Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Courtship'

English Word: courtship

Key Russian Translations:

• ухаживание [ʊxɐˈʒivɐnʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• сватовство [svɐˈtofstvə] - [Formal, Often Historical or Traditional Context]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "ухаживание"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "сватовство" due to its specific cultural usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

ухаживание: [ʊxɐˈʒivɐnʲɪjə]

Note on ухаживание: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers.

сватовство: [svɐˈtofstvə]

Note on сватовство: Stress on the second syllable. The cluster "тв" requires smooth blending without a vowel sound between.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Romantic Pursuit or Dating

Translation(s) & Context:

• ухаживание - Used to describe the act of courting or showing romantic interest, often in a modern or general context.

Usage Examples:

• Его ухаживание за ней было очень трогательным.

  His courtship of her was very touching.

• Она приняла его ухаживание с улыбкой.

  She accepted his courtship with a smile.

• Ухаживание в наши дни часто начинается онлайн.

  Courtship nowadays often starts online.

2. Formal or Traditional Marriage Proposal Process

Translation(s) & Context:

• сватовство - Refers to a traditional or formal act of proposing marriage, often involving family or matchmakers, more common in historical or rural contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В старые времена сватовство было важным ритуалом.

  In old times, courtship (matchmaking) was an important ritual.

• Сватовство прошло успешно, и свадьба была назначена.

  The courtship (proposal process) was successful, and the wedding was scheduled.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

ухаживание (Noun, Neuter): Follows the regular neuter noun declension pattern for second declension.

сватовство (Noun, Neuter): Similarly follows the regular neuter noun declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for ухаживание:

• флирт (flirtation, lighter or playful tone)
• забота (care, when courtship implies attentive behavior)

Antonyms for ухаживание:

• игнорирование (ignoring)
• отчуждение (alienation)

Related Phrases:

• ухаживать за кем-то - To court or take care of someone romantically.
• начать ухаживание - To start courting someone.
• традиционное сватовство - Traditional matchmaking or courtship.

Usage Notes:

• "ухаживание" is the more common and versatile term for courtship, suitable for modern romantic contexts. It can imply both verbal and behavioral expressions of interest.
• "сватовство" is more specific to formal or traditional marriage proposals and is less frequently used in casual conversation. It often carries a historical or cultural connotation.
• Be mindful of the context: using "сватовство" in a modern dating scenario might sound outdated or overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "ухаживание" with "уход" (care in a non-romantic sense, like nursing). Example of incorrect usage: "Его уход за ней был романтичным" (intended to mean courtship but implies caregiving). Correct Usage: "Его ухаживание за ней было романтичным."
• Error: Using "сватовство" for casual dating. Example of incorrect usage: "Я начал сватовство с ней на сайте знакомств." Correct Usage: "Я начал ухаживание за ней через сайт знакомств."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сватовство" historically refers to a formal process where families or matchmakers (сваты) play a significant role in arranging marriages. This practice is less common today but remains a cultural reference in literature and folklore. Modern courtship ("ухаживание") aligns more closely with Western dating practices, though gestures like giving flowers or small gifts are often seen as essential.

Related Concepts:

• помолвка (engagement)
• свадьба (wedding)
• флирт (flirtation)