Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Condolence'

English Word: Condolence

Key Russian Translations:

• соболезнование [səbɐˈlʲeznəvənʲɪjə] - [Formal, Singular]
• соболезнования [səbɐˈlʲeznəvənʲɪjə] - [Formal, Plural, Commonly used in expressions]

Frequency: Medium (often used in formal or emotional contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations due to formal usage and pronunciation challenges

Pronunciation (Russian):

соболезнование: [səbɐˈlʲeznəvənʲɪjə]

Note on соболезнование: Stress falls on the third syllable (lez). The soft 'l' sound (лʲ) may be tricky for non-native speakers.

соболезнования: [səbɐˈlʲeznəvənʲɪjə]

Note on соболезнования: Identical pronunciation to the singular form, differing only in grammatical number.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Expression of Sympathy (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• соболезнование - Used in formal written or spoken contexts, often singular when referring to the act of condolence.
• соболезнования - Plural form, more common in standard expressions like "приношу соболезнования" (I offer my condolences).

Usage Examples:

• Я выражаю вам своё соболезнование по поводу вашей утраты.

  I express my condolence to you regarding your loss.

• Приношу свои искренние соболезнования вашей семье.

  I offer my sincere condolences to your family.

• Мы все присоединяемся к соболезнованиям в этот трудный момент.

  We all join in expressing condolences at this difficult time.

• Примите мои соболезнования в связи с этой трагедией.

  Please accept my condolences in connection with this tragedy.

• Соболезнование от всего сердца в этот тяжёлый день.

  My heartfelt condolence on this difficult day.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

соболезнование (Singular, Neuter Noun)

соболезнования (Plural, Neuter Noun)

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• сочувствие (sympathy, often less formal)
• скорбь (sorrow, more emotional)

Note: "сочувствие" can be used in less formal contexts, while "скорбь" emphasizes grief rather than the act of condolence.

Antonyms:

• поздравление (congratulation)

Related Phrases:

• принести соболезнования - to offer condolences
• выразить соболезнование - to express condolence
• примите мои соболезнования - please accept my condolences

Usage Notes:

• The plural form "соболезнования" is far more common in spoken and written Russian, especially in standard expressions like "приношу соболезнования".
• These terms are strictly formal and should not be used in casual contexts. For less formal sympathy, consider "сочувствие".
• Russian often pairs "соболезнования" with verbs like "принести" (to offer) or "выразить" (to express) to complete the phrase.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the singular "соболезнование" in expressions where plural is expected. For example, saying "приношу соболезнование" instead of "приношу соболезнования".
  Explanation: The plural form is idiomatic in most fixed expressions. Always use "соболезнования" unless referring to a single act of condolence in a very specific context.
• Error: Mispronouncing the stress as [ˈsobo...] instead of [səbɐˈlʲez...].
  Explanation: Incorrect stress changes the word's clarity and can make it harder to understand. Practice stressing the "lez" syllable.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing condolences is a significant social act, often done formally during funerals or in written notes. It's customary to use phrases like "примите мои соболезнования" to show respect. Physical gestures, such as a handshake or a slight bow, may accompany verbal condolences in person.

Related Concepts:

• скорбь (sorrow)
• утрата (loss)
• похороны (funeral)