Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Choir'

English Word: choir

Key Russian Translations:

• хор [xɔr] - [Neutral, Commonly Used for Singing Groups]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

хор: [xɔr]

Note on хор: The initial sound [x] is a voiceless velar fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers as it resembles a guttural 'h'. Keep the 'o' short and open.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Group of Singers (Primary Meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• хор - Refers to any organized group of singers, often in a church, school, or performance setting.

Usage Examples:

• Церковный хор поёт каждое воскресенье.

  The church choir sings every Sunday.

• Школьный хор готовится к концерту.

  The school choir is preparing for a concert.

• Этот хор известен своими гармоничными выступлениями.

  This choir is known for its harmonious performances.

• Она поёт в хоре уже пять лет.

  She has been singing in a choir for five years.

• Хор исполнил классическую музыку на фестивале.

  The choir performed classical music at the festival.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

хор is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the regular declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• ансамбль (ensemble, often for smaller vocal groups)

Note: "ансамбль" may refer to smaller or more specialized groups compared to "хор," which often implies a larger choir.

Antonyms:

• соло (solo)

Related Phrases:

• церковный хор - church choir
• детский хор - children's choir
• хоровое пение - choral singing
• петь в хоре - to sing in a choir

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "хор" is a direct and neutral translation of "choir" and is applicable in most contexts, including religious, educational, and professional settings.
• Unlike English, where "choir" can sometimes metaphorically refer to a group of voices or sounds, in Russian, "хор" is almost exclusively used for actual singing groups.
• Be mindful of the grammatical case when using "хор" in sentences, as Russian nouns decline based on their role in the sentence (see the declension table above).

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect case usage, e.g., using nominative "хор" after prepositions like "в" (in). Example: *Я пою в хор* (wrong) instead of "Я пою в хоре" (correct, prepositional case).
• Error: Mispronouncing the initial [x] sound as an English 'h'. This can lead to confusion with other Russian words. Practice the guttural [x] sound to ensure clarity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, choirs, especially church choirs, hold significant historical and cultural importance due to the prominence of the Russian Orthodox Church. Choral music, including works by composers like Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, is a celebrated art form, and many Russians grow up participating in or listening to choirs.

Related Concepts:

• пение (singing)
• дирижёр (conductor)
• концерт (concert)