Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Chaplain'

English Word: Chaplain

Key Russian Translations:

• капеллан [kɐpʲɪˈlːan] - [Formal, Religious Context]
• священник [svʲɪˈɕːenːɪk] - [General, Often Used for Priest in Broader Contexts]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "капеллан"; A2 (Beginner) for "священник"

Pronunciation (Russian):

капеллан: [kɐpʲɪˈlːan]

Note on капеллан: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ll" sound is prolonged slightly, which is typical in loanwords.

священник: [svʲɪˈɕːenːɪk]

Note on священник: Stress is on the second syllable. The "щ" sound is a soft "shch" unique to Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A clergy member serving in a specific institution (e.g., hospital, military)

Translation(s) & Context:

• капеллан - Primarily used for chaplains in institutional or military settings.

Usage Examples:

• Капеллан больницы поддерживал пациентов в трудные моменты.

  The hospital chaplain supported patients in difficult moments.

• Военный капеллан проводил службы для солдат.

  The military chaplain conducted services for the soldiers.

• Капеллан был всегда готов выслушать и помочь.

  The chaplain was always ready to listen and help.

2. A general term for a priest or clergy member

Translation(s) & Context:

• священник - Used broadly for any priest, not necessarily tied to a specific institution.

Usage Examples:

• Священник благословил молодую пару на свадьбе.

  The priest blessed the young couple at the wedding.

• Священник читал молитвы в церкви каждое утро.

  The priest read prayers in the church every morning.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

капеллан (Masculine Noun):

священник (Masculine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for капеллан:

• духовник (spiritual guide, confessor)

Note: "духовник" often implies a personal spiritual advisor rather than an institutional role.

Synonyms for священник:

• иерей (formal, ecclesiastical term for priest)
• батюшка (informal, affectionate term for a priest)

Antonyms: None directly applicable as the concept of "chaplain" lacks a clear opposite in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• военный капеллан - Military chaplain (refers to a chaplain serving in the armed forces).
• больничный капеллан - Hospital chaplain (refers to a chaplain working in a medical institution).
• служба священника - Priest's service (refers to the religious duties performed by a priest).

Usage Notes:

• "капеллан" is a more specific term in Russian, often tied to institutional roles like in hospitals or the military. It is less common in everyday speech compared to "священник".
• "священник" is a broader term for any priest and can be used in most contexts, though it lacks the specific connotation of institutional service that "chaplain" carries in English.
• Use "капеллан" in formal or specialized contexts to avoid ambiguity, especially when referring to non-parish roles.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "священник" exclusively without recognizing the institutional context of "капеллан".
  Incorrect: Священник больницы (sounds unnatural for a hospital context).
  Correct: Капеллан больницы.
• Error: Mispronouncing "капеллан" by stressing the first syllable.
  Incorrect: [ˈkɐpʲɪlːan].
  Correct: [kɐpʲɪˈlːan].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of a chaplain (капеллан) is historically less prominent compared to Western countries, as the Orthodox Church traditionally did not emphasize institutional chaplaincy to the same extent. However, the term is gaining usage in modern contexts, especially in military and medical settings. "Священник", on the other hand, carries a deep cultural resonance tied to the Orthodox tradition and is a more familiar term to most Russians.

Related Concepts:

• духовенство (clergy)
• церковь (church)
• молитва (prayer)