопасность (nebezopasnostʹ). Wiktionary also lists комплекс (kompleks).
Meaning: lack of confidence in oneself (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| небезопасность | nebezopasnostʹ | ||
| комплекс | kompleks | [ˈkomplʲɪks] (narrow) | masculine |
In a psychological sense, referring to a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy, the most natural word is комплекс.
Which one should you use?
The default form небезопасность refers to a lack of physical safety or security, such as an unsafe environment. In contrast, комплекс is used for psychological insecurity. The plural form комплексы is used when referring to a person's various insecurities or psychological hang-ups.
How do you pronounce it?
nebezopasnostʹ
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use небезопасность to describe a person's lack of self-confidence. However, this term is reserved for physical or situational danger.
Did you know?
- The Russian word for 'safe' is безопасный, which contains the root пас, related to the ancient practice of 'guarding' or 'watching' over livestock.
- When Russians talk about overcoming their insecurities, they use the verb избавиться, which literally means 'to get rid of' or 'to dispose of' something as if it were trash.
- The term комплекс is so versatile that it can describe a physical group of buildings or a psychological insecurity. Context is the only way to tell if someone is talking about their self-esteem or a sports facility.
Examples in context
- Важно преодолеть свою неуверенность и поверить в свои силы.It is important to overcome your insecurity and believe in yourself.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Ekaterina are discussing personal growth.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ чувствую сильную небезопасность перед людьми.Ya chuvstvuyu sil'nuyu nebezopasnost' pered lyud'mi.I feel a strong insecurity around people.
- Екатерина EkaterinaПочему ты так думаешь, Дмитрий?Pochemu ty tak dumayesh', Dmitriy?Why do you think so, Dmitry?
- Дмитрий DmitryЭта небезопасность не даёт мне говорить свободно.Eta nebezopasnost' ne dayot mne govorit' svobodno.This insecurity doesn't let me speak freely.
- Екатерина EkaterinaМы можем поработать над этим вместе.My mozhem porabotat' nad etim vmeste.We can work on this together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “insecurity” translations and entries комплекс, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
