Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Covenant'

English Word: covenant

Key Russian Translations:

• договор [dəɡɐˈvor] - [Formal, General Use]
• соглашение [səɡlɐˈʂɛnʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often Legal or Diplomatic]
• завет [zɐˈvʲet] - [Religious or Historical Context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal and religious contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "договор" and "соглашение"; C1 (Advanced) for "завет" due to specific context

Pronunciation (Russian):

договор: [dəɡɐˈvor]

Note on договор: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "r" is rolled slightly.

соглашение: [səɡlɐˈʂɛnʲɪjə]

Note on соглашение: The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, distinct from English "sh".

завет: [zɐˈvʲet]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Formal Agreement or Contract

Translation(s) & Context:

• договор - Used for formal agreements, often in business or legal contexts.
• соглашение - Typically used for treaties or diplomatic agreements.

Usage Examples:

• Мы подписали договор о сотрудничестве.

  We signed a covenant of cooperation.

• Это соглашение между странами было историческим.

  This covenant between countries was historic.

• Договор должен быть выполнен в срок.

  The covenant must be fulfilled on time.

2. Religious or Sacred Promise

Translation(s) & Context:

• завет - Used in biblical or spiritual contexts, often referring to divine promises.

Usage Examples:

• В Библии упоминается завет Бога с народом.

  The Bible mentions God's covenant with the people.

• Старый Завет и Новый Завет — основа христианства.

  The Old Covenant and New Covenant are the foundation of Christianity.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

договор (Noun, Masculine):

соглашение (Noun, Neuter) and завет (Noun, Masculine): Follow similar declension patterns for their respective genders. Detailed tables available on request.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for договор:

• контракт (more specific to contracts)
• сделка (often used for deals or transactions)

Synonyms for завет:

• обет (vow or pledge, often personal)

Antonyms:

• разрыв (break or termination of an agreement)

Related Phrases:

• заключить договор - To conclude a covenant (formal agreement).
• международное соглашение - International covenant (diplomatic context).
• Божий завет - God's covenant (religious context).

Usage Notes:

• "договор" is the most versatile translation for "covenant" in modern contexts, suitable for legal or formal agreements.
• "соглашение" is often used in international or diplomatic settings, carrying a slightly more formal tone.
• "завет" is restricted to religious or historical contexts and should not be used for modern contracts.
• Be mindful of gender and case endings when using these nouns in sentences, as Russian grammar requires agreement with other sentence elements.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "завет" for a modern contract.
  Incorrect: Я подписал завет с компанией.
  Correct: Я подписал договор с компанией.
  Explanation: "завет" is inappropriate for business or legal contexts; use "договор" instead.
• Error: Incorrect case usage.
  Incorrect: Я верю в договор Бога.
  Correct: Я верю в завет Бога.
  Explanation: For religious contexts, "завет" is the correct choice, and case endings must match the grammatical structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the word "завет" carries deep religious significance, often associated with biblical narratives like the Old and New Testaments (Старый Завет and Новый Завет). It is rarely used outside spiritual contexts, unlike "договор" or "соглашение," which are common in everyday formal communication.

Related Concepts:

• обязательство (obligation)
• контракт (contract)
• обет (vow)