Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chapel'

English Word: Chapel

Key Russian Translations:

• часовня [tɕɪˈsovnʲə] - [Formal, Often used for small religious buildings]
• капелла [kɐˈpʲelə] - [Formal, Can refer to a chapel or a musical ensemble]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific religious or historical contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "часовня"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "капелла" due to additional musical connotation

Pronunciation (Russian):

часовня: [tɕɪˈsovnʲə]

Note on часовня: The stress falls on the second syllable. The initial "ч" is a soft affricate sound, similar to 'ch' in "church".

капелла: [kɐˈpʲelə]

Note on капелла: Stress is on the second syllable. The "л" is palatalized, pronounced with the tongue raised towards the palate.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small place of worship (often Christian)

Translation(s) & Context:

• часовня - Used for a small, often standalone, religious structure, typically without a permanent priest.

Usage Examples:

• В деревне стоит старая часовня, построенная в 18 веке.

  In the village, there is an old chapel built in the 18th century.

• Мы посетили часовню на холме, чтобы помолиться.

  We visited the chapel on the hill to pray.

• Эта часовня посвящена святому Николаю.

  This chapel is dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

2. A choir or musical ensemble (historical or architectural context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• капелла - Refers to a chapel as part of a larger church or a musical group, often historically associated with religious music.

Usage Examples:

• Сикстинская капелла известна своими фресками и хором.

  The Sistine Chapel is famous for its frescoes and choir.

• В этой капелле пел знаменитый хор в эпоху Возрождения.

  A famous choir sang in this chapel during the Renaissance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

часовня (feminine noun, 1st declension):

капелла (feminine noun, 1st declension): Follows a similar declension pattern to "часовня".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for часовня:

• молельня (small place for prayer)
• церковка (diminutive of church, informal)

Note: "молельня" may imply a less formal or non-Christian context compared to "часовня".

Antonyms:

• собор (cathedral, a much larger religious building)

Related Phrases:

• построить часовню - to build a chapel (refers to constructing a small place of worship)
• посетить часовню - to visit a chapel (common expression for pilgrimage or tourism)
• Сикстинская капелла - Sistine Chapel (a specific and famous reference)

Usage Notes:

• "часовня" is the most common translation for "chapel" when referring to a small religious building. It is typically used in Christian contexts and often implies a structure without regular services.
• "капелла" is less common in everyday speech for a building and is more likely to appear in historical, architectural, or musical contexts (e.g., a choir or the Sistine Chapel). Be cautious not to confuse the two in conversation.
• Both terms are formal and appropriate for written or respectful speech. There is no widespread informal equivalent for "chapel" in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "капелла" to refer to any small chapel. Wrong: "В деревне есть маленькая капелла." Correct: "В деревне есть маленькая часовня." Explanation: "капелла" is reserved for specific or famous chapels or musical groups, not general small structures.
• Error: Incorrect case usage, e.g., using nominative instead of accusative after verbs like "посетить" (to visit). Wrong: "Я посетил часовня." Correct: "Я посетил часовню." Explanation: Russian requires the accusative case for direct objects.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, a "часовня" often holds historical or spiritual significance, especially in rural areas. Many chapels are associated with local saints or historical events, and visiting them can be part of pilgrimage traditions. Unlike larger churches ("церковь" or "собор"), chapels are seen as more intimate spaces for personal prayer.

Related Concepts:

• церковь (church)
• собор (cathedral)
• монастырь (monastery)
• икона (icon, often found in chapels)