Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Brotherhood'

English Word: Brotherhood

Key Russian Translations:

• братство [ˈbratstvə] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• братва [brɐtˈva] - [Informal, Colloquial, Often Pejorative]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "братство"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "братва" due to colloquial nuances

Pronunciation (Russian):

братство: [ˈbratstvə]

Note on братство: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "о" at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound [ə] in unstressed position.

братва: [brɐtˈva]

Note on братва: Stress on the second syllable. The "а" sounds like a short, reduced vowel in the first syllable due to Russian vowel reduction.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Sense of Unity or Fraternity (Abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• братство - Used in formal or neutral contexts to denote a sense of unity, fellowship, or shared bond (e.g., in literature, speeches, or historical texts).

Usage Examples:

• Идея братства народов была важной частью советской идеологии.

  The idea of the brotherhood of nations was an important part of Soviet ideology.

• Мы стремимся к братству и равенству во всем мире.

  We strive for brotherhood and equality worldwide.

• Братство в нашем клубе объединяет людей разных культур.

  Brotherhood in our club unites people from different cultures.

2. Group of Close Friends or Associates (Colloquial, Often Negative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• братва - Informal, often used to refer to a group of close friends or a gang, sometimes with criminal connotations in modern slang.

Usage Examples:

• Братва, выручайте, у меня проблема!

  Guys, help me out, I’ve got a problem!

• Эта братва всегда тусуется у магазина.

  This crew always hangs out by the store.

• Не связывайся с той братвой, они опасны.

  Don’t mess with that gang, they’re dangerous.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

братство (Noun, Neuter): Declines according to the second declension pattern in Russian. It is a singular noun with no plural form in most contexts.

братва (Noun, Feminine): Declines according to the first declension pattern. Often used in plural colloquially but can appear in singular.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for братство:

• товарищество
• единство
• содружество

Note: "товарищество" often implies a partnership, while "единство" emphasizes unity in a broader sense.

Synonyms for братва:

• компания
• шайка (pejorative)

Antonyms for братство:

• вражда
• разобщённость

Related Phrases:

• братство народов - Brotherhood of nations (historical and ideological term in Soviet context).
• дух братства - Spirit of brotherhood (used in inspirational or literary contexts).
• братва, держись! - Hang in there, guys! (colloquial, friendly encouragement).

Usage Notes:

• "братство" is the standard and neutral term for "brotherhood" in most contexts, suitable for formal writing or speech. It often carries a positive or idealistic connotation.
• "братва" is highly informal and context-dependent. It can refer to a group of friends in a casual setting but often implies a rough or criminal group in modern usage. Use with caution.
• English speakers should note that direct translation of "brotherhood" as "братва" in formal contexts will sound inappropriate or offensive.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "братва" in formal contexts to mean "brotherhood" as unity.
  Incorrect: Мы стремимся к братве народов.
  Correct: Мы стремимся к братству народов.
  Explanation: "братва" is colloquial and often negative, while "братство" is the appropriate term for abstract or formal unity.
• Error: Mispronouncing "братство" with stress on the second syllable.
  Explanation: Stress is on the first syllable [ˈbratstvə]. Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

The concept of "братство" has deep historical significance in Russian culture, especially in the context of Slavic unity and Soviet ideology, where phrases like "братство народов" (brotherhood of nations) were widely used to promote solidarity among different ethnic groups. On the other hand, "братва" reflects a post-Soviet slang term often associated with the criminal underworld of the 1990s, popularized in media and films.

Related Concepts:

• дружба (friendship)
• товарищество (comradeship)
• единство (unity)