Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'civilization'

English Word: civilization

Key Russian Translations:

• цивилизация [tsɨvʲɪlʲɪˈzatsɨjə] - [Formal; Used in academic, historical, or social contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in discussions of history, culture, and society, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of abstract concepts and noun declensions, suitable for upper-intermediate learners per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

цивилизация: [tsɨvʲɪlʲɪˈzatsɨjə]

Note on цивилизация: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("za"), and the initial "ц" is a voiceless alveolar affricate, which may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft "л" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, symbolic communication forms, and a perceived separation from and domination over the natural environment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• цивилизация - Used in formal contexts like history, anthropology, or sociology to refer to advanced human societies; often implies cultural and technological progress.

Usage Examples:

• Античная цивилизация оставила нам богатое наследие в искусстве и философии.

  Ancient civilization left us a rich heritage in art and philosophy.

• Модернизация общества привела к развитию новой цивилизации.

  The modernization of society led to the development of a new civilization.

• Влияние западной цивилизации на традиционные культуры часто обсуждается в академических кругах.

  The influence of Western civilization on traditional cultures is often discussed in academic circles.

• Цивилизация древнего Египта впечатляет своей инженерной проницательностью.

  The civilization of ancient Egypt impresses with its engineering ingenuity.

• Глобализация способствует слиянию различных цивилизаций в современном мире.

  Globalization contributes to the merging of various civilizations in the modern world.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Цивилизация is a feminine noun of the first declension group in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but can vary by number and case. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • культура (kultura) - Often used interchangeably but emphasizes cultural aspects more than technological ones.
  • общество (obshchestvo) - Refers to society in a broader social sense, with subtle differences in formality.
• Antonyms:
  • варварство (varvarstvo) - Implies primitiveness or lack of civilization, used in historical contexts.
  • дикость (dikost') - Suggests wildness or uncivilized state, often in a more metaphorical sense.

Related Phrases:

• Древняя цивилизация (Drevnyaya tsivilizatsiya) - Ancient civilization; Used when discussing historical societies like Egypt or Rome.
• Западная цивилизация (Zapadnaya tsivilizatsiya) - Western civilization; Refers to cultures influenced by Europe and America, often in global comparisons.
• Глобальная цивилизация (Globalnaya tsivilizatsiya) - Global civilization; Implies a worldwide interconnected society in modern contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "цивилизация" directly corresponds to the English "civilization" in most formal and academic contexts, but it carries a connotation of progress and cultural achievement. It is typically used in singular form for broad concepts, though plural forms exist for specific instances (e.g., multiple civilizations). Be mindful of case endings when using it in sentences, as Russian requires agreement with other elements. For English learners, choose "цивилизация" over synonyms like "культура" when emphasizing technological or societal advancement. Avoid using it in casual speech, as it sounds formal.

• Grammar tip: Always decline it according to the sentence structure to maintain agreement.
• Context guidance: In historical texts, it's common; in everyday talk, opt for simpler words like "общество" if needed.

Common Errors:

One common mistake is confusing the genitive and accusative forms, such as using "цивилизация" instead of "цивилизацию" in direct object positions. For example:

• Incorrect: Я изучаю цивилизация. (This implies a prepositional use but is grammatically wrong for "I am studying civilization."')
• Correct: Я изучаю цивилизацию. (The accusative form is needed here.)
• Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian case requirements, leading to incomplete sentences. Always check the role of the noun in the sentence.

Another error is overusing it in informal settings, which can sound pretentious; instead, use more neutral terms like "культура" for casual discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "цивилизация" often evokes discussions of Russia's place in global history, such as debates between "Western civilization" and traditional Slavic roots. This term gained prominence during the 19th-century intellectual movements, reflecting tensions between modernization and preserving national identity. Understanding this can help English learners appreciate why Russians might use it critically in conversations about globalization.

Related Concepts:

• культура (kultura)
• общество (obshchestvo)
• история (istoriya)
• технологии (tekhnologii)