Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bequest'

English Word: Bequest

Key Russian Translations:

• завещание [zəvʲɪˈɕːanʲɪjə] - [Formal, Noun, Singular]
• наследие [nəˈslʲedʲɪjə] - [Formal/Neutral, Noun, Singular, Often used metaphorically]

Frequency: Medium (used in legal and literary contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "завещание"; B1-B2 for "наследие" depending on context

Pronunciation (Russian):

завещание: [zəvʲɪˈɕːanʲɪjə]

Note on завещание: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "shch."

наследие: [nəˈslʲedʲɪjə]

Note on наследие: Stress on the second syllable. The "е" sounds like "ye" in "yes."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Legal document or act of bequeathing (Will)

Translation(s) & Context:

• завещание - Used specifically for a legal will or testament.

Usage Examples:

• Он оставил завещание, в котором всё имущество перешло к дочери.

  He left a will in which all property was transferred to his daughter.

• Завещание было оспорено в суде родственниками.

  The will was contested in court by relatives.

• Она составила завещание ещё в молодости.

  She drew up a will while still young.

2. Something left or handed down (Legacy)

Translation(s) & Context:

• наследие - Refers to inheritance or legacy, often in a broader or metaphorical sense (e.g., cultural heritage).

Usage Examples:

• Это здание — часть нашего культурного наследия.

  This building is part of our cultural heritage.

• Он получил в наследие старую библиотеку деда.

  He inherited his grandfather’s old library.

• Наследие прошлого влияет на наше будущее.

  The legacy of the past influences our future.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

завещание (Noun, Neuter): Regular declension for neuter nouns ending in -ие.

наследие (Noun, Neuter): Follows similar declension rules for neuter nouns ending in -ие.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for завещание:

• тестамент (archaic, formal)

Synonyms for наследие:

• достояние (heritage, often cultural)
• наследство (inheritance, often material)

Note: "наследство" often implies tangible inheritance, while "наследие" can be abstract or cultural.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either term in most contexts.

Related Phrases:

• составить завещание - to draw up a will
• оспорить завещание - to contest a will
• культурное наследие - cultural heritage
• получить в наследие - to receive as a legacy

Usage Notes:

• "Завещание" is strictly used for a legal will or testament and is the most direct translation of "bequest" in legal contexts. It is formal and not interchangeable with "наследие."
• "Наследие" is broader and can refer to any kind of legacy or inheritance, including non-material things like traditions or values. It is often used metaphorically.
• Choose "завещание" when discussing legal documents; use "наследие" for inherited items or abstract legacies.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "наследие" to refer to a legal will. Incorrect: "Я написал наследие." Correct: "Я написал завещание." (Explanation: "Наследие" refers to what is inherited, not the act of bequeathing or the document.)
• Error: Misusing grammatical cases with "завещание." Incorrect: "Я вижу завещанием." Correct: "Я вижу завещание." (Explanation: Accusative case for neuter nouns like "завещание" matches the nominative form.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussing a "завещание" (will) can be a sensitive topic, often associated with death or family disputes. It is less common to openly talk about wills compared to some Western cultures. "Наследие," however, carries a positive connotation when referring to cultural or historical heritage, often celebrated in literature and media.

Related Concepts:

• наследство (inheritance, material)
• достояние (heritage, often public or cultural)
• дар (gift, sometimes used in a broader sense of bequeathing)