Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'citadel'

English Word: citadel

Key Russian Translations:

• цитадель [tsɨ.tɐˈdʲɛlʲ] - [Formal, Used in historical or military contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in historical, literary, or specialized texts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners need familiarity with Russian noun declensions and borrowed words, as this is a loanword from English/French.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цитадель: [tsɨ.tɐˈdʲɛlʲ]

Note on цитадель: The stress falls on the third syllable ("dʲɛlʲ"). Be mindful of the soft sign (ʲ) which affects the pronunciation, making it softer and more palatalized. In some regional accents, the initial "ц" may sound slightly aspirated.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A fortress or stronghold, often of military or historical significance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• цитадель - Typically used in formal, historical, or architectural discussions; refers to a fortified structure within a city.

Usage Examples:

• В сердце древнего города возвышается цитадель, построенная в средние века.

  In the heart of the ancient city, a citadel rises, built in the Middle Ages.

• Во время войны цитадель служила последним убежищем для жителей.

  During the war, the citadel served as the last refuge for the residents.

• Туристы осматривают руины цитадели, чтобы понять её стратегическое значение.

  Tourists examine the ruins of the citadel to understand its strategic importance.

• Цитадель была окружена рвом и стенами, делая её неприступной для врагов.

  The citadel was surrounded by a moat and walls, making it impregnable to enemies.

• В современном музее экспонируется модель цитадели из эпохи Петра Великого.

  In the modern museum, a model of the citadel from the era of Peter the Great is exhibited.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Цитадель" is a feminine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections based on case and number. There are no irregular forms.

Note: As a loanword, it does not have verbal forms or adjectives derived from it in standard Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • крепость (krepost') - A general term for a fortress; often used interchangeably but implies a larger structure.
  • форт (fort) - More modern or military-specific; used for fortified positions.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "цитадель" is a specific type of structure. However, in a broader sense, it contrasts with "открытый город" (open city), implying vulnerability.

Related Phrases:

• Древняя цитадель - (Ancient citadel; Used in historical narratives to describe old fortifications.)
• Цитадель Кремля - (Kremlin citadel; Refers specifically to the Moscow Kremlin as a fortified complex.)
• Осада цитадели - (Siege of the citadel; Common in military history contexts.)

Usage Notes:

"Цитадель" directly corresponds to the English "citadel" as a borrowed term, often retaining its original meaning in formal or historical Russian. It is typically used in written language, such as in literature, tourism guides, or academic texts, rather than casual speech. When choosing this word over synonyms like "крепость," opt for "цитадель" if emphasizing a central, urban fortress. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on case (e.g., use genitive "цитадели" after prepositions like "в"). Avoid overusing in everyday conversation, as it may sound overly formal.

• In military contexts, it pairs well with verbs like "защищать" (to protect) or "штурмовать" (to storm).
• For English learners, note that Russian does not have a direct article system, so "the citadel" translates simply as "цитадель" without "the."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "в цитадель" instead of "в цитадели" (prepositional case). Correct: "в цитадели" means "in the citadel." Explanation: Russian requires nouns to change based on their role in the sentence; this mistake often occurs due to English's lack of declensions.

• Error: Confusing with "крепость" and using them interchangeably without context. Correct: Use "цитадель" for urban strongholds, as in "старинная цитадель," not "старинная крепость" if specificity is needed. Explanation: While similar, "цитадель" implies a more centralized fortification, helping to avoid semantic overlap.

• Error: Mispronouncing the stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable. Correct Pronunciation: [tsɨ.tɐˈdʲɛlʲ] with stress on the third. Explanation: This can make the word harder to understand; practice with native audio to master Russian stress patterns.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "цитадель" often evokes images of historical resilience, such as the Moscow Kremlin, which served as a citadel during invasions. It symbolizes national defense and endurance, appearing in literature like Tolstoy's works. Understanding this term can deepen appreciation for Russia's fortified architecture, influenced by centuries of warfare and expansion.

Related Concepts:

• крепость
• форт
• бастион