Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'coterie'

English Word: coterie

Key Russian Translations:

• котерия [kɐˈtʲerʲɪjə] - [Formal, Literary]
• кружок [ˈkruʐək] - [Informal, Everyday]
• узкий круг [ˈuzkʲɪj kruk] - [Neutral, Descriptive]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in literary or academic contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it requires understanding of nuanced social and cultural concepts; for 'кружок', it might be A2 for basic usage, but 'котерия' elevates it to B2 due to its formality.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

котерия: [kɐˈtʲerʲɪjə]

кружок: [ˈkruʐək]

узкий круг: [ˈuzkʲɪj kruk]

Note on котерия: The stress falls on the third syllable ('те'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'т'. Pronunciation may vary slightly in different dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A small, exclusive group of people with shared interests or pursuits.

Translation(s) & Context:

• котерия - Used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to describe an elite or exclusive social circle, often with a sense of exclusivity.
• кружок - Applied in informal or everyday settings for a casual group, such as a hobby club, without the elitist connotation.
• узкий круг - A neutral phrase for a limited or close-knit group, often in professional or social discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В Москве существует элитная котерия интеллектуалов, где обсуждаются передовые идеи.

  In Moscow, there exists an elite coterie of intellectuals where cutting-edge ideas are discussed.

• Её кружок друзей собирается каждую неделю для обсуждения книг.

  Her coterie of friends gathers every week to discuss books.

• Этот узкий круг художников оказал значительное влияние на современное искусство.

  This narrow coterie of artists had a significant impact on modern art.

• Котерия критиков в Петербурге всегда была известна своими жёсткими отзывами.

  The coterie of critics in St. Petersburg has always been known for its harsh reviews.

• В университете они образовали кружок по изучению поэзии.

  At the university, they formed a coterie for studying poetry.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'котерия' is a feminine noun (3rd declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflections for case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its declensions:

'кружок' is a masculine noun (2nd declension) and inflects as follows:

'узкий круг' is a phrase where 'узкий' (adjective) agrees with 'круг' (noun), so it inflects based on 'круг's declensions, with 'узкий' changing forms accordingly (e.g., узкого круга in genitive).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • салон (more formal, often referring to artistic or social gatherings)
  • группа (general term for a group, less exclusive)
• Antonyms:
  • масса (the masses, implying a large, non-exclusive group)
  • общество (society, broader and less intimate)

Related Phrases:

• Закрытый кружок - A closed or exclusive group; used to describe secretive social circles.
• Элитная котерия - An elite coterie; often implies high status or intellectual exclusivity.
• Узкий круг общения - A narrow circle of acquaintances; refers to limited social interactions.

Usage Notes:

'Coterie' translates most directly to 'котерия' in formal contexts, but English speakers should prefer 'кружок' for everyday Russian to avoid sounding overly literary. Note the cultural nuance: Russian equivalents often carry implications of intellectual or artistic pursuits. When choosing between translations, use 'узкий круг' for descriptive neutrality. Grammatically, ensure adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the noun.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'котерия' in informal speech, which sounds unnatural. Correct: Opt for 'кружок' instead. Example of error: "Мои друзья — это котерия." (Incorrectly formalizes a casual group). Correct: "Мои друзья — это кружок."

• Error: Forgetting case agreement, e.g., saying "в котерия" instead of "в котерии" (prepositional case). Explanation: Russian requires precise declension; always check the context's case requirements.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a 'coterie' is often linked to literary and artistic circles from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as those in St. Petersburg salons. Terms like 'котерия' evoke historical figures like the Decembrists or Symbolist poets, highlighting Russia's tradition of intellectual exclusivity amid broader societal changes.

Related Concepts:

• интеллигенция (intelligentsia)
• салон (salon)
• клуб (club)