Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Biography'

English Word: biography

Key Russian Translations:

• биография [bʲɪɐˈɡrafʲɪjə] - [Formal, General Use]
• жизнеописание [ʐɨznʲɪɐpʲɪˈsanʲɪjə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "биография"; B2 (Intermediate) for "жизнеописание"

Pronunciation (Russian):

биография: [bʲɪɐˈɡrafʲɪjə]

Note on биография: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "г" is pronounced as a soft [ɡʲ].

жизнеописание: [ʐɨznʲɪɐpʲɪˈsanʲɪjə]

Note on жизнеописание: Stress on the fourth syllable. The initial "ж" is a voiced fricative [ʐ].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A written account of someone's life

Translation(s) & Context:

• биография - Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to a person's life story, often in books or articles.
• жизнеописание - A more formal or literary term, often used in historical or religious contexts to describe detailed life accounts.

Usage Examples:

• Я читаю биографию Льва Толстого.

  I am reading a biography of Leo Tolstoy.

• Её биография полна интересных событий.

  Her biography is full of interesting events.

• Это жизнеописание святого было написано в XVII веке.

  This biography of the saint was written in the 17th century.

• Биография этого политика вызывает много споров.

  The biography of this politician sparks a lot of debate.

• Жизнеописание царя включало много легенд.

  The biography of the tsar included many legends.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

биография (feminine noun): Follows the first declension pattern in Russian.

жизнеописание (neuter noun): Follows the second declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for биография:

• жизнеописание
• автобиография (if self-written)

Note: "автобиография" specifically refers to a biography written by the person themselves, unlike the general "биография".

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable

Related Phrases:

• короткая биография - A short biography
• подробная биография - A detailed biography
• жизнеописание святых - Hagiography (biography of saints)

Usage Notes:

• "биография" is the most common and versatile term for "biography" in Russian, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• "жизнеописание" is more formal and often used in literary or historical texts. It may sound outdated or overly sophisticated in casual conversation.
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: use "биография" for modern or general discussions, and "жизнеописание" for historical or religious narratives.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "жизнеописание" in casual speech.
  Incorrect: Я написал жизнеописание для резюме.
  Correct: Я написал биографию для резюме.
  Explanation: "жизнеописание" is too formal for everyday contexts like a resume.
• Error: Incorrect case usage due to declension errors.
  Incorrect: Я читаю о биография.
  Correct: Я читаю о биографии.
  Explanation: Prepositional case requires the ending "-и" for "биография".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, biographies (especially of historical figures, writers, or saints) hold significant importance. The term "жизнеописание" is often associated with hagiographies in Orthodox Christian contexts, reflecting a deep historical tradition of documenting lives of revered figures.

Related Concepts:

• автобиография (autobiography)
• мемуары (memoirs)
• летопись (chronicle)