Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'coven'

English Word: coven

Key Russian Translations:

• ковен [ˈko.vɛn] - [Borrowed term from English, used in modern contexts such as literature and fantasy; Informal, Plural when referring to groups]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it appears more in specialized contexts like fantasy novels or occult discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2 level, as it involves recognizing borrowed words and basic noun inflections; learners with intermediate vocabulary will find it manageable.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ковен: [ˈko.vɛn]

Note on ковен: The stress is on the first syllable. Pronounce the 'o' as in "go" and the 'ɛ' as in "bed." Be cautious with the borrowed pronunciation, as it may vary slightly in regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A group of witches or practitioners of witchcraft, often in a secretive or organized manner

Translation(s) & Context:

• ковен - Used in contexts related to fantasy literature, folklore, or modern occult practices; typically informal and associated with English-influenced media.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу собрался древний ковен ведьм, чтобы провести ритуал.

  In the forest, an ancient coven of witches gathered to perform a ritual.

• В современном фэнтези ковен часто изображается как тайное общество.

  In modern fantasy, a coven is often depicted as a secret society.

• Она присоединилась к ковену для изучения древних традиций.

  She joined the coven to study ancient traditions.

• Ковен магов защитил деревню от злых духов.

  The coven of mages protected the village from evil spirits.

• В этой книге ковен раскрывает свои тайны под луной.

  In this book, the coven reveals its secrets under the moon.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Ковен" is a masculine noun in Russian, borrowed from English, and follows the standard third declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender but changes regularly with case and number. For learners, focus on the nominative and genitive forms, as they are most common.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • группа ведьм (group of witches) - More general and descriptive, often used in narrative contexts.
  • ведьмин круг (witches' circle) - Implies a ritualistic gathering, with a slight cultural connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • одиночка (solitary person) - Refers to someone acting alone, contrasting the group aspect.

Related Phrases:

• ведьмин ковен - A witches' coven; Used in fantasy or folklore to denote a specific type of magical group. (Context: Often appears in stories about witchcraft.)
• тайный ковен - Secret coven; Implies clandestine activities. (Context: Common in mystery or thriller genres.)
• ковен initiates - Coven of initiates; Refers to beginners in a group. (Context: Used in educational or ritual settings.)

Usage Notes:

"Ковен" directly corresponds to the English "coven" as a borrowed term, making it ideal for discussions of Western witchcraft or fantasy. However, in Russian, it is less common in everyday speech and more prevalent in translated literature or online communities. Use it in informal or creative contexts; avoid in formal writing unless discussing cultural topics. When choosing between translations, opt for "ковен" if the original English context is preserved, but "группа ведьм" might be more natural for native Russian expression. Grammatically, ensure proper inflection based on case, as Russian requires agreement with other elements in the sentence.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "ковен" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "в ковен" instead of "в ковене" (prepositional case). Correct: "Я вошёл в ковен" should be "Я вошёл в ковен" (nominative), but in prepositional: "О ковене" (about the coven). Explanation: Russian nouns must change based on case; this error stems from treating it as an uninflected English loanword.
• Mistake: Confusing it with similar words like "ковёр" (carpet). Correct: Ensure context clarifies; e.g., don't say "ведьмин ковёр" when meaning "coven." Explanation: Phonetic similarity can lead to mix-ups, so double-check spelling and usage.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "coven" is often linked to Western folklore, such as in translations of Harry Potter or other fantasy works, rather than traditional Slavic witchcraft (which might involve "ведьмы" or "баба-яга" stories). It carries a modern, imported connotation of organized magic, contrasting with indigenous Russian pagan traditions. This can help English speakers understand how globalized media influences Russian language and culture.

Related Concepts:

• ведьма (witch)
• маг (mage)
• ритуал (ritual)