Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'blasphemous'

English Word: blasphemous

Key Russian Translations:

• богохульный [bɐɡɐˈxulʲnɨj] - [Formal; typically used in religious or legal contexts]
• кощунственный [kɐʂˈʂunstvʲɪnɨj] - [Informal; often in everyday discussions about disrespect]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears frequently in religious, literary, or legal texts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of religious vocabulary and adjective inflections, though "богохульный" is straightforward for learners familiar with basic Russian grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

богохульный: [bɐɡɐˈxulʲnɨj]

кощунственный: [kɐʂˈʂunstvʲɪnɨj]

Note on богохульный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("xul"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft "л" sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Offensive or disrespectful to God or religious beliefs

Translation(s) & Context:

• богохульный - Used in formal contexts, such as theological discussions or legal proceedings involving sacrilege.
• кощунственный - Applied in informal or cultural settings, like criticizing disrespectful art or media.

Usage Examples:

• Его богохульные высказывания вызвали скандал в церкви.

  His blasphemous statements caused a scandal in the church.

• Эта книга считается кощунственной из-за её критики религии.

  This book is considered blasphemous due to its criticism of religion.

• Богохульный жест во время церемонии шокировал присутствующих.

  The blasphemous gesture during the ceremony shocked those present.

• Кощунственные мемы в интернете часто удаляются модераторами.

  Blasphemous memes on the internet are often removed by moderators.

• В некоторых странах богохульные действия наказываются законом.

  In some countries, blasphemous actions are punishable by law.

Meaning 2: Generally irreverent or profane in a non-religious sense

Translation(s) & Context:

• кощунственный - Used metaphorically for irreverence toward sacred or highly respected things, like traditions or icons.

Usage Examples:

• Его кощунственный юмор не всегда принимается аудиторией.

  His blasphemous humor isn't always well-received by the audience.

• Кощунственный подход к историческим фактам может искажать правду.

  A blasphemous approach to historical facts can distort the truth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "богохульный" and "кощунственный" are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow regular patterns for most cases, but learners should note irregularities in certain forms.

For "кощунственный", the inflections follow the same pattern as above: кощунственный (masc.), кощунственная (fem.), etc. These adjectives do not have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for intermediate learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: кощунственный (similar but often less formal), еретический (implies heresy or doctrinal deviation)
• Antonyms: благочестивый (pious, devout; used in positive religious contexts), святой (holy; carries a sacred connotation)

Related Phrases:

• Богохульство - A noun meaning "blasphemy"; used in legal or religious discussions to refer to acts of sacrilege.
• Кощунственный акт - Means "a blasphemous act"; commonly used in media to describe provocative behaviors.
• Богохульные речи - Refers to "blasphemous speeches"; often in contexts of public debate or censorship.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "богохульный" directly corresponds to the English "blasphemous" in religious contexts, while "кощунственный" is broader and can apply to irreverence toward non-religious sacred things. Use "богохульный" in formal or ecclesiastical settings, as it carries a stronger legal implication in countries like Russia. Be cautious with word choice based on audience; these terms can be offensive. For grammar, always inflect adjectives to match the noun's gender, number, and case—e.g., "богохульный акт" vs. "богохульная идея". If multiple translations are available, choose based on context: "кощунственный" for everyday irreverence and "богохульный" for explicit religious offense.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "богохульный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "богохульный женщина" instead of "богохульная женщина".
  Correct: Ensure agreement in gender and case; explanation: Russian adjectives must always match the noun they describe, unlike in English.
• Error: Confusing with "еретический", assuming it means the same; e.g., using "еретический" for general blasphemy.
  Correct: "Еретический" implies heresy, not just irreverence; use "богохульный" for direct blasphemous acts to avoid miscommunication.
• Error: Overusing in informal speech, e.g., saying "Это кощунственный шутка" in casual conversation.
  Correct: "Это кощунственная шутка"; these words are formal, so opt for milder alternatives like "неприличный" in everyday talk.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, particularly influenced by the Orthodox Church, words like "богохульный" carry significant weight due to historical sensitivities around religion. Blasphemy has been a punishable offense in Russia, stemming from tsarist and Soviet eras, and it often intersects with national identity. Using such terms carelessly can evoke strong reactions, especially in regions with deep religious traditions.

Related Concepts:

• ересь (heresy)
• святотатство (sacrilege)
• благочестие (piety)