Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Autobiography'

English Word: autobiography

Key Russian Translations:

• автобиография [ˌaftəbʲɪəˈɡrafʲɪjə] - [Formal, Written]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and academic contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

автобиография: [ˌaftəbʲɪəˈɡrafʲɪjə]

Note on автобиография: Stress falls on the fourth syllable ("гра"). The "о" in the first syllable is pronounced as a reduced "a" sound due to Russian vowel reduction.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A written account of one's own life (formal or literary context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• автобиография - Used in formal writing, academic contexts, or when referring to a published work about one's life.

Usage Examples:

• Она написала автобиографию о своей жизни в деревне.

  She wrote an autobiography about her life in the village.

• Его автобиография стала бестселлером в прошлом году.

  His autobiography became a bestseller last year.

• В университете нам задали прочитать автобиографию известного учёного.

  At university, we were assigned to read the autobiography of a famous scientist.

• Автобиография — это не просто история, а отражение личности.

  An autobiography is not just a story, but a reflection of personality.

• Я купил автобиографию политика, чтобы понять его взгляды.

  I bought the politician's autobiography to understand his views.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

автобиография is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -я.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• мемуары (memoirs - often used for more personal or literary accounts)
• жизнеописание (life story - more formal or historical)

Antonyms:

• биография (biography - written by someone else)

Note: "мемуары" may carry a more personal or emotional tone, while "автобиография" is often more structured and formal.

Related Phrases:

• написать автобиографию - to write an autobiography
• читать автобиографию - to read an autobiography
• автобиография автора - the author's autobiography

Usage Notes:

• The term "автобиография" is primarily used in formal or written contexts. In everyday speech, Russians might use "мемуары" when referring to personal stories or memoirs.
• Unlike in English, where "autobiography" might occasionally be used colloquially, "автобиография" retains a more academic or official tone in Russian.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between "автобиография" and "мемуары". Use "автобиография" for structured life accounts and "мемуары" for more reflective or anecdotal works.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "автобиография" with "биография". English learners often misuse "биография" (biography, written by someone else) when they mean a self-written account.

  Incorrect: Я написал биографию о себе. (I wrote a biography about myself.)

  Correct: Я написал автобиографию о себе. (I wrote an autobiography about myself.)

• Error: Incorrect stress or pronunciation of "автобиография". Stressing the wrong syllable can make the word sound unnatural.

  Tip: Always stress the fourth syllable ("гра").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, autobiographies are often associated with prominent historical or literary figures. Writing or reading an "автобиография" is seen as a serious endeavor, often tied to documenting significant personal or societal events. Additionally, during Soviet times, an "автобиография" was a formal document required for employment or party membership, listing personal details and ideological alignment.

Related Concepts:

• биография (biography)
• мемуары (memoirs)
• дневник (diary)