Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chorus'

English Word: chorus

Key Russian Translations:

• хор [xɔr] - [Neutral, Refers to a singing group]
• припев [prʲɪˈpʲef] - [Neutral, Refers to the repeated part of a song]

Frequency: Medium (both translations are commonly used in specific contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "хор"); B1 (Intermediate for "припев")

Pronunciation (Russian):

хор: [xɔr]

Note on хор: The initial sound [x] is a voiceless fricative, similar to the 'h' in "loch".

припев: [prʲɪˈpʲef]

Note on припев: Stress falls on the second syllable; the 'р' is rolled slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A group of singers performing together

Translation(s) & Context:

• хор - Used to describe a choir or group of singers, often in a formal or classical music context.

Usage Examples:

• Детский хор пел на концерте.

  The children's choir sang at the concert.

• Хор исполнил старинные духовные песни.

  The choir performed ancient spiritual songs.

• Она поёт в церковном хоре.

  She sings in a church choir.

2. The repeated part of a song or poem

Translation(s) & Context:

• припев - Refers to the chorus or refrain of a song, repeated after each verse.

Usage Examples:

• Припев этой песни очень запоминающийся.

  The chorus of this song is very catchy.

• Мы все подпевали припеву.

  We all sang along to the chorus.

• Припев повторяется три раза в этой композиции.

  The chorus repeats three times in this composition.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

хор (noun, masculine): Follows the second declension pattern in Russian.

припев (noun, masculine): Follows the second declension pattern in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for хор:

• ансамбль (ensemble, often for smaller groups)
• капелла (chapel choir, often in religious contexts)

Synonyms for припев:

• рефрен (refrain, more literary or poetic)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either term.

Related Phrases:

• петь в хоре - to sing in a choir
• хор голосов - a chorus of voices (figurative use)
• запевать припев - to start singing the chorus

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "хор" and "припев" depends entirely on context. Use "хор" when referring to a group of singers, and "припев" for the repeated section of a song.
• "хор" can occasionally be used metaphorically to mean a collective voice or opinion, e.g., "хор голосов" (a chorus of voices).
• "припев" is strictly tied to musical or poetic structures and is not used for groups of people.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "хор" to mean the chorus of a song.
  Incorrect: Припев песни исполнил хор. (Intending to say the chorus of the song was sung by a group.)
  Correct: Припев песни был запоминающимся. (The chorus of the song was memorable.)
  Explanation: "хор" refers to the group, not the part of the song. Use "припев" for the latter.
• Error: Misusing cases with "хор".
  Incorrect: Я пою в хор.
  Correct: Я пою в хоре. (Prepositional case required after "в".)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "хор" (choir) holds significant importance, especially in the context of Orthodox Christian traditions, where church choirs play a central role in religious ceremonies. Additionally, choral singing has a rich history in Russian folk and classical music, often symbolizing unity and community.

Related Concepts:

• песня (song)
• куплет (verse)
• дирижёр (conductor)