Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Almanac'

English Word: Almanac

Key Russian Translations:

• альманах [alʲmɐˈnax] - [Formal, Neutral]
• ежегодник [jɪʐɨˈɡodnʲɪk] - [Formal, Often used for yearly publications]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific literary or publishing contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

альманах: [alʲmɐˈnax]

Note on альманах: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'х' is pronounced as a guttural fricative, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'.

ежегодник: [jɪʐɨˈɡodnʲɪk]

Note on ежегодник: Stress is on the third syllable. The initial 'е' sounds like 'ye', and 'ж' is a voiced retroflex fricative, akin to the 's' in 'measure'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A publication with calendars, astronomical data, or miscellaneous information

Translation(s) & Context:

• альманах - Often refers to a historical or literary collection published periodically.
• ежегодник - More commonly used for annual reference books or yearbooks with data or summaries.

Usage Examples:

• В библиотеке я нашёл старый альманах с астрономическими данными.

  In the library, I found an old almanac with astronomical data.

• Этот ежегодник содержит статистику за прошлый год.

  This yearbook contains statistics for the past year.

• Альманах XIX века включал стихи и рассказы.

  The 19th-century almanac included poems and short stories.

• Ежегодник нашей школы публикуется каждый июнь.

  Our school's yearbook is published every June.

• Многие альманахи того времени были популярны среди читателей.

  Many almanacs of that time were popular among readers.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

альманах (Masculine noun, inanimate)

ежегодник (Masculine noun, inanimate)

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for альманах:

• сборник (collection, often literary)
• антология (anthology, usually for literature)

Synonyms for ежегодник:

• годовой отчёт (annual report, more formal/business context)

Antonyms: None directly applicable as the concept is specific.

Related Phrases:

• литературный альманах - A literary almanac (a periodic publication of literary works).
• ежегодник компании - A company yearbook (an annual summary of a company's activities).
• астрономический альманах - An astronomical almanac (a publication with celestial data).

Usage Notes:

• While both "альманах" and "ежегодник" can translate to "almanac," "альманах" is more commonly associated with literary or historical collections, whereas "ежегодник" often refers to annual publications like yearbooks or statistical reports.
• "альманах" may carry a slightly outdated or nostalgic connotation, often linked to 18th-19th century publications.
• Use "ежегодник" in modern contexts, especially for school yearbooks or corporate annuals.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "альманах" for modern yearbooks.
  Incorrect: Ежегодник школы называется альманах.
  Correct: Ежегодник школы публикуется каждый год.
  Explanation: "альманах" is less common for contemporary school yearbooks; "ежегодник" is the preferred term.
• Error: Mispronouncing "альманах" by stressing the first syllable.
  Explanation: The stress is on the second syllable [alʲmɐˈnax]; incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "альманах" often evokes the image of historical literary collections from the 18th and 19th centuries, which were popular among the intelligentsia. These publications often included poetry, prose, and essays by prominent writers. On the other hand, "ежегодник" is a more utilitarian term, widely used in educational and corporate settings for annual summaries or records.

Related Concepts:

• сборник (collection)
• антология (anthology)
• журнал (magazine)