Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'allegory'

English Word: allegory

Key Russian Translations:

• аллегория [ɐlʲɪˈɡorʲɪjə] - [Formal, Literary]
• иносказание [ɪnəskɐˈzanʲɪjə] - [Formal, Neutral]

Frequency: Medium (used in literature and academic contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

аллегория: [ɐlʲɪˈɡorʲɪjə]

Note on аллегория: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'г' is pronounced as a soft [ɡʲ].

иносказание: [ɪnəskɐˈzanʲɪjə]

Note on иносказание: Stress on the fourth syllable. The 'с' sounds are soft due to the following vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A story or image with a hidden meaning (Literary)

Translation(s) & Context:

• аллегория - Often used in literary criticism or discussions of art to describe a symbolic narrative.

Usage Examples:

• Эта книга — аллегория борьбы добра и зла.

  This book is an allegory of the struggle between good and evil.

• Аллегория в этом произведении очень тонкая.

  The allegory in this work is very subtle.

• Писатель использовал аллегорию для критики общества.

  The writer used allegory to critique society.

2. Indirect expression or metaphor (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• иносказание - Used more broadly to refer to any indirect or figurative speech.

Usage Examples:

• Его слова были иносказанием, чтобы не обидеть слушателей.

  His words were an allegory to avoid offending the listeners.

• Иносказание помогает выразить сложные идеи проще.

  Allegory helps to express complex ideas more simply.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

аллегория (feminine noun): Follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -я.

иносказание (neuter noun): Follows the standard second declension pattern for neuter nouns ending in -е.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for аллегория:

• символ
• метафора

Note: 'символ' is more general and can refer to any symbol, while 'метафора' is closer to a direct metaphor.

Synonyms for иносказание:

• намёк
• притча

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as the concept is abstract and context-dependent.

Related Phrases:

• аллегория природы - Allegory of nature (used in artistic or poetic contexts)
• говорить иносказаниями - To speak in allegories (to express something indirectly)

Usage Notes:

• 'аллегория' is more specific to literary or artistic contexts, often referring to a complete narrative or image with symbolic meaning.
• 'иносказание' can be used more generally for any indirect expression, not necessarily a full story.
• Choose 'аллегория' when discussing literature or art, and 'иносказание' for everyday figurative speech.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'аллегория' in casual speech for simple metaphors. Incorrect: "Это аллегория для моей ситуации" (This is an allegory for my situation). Correct: Use 'метафора' or 'иносказание' instead: "Это метафора для моей ситуации."
• Error: Mispronouncing 'аллегория' with stress on the wrong syllable. Stress should be on 'го' [ɡorʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, allegories are deeply rooted in works like fables (басни) by authors such as Ivan Krylov, where animals often represent human traits or societal issues. Understanding 'аллегория' in this context can provide deeper insight into Russian storytelling traditions.

Related Concepts:

• басня (fable)
• символизм (symbolism)
• метафора (metaphor)