Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bridegroom'

English Word: bridegroom

Key Russian Translations:

• жених [ʐɨˈnʲix] - [Formal, Informal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

жених: [ʐɨˈnʲix]

Note on жених: The initial sound [ʐ] is a retroflex fricative, similar to the 's' in "measure." Stress is on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A man who is about to be married or has just been married

Translation(s) & Context:

• жених - Used to refer to a man engaged to be married or on his wedding day.

Usage Examples:

• Жених выглядел очень счастливым на свадьбе.

  The bridegroom looked very happy at the wedding.

• Она познакомила нас со своим женихом.

  She introduced us to her fiancé (bridegroom).

• Жених подарил невесте кольцо на помолвке.

  The bridegroom gave the bride a ring at the engagement.

• Все гости восхищались костюмом жениха.

  All the guests admired the bridegroom's suit.

• Жених и невеста танцевали первый танец.

  The bridegroom and bride danced their first dance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word жених is a masculine noun and follows the regular declension pattern for animate nouns in Russian. Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• суженый (more poetic or old-fashioned, used in specific contexts like folklore)

Antonyms:

• невеста (bride)

Note: The synonym "суженый" is rarely used in modern Russian and carries a more traditional or romantic connotation.

Related Phrases:

• жених и невеста - "bridegroom and bride" (often used together to refer to the couple)
• будущий жених - "future bridegroom" (referring to a man who will soon be engaged or married)
• свадьба жениха - "the bridegroom's wedding" (emphasizing the event from his perspective)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word жених can refer to both a fiancé (a man engaged to be married) and a bridegroom (a man on his wedding day). Context usually clarifies the exact meaning.
• It is used in both formal and informal settings, though in very casual speech, people might simply use personal names or pronouns instead of "жених."
• Unlike English, Russian does not have a separate word for "fiancé" vs. "bridegroom"; жених covers both meanings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing жених with невеста (bride). English learners sometimes mix up the gender-specific terms.

  Incorrect: Она мой жених. (She is my bridegroom.)

  Correct: Она моя невеста. (She is my bride.)

  Explanation: Ensure you use the correct gendered term based on the person's gender.

• Error: Incorrect case usage when referring to the bridegroom in a sentence.

  Incorrect: Я подарил жених кольцо. (Incorrect accusative form without proper ending.)

  Correct: Я подарил жениху кольцо. (I gave the bridegroom a ring - Dative case.)

  Explanation: Pay attention to Russian case endings, as they change based on the grammatical role in the sentence.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of the жених (bridegroom) during a wedding often includes specific traditions, such as "выкуп невесты" (bride ransom), where the groom must complete tasks or pay symbolic ransom to "win" his bride from her family or friends. This reflects the cultural importance of the bridegroom's commitment and effort in the marriage process.

Related Concepts:

• невеста (bride)
• свадьба (wedding)
• помолвка (engagement)