Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'catechism'

English Word: catechism

Key Russian Translations:

• катехизис /kɐˈtʲexʲɪzʲɪs/ - [Formal, Religious context]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in religious, educational, or historical contexts; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1 level, as it requires familiarity with religious terminology and Russian Orthodox traditions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

катехизис: /kɐˈtʲexʲɪzʲɪs/

Note on катехизис: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ex"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized 'tʲ' sound. Pronounce it with a soft 'h' in "ex" for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A religious instruction book or set of questions and answers used for teaching doctrine

Translation(s) & Context:

• катехизис - Used in formal religious education, such as in Russian Orthodox Church settings, to refer to a manual of basic Christian teachings.

Usage Examples:

• В церкви мы изучаем катехизис, чтобы лучше понять основы веры.

  In church, we study the catechism to better understand the basics of faith.

• Катехизис был важным инструментом для религиозного образования в дореволюционной России.

  The catechism was an important tool for religious education in pre-revolutionary Russia.

• Дети в воскресной школе читают катехизис перед причастием.

  Children in Sunday school read the catechism before communion.

• Современный катехизис часто включает вопросы и ответы о морали и этике.

  The modern catechism often includes questions and answers about morality and ethics.

• В катехизисе объясняются ключевые догматы православия.

  The catechism explains the key dogmas of Orthodoxy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Катехизис" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard patterns of third-declension nouns with some irregularities due to its borrowed origin from Greek via Latin. It is not commonly inflected in modern usage but can change based on case and number.

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple catechisms or versions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • учебник веры (uchebnik very) - A more general term for a faith textbook, often used interchangeably in educational contexts.
  • вероучение (verouchenie) - Emphasizes the teaching aspect, with a slight nuance toward doctrinal instruction.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "catechism" is a specific concept without a clear opposite in Russian religious terminology.

Related Phrases:

• Изучать катехизис - To study the catechism; used in contexts of religious learning (e.g., in a church or school setting).
• Катехизис православия - The catechism of Orthodoxy; refers to official Orthodox texts with historical and cultural significance.
• Пройти катехизис - To go through the catechism; implies completing a course of study, often for confirmation or baptism preparation.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "катехизис" directly corresponds to the English "catechism" in religious contexts, particularly within the Russian Orthodox Church. It is typically formal and not used in casual conversation. English speakers should note that Russian religious terminology often carries cultural weight tied to Orthodox traditions, so avoid using it in secular contexts. When choosing between synonyms like "вероучение," opt for "катехизис" if the reference is specifically to a question-and-answer format. Grammatically, it requires proper case agreement, e.g., "в катехизисе" for "in the catechism."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "катехизм" (a common misspelling or confusion with the English form) instead of "катехизис." Correct: Always use "катехизис" for accuracy. Explanation: The correct form is derived from Greek, and altering it can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers.

• Error: Failing to inflect the noun properly, e.g., saying "изучать катехизис" in genitive context without changing to "катехизиса." Correct: Use the appropriate case, like "изучать катехизиса" in phrases requiring genitive. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "катехизис" is deeply tied to the Russian Orthodox Church and its historical role in education, especially during the Imperial era. It often evokes themes of spiritual guidance and national identity, as seen in texts like the Catechism of the Russian Orthodox Church. English users should understand that it symbolizes not just religious instruction but also the preservation of traditional values in post-Soviet Russia.

Related Concepts:

• библия (Bible)
• молитва (prayer)
• православие (Orthodoxy)