Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Countess'

English Word: Countess

Key Russian Translations:

• графиня [ˈɡrafʲɪnʲə] - [Formal, Singular, Feminine]

Frequency: Medium (used in historical, literary, or formal contexts)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Due to specific cultural and historical connotations

Pronunciation (Russian):

графиня: [ˈɡrafʲɪnʲə]

Note on графиня: Stress falls on the first syllable ('гра'). The 'и' sounds like 'ee' in 'see', and the final 'я' is pronounced as 'ya'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A noblewoman of the rank of count (historical or titled context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• графиня - Used to refer to a female count, often in historical novels, formal address, or aristocratic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Графиня вошла в зал с достоинством.

  The countess entered the hall with dignity.

• Графиня Ростова была известна своей добротой.

  Countess Rostova was known for her kindness.

• В письме её называли "милая графиня".

  In the letter, she was addressed as "dear countess."

• Графиня часто устраивала балы в своём поместье.

  The countess often hosted balls at her estate.

• Её титул графини был унаследован от матери.

  Her title of countess was inherited from her mother.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

графиня is a feminine noun in Russian and follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -я. Below is the declension table:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• княгиня (used for a princess or noblewoman of a similar rank, though with slight historical differences)

Note: "княгиня" may imply a higher or different noble rank depending on the historical context.

Antonyms:

• крестьянка (peasant woman, as an opposite social class)

Related Phrases:

• графиня в изгнании - "countess in exile" (used for a noblewoman displaced from her homeland)
• титул графини - "title of countess" (refers to the formal title or rank)
• графиня и её свита - "the countess and her entourage" (common in historical contexts)

Usage Notes:

• The term "графиня" directly corresponds to "countess" and is primarily used in formal, historical, or literary contexts in Russian. It is not a common word in everyday modern speech unless discussing aristocracy or historical figures.
• When addressing a countess formally, it is polite to use her title followed by her surname, e.g., "Графиня Ростова".
• Be aware of the cultural weight of the term; it evokes images of pre-revolutionary Russian nobility or European aristocracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "графиня" (countess) with "княгиня" (princess).
  Incorrect: Назвать княгиню графиней (Calling a princess a countess).
  Correct: Княгиня - это титул выше, чем графиня (A princess is a higher title than a countess).
  Explanation: These titles are not interchangeable as they denote different ranks of nobility.
• Error: Incorrect case usage when addressing or referring to a countess.
  Incorrect: Я написал графиню (I wrote the countess - wrong case).
  Correct: Я написал графине (I wrote to the countess - dative case).
  Explanation: Russian nouns change form based on their grammatical role in the sentence. Pay attention to case endings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "графиня" is deeply tied to the historical context of the Russian Empire, where noble titles like countess were common among the aristocracy before the 1917 Revolution. It often appears in classic Russian literature (e.g., works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky) and evokes a sense of elegance, privilege, and historical tradition. Modern usage is rare outside of historical discussions or fiction.

Related Concepts:

• граф (count - male equivalent)
• дворянство (nobility)
• титул (title)
• аристократия (aristocracy)