Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'clan'

English Word: clan

Key Russian Translations:

• клан [klan] - [Neutral, Commonly used for family or group affiliations]
• род [rod] - [Formal, Often used in historical or tribal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like family ties or organized groups)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "клан"); B1 (Intermediate for "род" due to historical connotations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

клан: [klan]

Note on клан: Stress is on the single syllable, pronounced similarly to the English word "clan."

род: [rod]

Note on род: Stress is on the single syllable; the "r" is rolled slightly, and the "o" is pronounced as a short, open vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A group of people united by family ties or common ancestry

Translation(s) & Context:

• клан - Often refers to a tight-knit family group or mafia-like organization in modern usage.
• род - Refers to lineage or tribe, used in historical or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот клан контролирует весь бизнес в регионе.

  This clan controls all the business in the region.

• Наш род происходит из древних воинов.

  Our clan descends from ancient warriors.

• Клан собирается раз в год на семейный праздник.

  The clan gathers once a year for a family celebration.

• Род был известен своими традициями.

  The clan was known for its traditions.

• В этом клане все поддерживают друг друга.

  In this clan, everyone supports each other.

2. A group united by shared interests or goals (figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• клан - Used metaphorically for a close-knit group, often in politics or business.

Usage Examples:

• Политический клан пытался захватить власть.

  The political clan tried to seize power.

• Этот клан в индустрии моды очень влиятельный.

  This clan in the fashion industry is very influential.

• Они сформировали клан единомышленников.

  They formed a clan of like-minded individuals.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

клан (noun, masculine, inanimate):

род (noun, masculine, inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for клан:

• группа (group - more general)
• семья (family - more personal)

Synonyms for род:

• племя (tribe - often historical)
• династия (dynasty - for prominent families)

Antonyms:

• одиночка (loner - opposite of a group or clan)

Related Phrases:

• клан мафии - Mafia clan (refers to organized crime groups).
• род и племя - Kin and tribe (a fixed expression referring to one's ancestry).
• семейный клан - Family clan (emphasizes familial ties within a group).

Usage Notes:

• "клан" is more common in modern Russian and can have neutral or negative connotations (e.g., mafia or exclusive groups). Use it for contemporary contexts.
• "род" is more formal and often appears in historical, literary, or traditional contexts. It may feel outdated in casual conversation.
• Be cautious when using "клан" in sensitive contexts, as it might imply secrecy or exclusivity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "род" in modern contexts like business or politics (e.g., "политический род" - incorrect). Correction: Use "клан" instead (e.g., "политический клан").
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions (e.g., "в клан" instead of "в клане"). Correction: Always check the required case for prepositions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "род" carries a deep historical significance, often tied to Slavic traditions of ancestry and lineage. It is frequently used in literature or folklore to evoke a sense of ancient roots. On the other hand, "клан" might evoke associations with modern organized groups, including negative connotations like mafia or elitism in some contexts.

Related Concepts:

• семья (family)
• племя (tribe)
• община (community)