Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Castle'

English Word: Castle

Key Russian Translations:

• замок [ˈzamək] - [Formal, Primarily refers to a fortified building or palace]
• крепость [ˈkrʲepəsʲtʲ] - [Formal/Neutral, Often used for a fortress or stronghold]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in historical or literary contexts)

Difficulty: A2-B1 (Beginner to Intermediate, depending on context and inflection)

Pronunciation (Russian):

замок: [ˈzamək]

Note on замок: Stress falls on the first syllable. Be cautious not to confuse with "замок" meaning "lock," which shares the same spelling but different context.

крепость: [ˈkrʲepəsʲtʲ]

Note on крепость: Stress on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled, and "е" sounds like "ye."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A large fortified building or palace (often medieval)

Translation(s) & Context:

• замок - Used for a castle or palace, often associated with royalty or historical significance.

Usage Examples:

• Этот замок был построен в 14 веке.

  This castle was built in the 14th century.

• Мы посетили старинный замок на холме.

  We visited an ancient castle on the hill.

• Замок окружён глубоким рвом.

  The castle is surrounded by a deep moat.

2. A fortress or stronghold (military context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• крепость - Refers to a fortified structure with a focus on defense, often in military or historical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Эта крепость выдержала множество осад.

  This fortress withstood many sieges.

• Крепость стоит на берегу реки.

  The fortress stands on the riverbank.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

замок (noun, masculine, inanimate):

крепость (noun, feminine, inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for замок:

• дворец (palace, often implying grandeur)
• цитадель (citadel, more defensive connotation)

Synonyms for крепость:

• форт (fort, more military-focused)
• укрепление (fortification, broader term)

Antonyms:

• хижина (hut, implying simplicity or lack of fortification)
• дом (house, a basic dwelling)

Related Phrases:

• средневековый замок - Medieval castle
• крепость на границе - Border fortress
• строить воздушные замки - To build castles in the air (idiomatic, meaning daydreaming)

Usage Notes:

• "Замок" is primarily used for a castle or palace with historical or royal connotations. However, it can also mean "lock" (as in a door lock), so context is crucial.
• "Крепость" emphasizes the defensive or military aspect, often translated as "fortress" rather than "castle."
• Both terms are formal or neutral and can appear in literature, history discussions, or tourism contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "замок" to mean "lock" in a castle context. Example: Incorrect: "Замок на двери замка" (intended as "lock on the castle door") can be confusing. Correct: Use context or additional descriptors like "замок здания" for clarity.
• Error: Mixing "замок" and "крепость" without regard for connotation. "Крепость" should be used for military strongholds, while "замок" suits palaces or fairytale-like castles.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "замок" often evokes images of European medieval castles or fairytales, while "крепость" is tied to Russia's historical fortresses like the Kremlin or Peter and Paul Fortress. These terms carry a sense of history and resilience in Russian storytelling and literature.

Related Concepts:

• дворец (palace)
• башня (tower)
• стена (wall, as in fortress walls)