Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Carnage'

English Word: Carnage

Key Russian Translations:

• резня [ˈrʲeznʲa] - [Formal, Often used in historical or violent contexts]
• бойня [ˈbojnʲa] - [Neutral, Often used for mass slaughter or massacre]
• кровопролитие [ˌkrovoprɐˈlʲitʲɪjə] - [Formal, Emphasizes bloodshed]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like war or violence)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "резня" and "бойня"; C1 (Advanced) for "кровопролитие"

Pronunciation (Russian):

резня: [ˈrʲeznʲa]

Note on резня: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "р" sound is rolled, typical of Russian phonetics.

бойня: [ˈbojnʲa]

Note on бойня: Stress on the first syllable. The "й" sound is a palatal glide, softening the preceding consonant.

кровопролитие: [ˌkrovoprɐˈlʲitʲɪjə]

Note on кровопролитие: Stress on the fourth syllable. This is a compound word, and the pronunciation can be challenging due to its length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Violent Killing of Many People (e.g., in War or Massacre)

Translation(s) & Context:

• резня - Used for brutal, chaotic killing, often in historical or violent narratives.
• бойня - Refers to a massacre or slaughter, often with an implication of mass death.
• кровопролитие - Focuses on the act of bloodshed, often in a formal or literary context.

Usage Examples:

• На этой земле произошла страшная резня во время войны.

  A terrible carnage took place on this land during the war.

• Эта бойня унесла жизни тысяч невинных людей.

  This carnage claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people.

• История помнит кровопролитие тех мрачных дней.

  History remembers the bloodshed of those dark days.

• Резня в деревне потрясла всех жителей региона.

  The carnage in the village shocked all the residents of the region.

• Мы должны предотвратить новое кровопролитие.

  We must prevent new bloodshed.

2. Figurative Use (e.g., Severe Damage or Destruction)

Translation(s) & Context:

• бойня - Occasionally used metaphorically to describe chaotic or destructive situations.

Usage Examples:

• Этот матч превратился в настоящую бойню для нашей команды.

  This match turned into a real carnage for our team.

• После урагана город выглядел как после бойни.

  After the hurricane, the city looked like it had been through carnage.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

бойня (feminine noun): Similar declension pattern as "резня".

кровопролитие (neuter noun): Follows the second declension pattern, often used in singular form only due to its abstract nature.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• массовое убийство (mass murder)
• погром (pogrom, often with historical context)

Antonyms:

• мир (peace)
• спокойствие (calm)

Related Phrases:

• устроить резню - to stage a carnage (to cause violent destruction or killing)
• бойня на поле боя - carnage on the battlefield (mass killing in war)
• избежать кровопролития - to avoid bloodshed (to prevent violence or killing)

Usage Notes:

• "резня" is the most direct and commonly used translation for "carnage" in violent contexts, especially historical events.
• "бойня" often implies a more systematic or large-scale massacre and can be used metaphorically.
• "кровопролитие" is a more formal or literary term, focusing on the act of bloodshed rather than the event itself. It is less common in everyday speech.
• Choose the translation based on the tone and context: "резня" for raw violence, "бойня" for mass destruction, and "кровопролитие" for formal or abstract discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кровопролитие" in casual conversation. Explanation: This term is too formal for everyday use. Instead, use "резня" or "бойня". Example of error: "Вчера на улице было кровопролитие" (incorrect for a minor fight). Correct: "Вчера на улице была драка" (fight).
• Error: Misusing "бойня" in non-violent contexts without clear metaphorical intent. Explanation: Ensure the context supports a figurative meaning, such as in sports or disasters. Example of error: "В офисе была бойня" (unclear without context). Correct: "В офисе был хаос" (chaos).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "резня" and "бойня" often evoke strong historical connotations, particularly related to wars, revolutions, or tragic events such as the Russian Civil War or World War II. These words carry a heavy emotional weight and should be used with sensitivity.

Related Concepts:

• война (war)
• насилие (violence)
• трагедия (tragedy)