Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Angel'

English Word: angel

Key Russian Translations:

• ангел [ˈanɡʲɪl] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• ангелочек [ˌanɡʲɪˈlotɕɪk] - [Diminutive, Affectionate, Informal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "ангел"; B1 for "ангелочек" due to diminutive form)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ангел: [ˈanɡʲɪl]

Note on ангел: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'г' is pronounced as a voiced velar stop, similar to 'g' in "go."

ангелочек: [ˌanɡʲɪˈlotɕɪk]

Note on ангелочек: Stress on the third syllable. The diminutive suffix "-очек" softens the tone and adds an affectionate nuance.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Spiritual Being (Guardian or Heavenly Entity)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ангел - Used in religious, mythological, or metaphorical contexts to refer to a heavenly being or guardian.

Usage Examples:

• Ангел спустился с небес, чтобы защитить нас.

  An angel descended from the heavens to protect us.

• В Библии ангелы часто приносят важные вести.

  In the Bible, angels often bring important messages.

• Он верит, что у каждого человека есть ангел-хранитель.

  He believes that every person has a guardian angel.

2. Term of Endearment (Sweet or Kind Person)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ангел - Used metaphorically to describe someone very kind or pure.
• ангелочек - A diminutive form, often used affectionately for a child or loved one.

Usage Examples:

• Ты мой ангел, всегда помогаешь мне в трудные минуты.

  You are my angel, always helping me in tough times.

• Мой маленький ангелочек, не плачь.

  My little angel, don’t cry.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ангел (masculine noun, animate):

ангелочек (masculine noun, animate, diminutive): Follows similar declension patterns as "ангел," with endings adjusted for the diminutive suffix. Often used in singular form for affectionate address.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for ангел (spiritual being):

• дух (spirit, in some contexts)
• херувим (cherub)

Note: "дух" is broader and less specific to the concept of an angel, often implying a general spiritual entity.

Antonyms for ангел:

• дьявол (devil)
• демон (demon)

Related Phrases:

• ангел-хранитель - "guardian angel," used to describe a protector or someone who watches over you.
• как ангел - "like an angel," often used to describe someone’s kind or innocent behavior.
• падший ангел - "fallen angel," referring to a once-pure being who has turned to evil.

Usage Notes:

• "ангел" is the standard translation for "angel" and can be used in both literal (religious) and figurative (endearment) contexts. It is neutral in tone and appropriate for most situations.
• "ангелочек" is a diminutive form and should only be used in informal, affectionate contexts, often towards children or loved ones. Using it in formal or serious contexts may sound inappropriate or overly sentimental.
• Unlike in English, where "angel" might be used casually in expressions like "you’re an angel" (for someone helpful), the Russian equivalents carry a stronger emotional or spiritual weight.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "ангелочек" in formal or religious contexts. Wrong: "Ангелочек Божий спустился с небес." Correct: "Ангел Божий спустился с небес." (A divine angel descended from the heavens.) Explanation: Diminutive forms like "ангелочек" are inappropriate for solemn or formal contexts.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Wrong: Stressing the second syllable in "ангел" [anˈɡʲel]. Correct: Stress the first syllable [ˈanɡʲɪl]. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural or unintelligible to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of an "angel" (ангел) is deeply tied to Orthodox Christianity, where angels are seen as messengers of God and protectors. The term "ангел-хранитель" (guardian angel) is commonly used in everyday language, even among non-religious people, to refer to a personal protector or a stroke of luck. Additionally, calling someone an "angel" in Russian often carries a stronger emotional or spiritual connotation than in English, implying exceptional purity or kindness.

Related Concepts:

• дух (spirit)
• святой (saint)
• небеса (heavens)