Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'atonement'

English Word: atonement

Key Russian Translations:

• Искупление /ɪskʊˈplʲenʲɪje/ - [Formal, Religious context]
• Возмещение /vɐzmʲɪˈʂenʲɪje/ - [Formal, Legal or compensatory context]
• Примирение /prʲɪmʲɪˈrenʲɪje/ - [Informal, Relational or reconciliatory context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in religious, legal, and philosophical texts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and religious idioms; for 'Искупление', it's B2 due to its theological nuances, while 'Возмещение' might be B1 in legal contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Искупление: /ɪskʊˈplʲenʲɪje/ (Stress on the third syllable; note the soft 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers)

Возмещение: /vɐzmʲɪˈʂenʲɪje/ (The 'щ' sound is a palatalized fricative; practice with native audio for accuracy)

Примирение: /prʲɪmʲɪˈrenʲɪje/ (Emphasize the soft 'р' and ensure the vowel reductions are subtle)

Note on Искупление: The word often has a solemn tone in speech; variations in regional accents may soften the 'п' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The act of making amends for a wrong, especially through sacrifice or punishment (e.g., in religious contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Искупление - Used in formal religious or moral discussions, such as Christian theology.
• Возмещение - Applied in legal or civil contexts, like compensating for damages.

Usage Examples:

• В христианстве искупление достигается через жертву Христа, которая очищает от грехов.

  In Christianity, atonement is achieved through the sacrifice of Christ, which cleanses from sins.

• Он считал, что искупление за свои ошибки возможно только через искреннее раскаяние.

  He believed that atonement for his mistakes was possible only through sincere repentance.

• Суд обязал компанию выплатить возмещение за причиненный ущерб.

  The court required the company to provide atonement for the damages caused.

• Примирение между друзьями произошло после того, как один из них извинился.

  Atonement between friends occurred after one of them apologized.

Meaning 2: Reconciliation or making peace after conflict

Translation(s) & Context:

• Примирение - Common in interpersonal or diplomatic scenarios.
• Искупление - Less common here, but used metaphorically in ethical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• После долгой ссоры они достигли примирения, обменявшись подарками.

  After a long quarrel, they achieved atonement by exchanging gifts.

• В международных отношениях примирение часто требует дипломатических усилий.

  In international relations, atonement often requires diplomatic efforts.

• Ее искупление за предательство заключалось в помощи семье бывшего друга.

  Her atonement for betrayal involved helping the family of her former friend.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily nouns, which in Russian undergo declension based on case, number, and gender. 'Искупление' is a neuter noun, while 'Возмещение' and 'Примирение' are also neuter. They follow standard second-declension patterns for neuter nouns.

For 'Возмещение' and 'Примирение', the inflections follow the same pattern as above. These nouns are invariable in terms of gender but change based on case as shown.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Спасение (Salvation; often used interchangeably in religious contexts, but implies rescue more than amends)
  • Освобождение (Liberation; focuses on freeing from guilt, with a broader application)
• Antonyms:
  • Грех (Sin; represents the opposite moral state)
  • Проклятие (Damnation; emphasizes eternal punishment rather than reconciliation)

Related Phrases:

• Искупление грехов - Atonement of sins (Refers to the religious act of absolving wrongdoing)
• Возмещение ущерба - Compensation for damages (Used in legal contexts for financial atonement)
• Примирение сторон - Reconciliation of parties (Common in conflict resolution or diplomacy)

Usage Notes:

When translating 'atonement' to Russian, choose 'Искупление' for religious or moral contexts, as it directly aligns with Christian concepts like those in the Bible. 'Возмещение' is better for tangible compensation, such as in contracts or lawsuits, while 'Примирение' suits interpersonal relationships. Be mindful of formality: all are formal, but 'Примирение' can appear in semi-formal speech. Grammatically, these nouns require appropriate case agreement, e.g., in prepositional phrases. If multiple translations fit, select based on context to avoid ambiguity.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing 'Искупление' with 'Извинение' (apology), as English speakers might think atonement is just saying sorry. Correct: Искупление involves deeper amends, e.g., "Его искупление включало помощь пострадавшим" (His atonement involved helping the victims). Error Example: "Его извинение за грех" (incorrectly implying a simple apology).
• Mistake: Overusing the plural form unnecessarily, as in English. Correct: Stick to singular unless specifying multiple instances, e.g., "Искупления грехов" only if multiple sins are in play.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, particularly within the Orthodox Christian tradition, 'Искупление' carries deep historical and spiritual significance, stemming from biblical texts and linked to events like Easter celebrations. It often evokes themes of redemption through suffering, reflecting Russia's literary heritage in works by Dostoevsky, where personal atonement is a path to moral rebirth.

Related Concepts:

• Грех (Sin)
• Спасение (Salvation)
• Раскаяние (Repentance)