Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'celibacy'

English Word: celibacy

Key Russian Translations:

• целибат [tsɨˈlʲibət] - [Formal]
• безбрачие [bʲɪzˈbraʧʲɪje] - [General]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it appears mostly in religious, historical, or formal contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate) - Requires understanding of abstract concepts and religious vocabulary; "целибат" may be slightly harder due to its specialized usage, while "безбрачие" is more straightforward.

Pronunciation (Russian):

целибат: [tsɨˈlʲibət]

безбрачие: [bʲɪzˈbraʧʲɪje]

Note on целибат: The stress falls on the second syllable; be cautious with the soft 'л' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear 'ts' at the beginning.

Note on безбрачие: This word has a soft 'б' and a palatalized 'ч', which can vary slightly in fast speech; it's often pronounced more fluidly in informal settings.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, often for religious reasons.

Translation(s) & Context:

• целибат - Used in formal or ecclesiastical contexts, such as vows taken by clergy; implies a lifelong commitment to abstinence.
• безбрачие - Applied in general discussions of singlehood or voluntary abstinence, less tied to religion.

Usage Examples:

• В монастыре многие монахи принимают целибат, чтобы посвятить себя полностью духовной жизни.

  In the monastery, many monks take celibacy to dedicate themselves entirely to spiritual life.

• Его безбрачие было осознанным выбором, позволяющим сосредоточиться на карьере без семейных обязательств.

  His celibacy was a conscious choice, allowing him to focus on his career without family obligations.

• В традиционных обществах целибат священников считается символом чистоты и преданности.

  In traditional societies, the celibacy of priests is considered a symbol of purity and devotion.

• Безбрачие в молодом возрасте иногда приводит к глубоким размышлениям о личных ценностях.

  Celibacy in one's youth sometimes leads to profound reflections on personal values.

• Многие деятели искусства выбирают целибат, чтобы избежать отвлечений от творчества.

  Many artists choose celibacy to avoid distractions from their creativity.

Broader sense of abstaining from sexual activity for personal reasons.

Translation(s) & Context:

• безбрачие - Common in secular contexts, emphasizing lifestyle choices rather than religious vows.

Usage Examples:

• Её решение о безбрачии было мотивировано желанием достичь внутренней гармонии.

  Her decision for celibacy was motivated by a desire to achieve inner harmony.

• В некоторых культурах безбрачие ассоциируется с духовным ростом и самодисциплиной.

  In some cultures, celibacy is associated with spiritual growth and self-discipline.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "целибат" and "безбрачие" are masculine nouns in Russian. They follow standard noun declension patterns for third-declension nouns, with some irregularities in plural forms. Below is a table outlining their key inflections:

Note: "Целибат" is less commonly used in plural forms, as celibacy is often a singular concept. "Безбрачие" is invariant in some contexts and does not change for gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • воздержание (vozdjeržanie) - More general term for abstinence, often used interchangeably but with a focus on self-restraint.
  • аскетизм (asketizm) - Implies a lifestyle of austerity, similar to celibacy in religious contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • брак (brak) - Marriage, directly opposing the idea of remaining unmarried.
  • свободные отношения (svobodnye otnošeniya) - Free relationships, indicating non-committal or casual partnerships.

Related Phrases:

• Принять целибат - To take a vow of celibacy; used in religious ceremonies to signify commitment.
• Жизнь в безбрачии - Life in celibacy; refers to a prolonged state of singlehood for personal reasons.
• Обет безбрачия - Oath of celibacy; a formal promise, often in spiritual contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Целибат" is the most precise translation for "celibacy" in religious or formal settings, directly borrowed from Latin via English, and is commonly used in discussions of Orthodox Christianity. "Безбрачие" is broader and more neutral, suitable for everyday or secular contexts. English speakers should note that Russian culture often links celibacy to spiritual purity rather than personal choice, so use "целибат" when discussing clergy. Be mindful of grammatical gender—both are masculine nouns—and avoid direct word-for-word translations; instead, choose based on context to ensure natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "целибат" with "брак" (marriage): English learners might mistakenly use "брак" when discussing celibacy, thinking it relates to relationships. Correct usage: Say "Он принял целибат" (He took celibacy) instead of "Он в браке" (He is married). This error stems from overlooking the abstinence aspect.

• Overusing "безбрачие" in formal contexts: Learners may apply it universally, but it's less appropriate for religious vows. Example of error: "Священник в безбрачии" (incorrectly casual); Correct: "Священник дал обет целибата" to emphasize formality.

• Ignoring inflections: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., saying "о целибат" instead of "о целибате" in prepositional case. Always adjust for context to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, particularly within the Russian Orthodox Church, "целибат" holds significant historical and spiritual importance, dating back to early Christian traditions. It is often associated with monastic life and purity, symbolizing devotion to God over worldly pleasures. However, in modern secular society, celibacy is less emphasized, and terms like "безбрачие" reflect personal lifestyle choices influenced by contemporary values.

Related Concepts:

• монашество (monashestvo) - Monasticism
• аскеза (askeza) - Asceticism
• духовная чистота (dukhovnaya chistota) - Spiritual purity