Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'baptism'

English Word: baptism

Key Russian Translations:

• крещение [krʲɪˈɕːenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Religious Context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in religious or historical contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate - requires understanding of religious vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

крещение: [krʲɪˈɕːenʲɪjə]

Note on крещение: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "sh" unique to Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Religious Ceremony (Christian Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• крещение - Used specifically for the Christian sacrament of baptism, often in formal or religious settings.

Usage Examples:

• Крещение ребёнка состоялось в местной церкви.

  The baptism of the child took place in the local church.

• На крещении присутствовали все родственники.

  All relatives attended the baptism.

• Крещение символизирует очищение от грехов.

  Baptism symbolizes purification from sins.

• В России крещение часто проводится в младенчестве.

  In Russia, baptism is often performed in infancy.

• Крещение Иоанна было важным событием в Библии.

  The baptism by John was an important event in the Bible.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

крещение is a neuter noun. It follows the standard declension pattern for neuter nouns ending in -ие.

Note: This noun does not have a plural form in common usage as it typically refers to a singular event or concept.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• таинство крещения (formal, emphasizes the sacramental aspect)

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (baptism as a concept lacks a direct opposite in Russian).

Related Phrases:

• таинство крещения - "sacrament of baptism" (formal, religious context).
• крестить ребёнка - "to baptize a child" (common verb phrase).
• день крещения - "day of baptism" (refers to the specific event or date).

Usage Notes:

• The term крещение is almost exclusively used in religious or historical contexts related to Christianity. It does not apply to metaphorical or secular uses of "baptism" (e.g., "baptism by fire"). For such contexts, other Russian expressions like "испытание" (trial) may be used.
• It is a formal term and should be used in respectful or solemn discussions about religious practices.
• Be aware of the related verb "крестить" (to baptize), which is often used in active voice to describe the act.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using крещение for non-religious contexts. For example, saying "крещение огнём" for "baptism by fire" is incorrect.
  Correct Usage: Use "испытание огнём" instead.
  Explanation: The term is tied to the Christian sacrament and does not extend to idiomatic expressions in Russian.
• Error: Mispronouncing the stress on "крещение" by placing it on the first syllable.
  Correct Usage: Stress is on the second syllable: [krʲɪˈɕːenʲɪjə].
  Explanation: Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings or make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, крещение is deeply tied to the Orthodox Christian tradition, which is the predominant faith in Russia. Baptism is often performed on infants and is considered a significant family and spiritual event. The holiday "Крещение Господне" (Epiphany, celebrated on January 19) commemorates the baptism of Jesus and involves rituals like blessing water or ice swimming, reflecting the cultural importance of the concept.

Related Concepts:

• таинство (sacrament)
• крестить (to baptize)
• крест (cross)
• церковь (church)