Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Anniversary'

English Word: Anniversary

Key Russian Translations:

• годовщина [ɡədɐˈvʲiɕːɪnə] - [Formal, Often used for significant dates or events]
• юбилей [jʊbʲɪˈlʲej] - [Formal/Informal, Typically for milestone anniversaries, e.g., 50th]

Frequency: Medium (Common in personal and historical contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

годовщина: [ɡədɐˈvʲiɕːɪnə]

Note on годовщина: Stress falls on the third syllable ("vi"). The "щ" sound is a soft "shch".

юбилей: [jʊbʲɪˈlʲej]

Note on юбилей: Stress on the last syllable ("ley"). The "ю" is pronounced like "you".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Anniversary (e.g., wedding, historical event)

Translation(s) & Context:

• годовщина - Commonly used for any type of anniversary, especially personal or historical dates.

Usage Examples:

• Сегодня годовщина нашей свадьбы.

  Today is the anniversary of our wedding.

• Годовщина Победы отмечается 9 мая.

  The anniversary of Victory is celebrated on May 9th.

• Мы празднуем десятую годовщину компании.

  We are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the company.

2. Milestone Anniversary (e.g., significant or round-numbered years)

Translation(s) & Context:

• юбилей - Used for significant or celebratory anniversaries, often implying a milestone.

Usage Examples:

• У бабушки скоро юбилей — 80 лет.

  Grandma’s anniversary is coming up — 80 years.

• Школа отмечает свой столетний юбилей.

  The school is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

годовщина (feminine noun, 1st declension):

юбилей (masculine noun, 2nd declension):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for годовщина:

• дата (date, in specific contexts)
• памятный день (memorable day)

Note: "Дата" is more neutral and less celebratory than "годовщина".

Synonyms for юбилей:

• круглая дата (round date, for milestones)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "anniversary" lacks a clear opposite.

Related Phrases:

• серебряная годовщина - Silver anniversary (25 years, usually of marriage).
• золотой юбилей - Golden anniversary (50 years, often of marriage or an institution).
• отмечать годовщину - To celebrate an anniversary.

Usage Notes:

• "Годовщина" is the more general term for any anniversary, whether personal (e.g., wedding) or historical (e.g., a war victory). It is neutral in tone.
• "Юбилей" often implies a significant or round-number anniversary (e.g., 10th, 50th) and carries a more celebratory connotation. It is frequently used for personal milestones like birthdays or institutional anniversaries.
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: use "годовщина" for regular or somber anniversaries, and "юбилей" for festive or milestone events.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "юбилей" for any anniversary, even non-significant ones.
  Incorrect: У нас юбилей свадьбы через 3 года. (Implies a milestone, which 3 years is not.)
  Correct: У нас годовщина свадьбы через 3 года.
  Explanation: "Юбилей" should be reserved for notable milestones; use "годовщина" for regular anniversaries.
• Error: Incorrect case usage after prepositions.
  Incorrect: На годовщина Победы.
  Correct: На годовщине Победы.
  Explanation: After "на" (on), use the prepositional case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, anniversaries, especially "юбилей" for personal milestones like birthdays or long-term marriages, are often celebrated with large gatherings, toasts, and gifts. Historical anniversaries like the "годовщина Победы" (Victory Day anniversary on May 9th) are deeply significant and marked by national events, parades, and remembrance.

Related Concepts:

• праздник (holiday)
• день рождения (birthday)
• память (memory, remembrance)