Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'coffin'

English Word: coffin

Key Russian Translations:

• гроб [ɡrop] - [Formal, Neutral, Singular]
• саркофаг [sərkɐˈfak] - [Formal, Often Historical or Ornate Context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in contexts of death and burial)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for "гроб"; B2 for "саркофаг" due to specialized usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гроб: [ɡrop]

Note on гроб: The stress is on the single syllable, and the "r" sound is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

саркофаг: [sərkɐˈfak]

Note on саркофаг: Stress falls on the last syllable, and the "г" is pronounced as a hard "g."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A box or container for a deceased person (general burial context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гроб - Most common term, used in everyday and formal contexts for a coffin or casket.

Usage Examples:

• Гроб был сделан из тёмного дерева.

  The coffin was made of dark wood.

• На похоронах гроб опустили в землю.

  At the funeral, the coffin was lowered into the ground.

• Она выбрала простой гроб для своего отца.

  She chose a simple coffin for her father.

2. A historical or ornate burial container (often for royalty or ancient contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• саркофаг - Used for stone coffins or elaborate burial containers, often in historical or archaeological contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В музее выставлен древний саркофаг фараона.

  An ancient pharaoh's sarcophagus is on display in the museum.

• Саркофаг был украшен сложными узорами.

  The sarcophagus was decorated with intricate patterns.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

гроб (noun, masculine, inanimate): Follows the regular masculine declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant.

саркофаг (noun, masculine, inanimate): Follows a similar masculine declension pattern but is less commonly used in plural form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for гроб:

• домовина (regional, less common)
• гробница (more figurative or for tombs)

Note: "домовина" is archaic or regional, while "гробница" often refers to a tomb rather than a portable coffin.

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "coffin" refers to a specific object without a clear opposite.

Related Phrases:

• закрыть гроб - "to close the coffin" (literal, during a funeral).
• гробовая тишина - "dead silence" (idiomatic, meaning an eerie or profound quiet).
• саркофаг из камня - "stone sarcophagus" (used in historical or archaeological contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "гроб" is the default and most widely understood term for "coffin" in Russian. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts related to death and burial.
• "саркофаг" is a specialized term, primarily used for ancient or ornate burial containers, especially in historical, archaeological, or museum contexts. Avoid using it for modern coffins.
• Be mindful of the cultural sensitivity surrounding death-related vocabulary. Discussions about coffins are generally reserved for serious or somber contexts in Russian culture.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "саркофаг" for a modern coffin.
  Incorrect: На похоронах был красивый саркофаг.
  Correct: На похоронах был красивый гроб.
  Explanation: "саркофаг" implies a historical or stone coffin, not a modern one used at funerals.
• Error: Misusing cases with "гроб."
  Incorrect: Я видел гробу на кладбище.
  Correct: Я видел гроб на кладбище.
  Explanation: "гроб" requires the accusative case ("гроб") when used as a direct object, not dative ("гробу").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions about coffins and death are often treated with solemnity and respect. The term "гроб" may evoke strong emotions, as funerals are significant cultural and religious events, often involving Orthodox Christian traditions such as open-casket ceremonies. Additionally, the idiom "гробовая тишина" (dead silence) reflects a cultural association of coffins with eerie stillness.

Related Concepts:

• похороны (funeral)
• кладбище (cemetery)
• траур (mourning)
• гробница (tomb)