Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Birth'

English Word: Birth

Key Russian Translations:

• рождение [rɐˈʐdʲenʲɪje] - [Neutral, Most Common]
• роды [rɐˈdɨ] - [Plural, Refers to Childbirth Process]

Frequency: High (Widely used in everyday and formal contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for 'рождение'; B1 for 'роды' due to specific context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рождение: [rɐˈʐdʲenʲɪje]

Note on рождение: Stress on the second syllable; the 'ж' sound is a voiced fricative, similar to 's' in 'measure'.

роды: [rɐˈdɨ]

Note on роды: Stress on the first syllable; always used in plural form when referring to childbirth.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The Act or Event of Being Born

Translation(s) & Context:

• рождение - General term for birth, used in both literal and figurative contexts (e.g., birth of a child or an idea).

Usage Examples:

• День рождения - это особенный день.

  Birthday is a special day.

• Рождение ребёнка изменило их жизнь.

  The birth of a child changed their lives.

• Рождение новой идеи вдохновило команду.

  The birth of a new idea inspired the team.

2. The Process of Childbirth

Translation(s) & Context:

• роды - Specifically refers to the act of giving birth, always plural in form.

Usage Examples:

• Роды прошли без осложнений.

  The childbirth went without complications.

• Она готовится к родам.

  She is preparing for childbirth.

• В больнице есть отделение для родов.

  The hospital has a maternity ward for childbirth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

рождение (Noun, Neuter): Declines according to the second declension pattern.

роды (Noun, Plural Only): Always used in plural form when referring to childbirth; follows third declension rules for plural nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for 'рождение':

• возникновение (emergence, often figurative)
• появление (appearance, often for birth or emergence)

Note: 'возникновение' is more abstract and formal compared to 'рождение'.

Antonyms for 'рождение':

• смерть (death)
• конец (end, often figurative)

Related Phrases:

• День рождения - Birthday (literal: Day of Birth)
• Рождение нации - Birth of a nation (often used in historical or cultural contexts)
• Тяжёлые роды - Difficult childbirth

Usage Notes:

• 'Рождение' is the most versatile term and can be used for both literal (birth of a child) and figurative (birth of an idea) contexts. It is neutral in tone and widely understood.
• 'Роды' strictly refers to the physical process of childbirth and is always plural. It cannot be used in figurative contexts.
• When discussing birthdays, always use 'День рождения' (Day of Birth) rather than just 'рождение' alone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'роды' in singular form or for figurative meanings.
  Incorrect: Рода ребёнка была сложной.
  Correct: Роды были сложными.
  Explanation: 'Роды' is always plural when referring to childbirth.
• Error: Using 'рождение' to directly refer to the process of labor.
  Incorrect: Её рождение было долгим.
  Correct: Её роды были долгими.
  Explanation: Use 'роды' for the labor process, not 'рождение'.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'День рождения' (Birthday) is a significant celebration, often marked with gatherings, gifts, and toasts. It is common to wish someone 'С днём рождения!' (Happy Birthday!) and offer heartfelt congratulations.

Related Concepts:

• жизнь (life)
• детство (childhood)
• материнство (motherhood)