Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chimera'

English Word: chimera

Key Russian Translations:

• химера [xɪˈmɛrə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in literary, mythological, or scientific contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires familiarity with Russian noun inflections and vocabulary related to mythology or abstract concepts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

химера: [xɪˈmɛrə]

Note on химера: The initial "х" is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch." Stress falls on the second syllable, which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft "e" sound.

Audio: Play Pronunciation [Here, insert an audio player or link placeholder for the word's pronunciation.]

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A mythical creature with parts from different animals (e.g., lion, goat, snake).

Translation(s) & Context:

• химера - Used in literary or historical contexts to describe mythological beings; common in formal writing or discussions about ancient myths.

Usage Examples:

• В древнегреческой мифологии химера была ужасным монстром с головами льва, козла и змеи.

  In ancient Greek mythology, the chimera was a terrifying monster with the heads of a lion, goat, and snake.

• Химера из легенд часто символизирует хаос и несовместимые элементы.

  The chimera from legends often symbolizes chaos and incompatible elements.

• В музее выставлена статуя химеры, которая впечатляет посетителей своей фантастической формой.

  In the museum, there is a statue of a chimera that impresses visitors with its fantastic form.

Meaning 2: An unrealistic idea or fantasy; something impossible or absurd.

Translation(s) & Context:

• химера - Applied in metaphorical or philosophical contexts; often used in formal discussions, literature, or critiques to denote illusions.

Usage Examples:

• Его планы на внезапное богатство оказались химерой, не имеющей реальной основы.

  His plans for sudden wealth turned out to be a chimera, lacking any real basis.

• В политике иногда возникают химеры, которые манит людей, но не могут быть реализованы.

  In politics, chimeras sometimes arise that entice people but cannot be realized.

• Не трать время на химеру; сосредоточься на достижимых целях.

  Don't waste time on a chimera; focus on achievable goals.

• Химера вечной молодости преследует многих, но наука пока не предлагает реального решения.

  The chimera of eternal youth haunts many, but science has not yet offered a real solution.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Химера" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фантазия (fantaziya) - More general, implying imagination; used for the figurative meaning, but less specific to mythology.
  • иллюзия (illyuziya) - Emphasizes deception; applicable in contexts of false hopes.
• Antonyms:
  • реальность (realnost') - Directly contrasts with the idea of something unreal or impossible.
  • факт (fakt) - Used for concrete, verifiable truths.

Related Phrases:

• Химера надежд (Khimera nadezhd) - "Chimera of hopes"; A phrase used to describe unrealistic expectations or dreams.
• Мифическая химера (Mificheskaya khimera) - "Mythical chimera"; Refers to the creature in storytelling or art, often in cultural discussions.
• Гоняться за химерой (Gonit'sya za khimeroi) - "To chase after a chimera"; Means pursuing something unattainable, with a connotation of futility.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "химера" directly corresponds to the English "chimera" in both literal and figurative senses, but it is more commonly encountered in formal, literary, or academic contexts rather than everyday speech. When translating, choose "химера" for mythological references to maintain precision, but for abstract ideas, ensure the context clarifies it's not literal. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences (e.g., adjectives must agree with its feminine form). If multiple translations exist, "химера" is preferred for exactness, while "фантазия" might be used interchangeably for looser interpretations.

• Always consider the audience: In informal settings, opt for simpler synonyms to avoid sounding overly literary.
• Grammar note: As a feminine noun, it requires feminine verb agreements, e.g., "Химера была..." (The chimera was...).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "химера" in the wrong gender agreement, e.g., saying "Химера был" instead of "Химера была" (incorrect masculine verb form).
  Correct: "Химера была монстром" (The chimera was a monster). Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, and "химера" is feminine, so verbs and adjectives must reflect that.
• Error: Confusing "химера" with "химия" (chemistry), leading to pronunciation mix-ups.
  Correct Pronunciation: [xɪˈmɛrə] for "химера." Explanation: The words sound similar at the start, but context and full pronunciation differentiate them; practice the "мɛрə" ending to avoid errors.
• Error: Overusing in casual speech, e.g., treating it as a common word like in English.
  Correct Usage: Reserve for formal contexts; in everyday talk, use "фантазия" instead. Explanation: This can make speech sound unnatural or pretentious in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

The term "химера" in Russian culture often evokes references to ancient Greek mythology, as popularized through literature and art. In Russian folklore and modern media, it symbolizes the blending of incompatible elements, reflecting themes of hybridity seen in works like those of Pushkin or in Soviet-era interpretations of classical myths. This can carry a deeper connotation of warning against unattainable ideals, especially in post-Soviet discussions of economic fantasies.

Related Concepts:

• Сфинкс (Sfinks) - Another mythical creature from ancient lore.
• Грифон (Grifon) - A hybrid beast in mythology, similar to the chimera.
• Фантастическое существо (Fantasticheskoye sushchestvo) - General term for fantastical beings.