Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Crusade'

English Word: crusade

Key Russian Translations:

• крестовый поход [krʲɪsˈtovɨj pɐˈxot] - [Formal, Historical]
• кампания [kɐmˈpanʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Often Figurative]

Frequency: Medium (Historical contexts for "крестовый поход"; more common for "кампания" in modern usage)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "крестовый поход"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "кампания"

Pronunciation (Russian):

крестовый поход: [krʲɪsˈtovɨj pɐˈxot]

Note on крестовый поход: Stress falls on the second syllable of "крестовый" and the first syllable of "поход". The "о" in "поход" is pronounced as a short "o".

кампания: [kɐmˈpanʲɪjə]

Note on кампания: Stress is on the second syllable. The final "я" is pronounced as "ya".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Historical Military Expedition (Religious Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• крестовый поход - Refers specifically to the historical Crusades or similar religious military campaigns.

Usage Examples:

• Крестовые походы начались в XI веке.

  The Crusades began in the 11th century.

• Первый крестовый поход был направлен на освобождение Иерусалима.

  The First Crusade aimed at liberating Jerusalem.

• Историки до сих пор спорят о причинах крестовых походов.

  Historians still debate the causes of the Crusades.

2. Vigorous Campaign or Movement (Figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• кампания - Used for modern campaigns or movements, often social or political, with a sense of mission or purpose.

Usage Examples:

• Она начала кампанию против загрязнения окружающей среды.

  She started a crusade against environmental pollution.

• Эта кампания за права животных привлекла тысячи сторонников.

  This crusade for animal rights attracted thousands of supporters.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

крестовый поход (Compound Noun):

кампания (Feminine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for крестовый поход:

• военный поход
• религиозная экспедиция (Rare)

Note: "военный поход" emphasizes the military aspect, while "религиозная экспедиция" is more academic and rare.

Synonyms for кампания:

• движение
• борьба

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as the concept is context-dependent.

Related Phrases:

• вести кампанию - To lead a campaign (often social or political).
• крестовый поход против чего-либо - A crusade against something (figurative, historical tone).
• общественная кампания - Public campaign (common in modern contexts).

Usage Notes:

• "крестовый поход" is almost exclusively used for historical Crusades or metaphorically with a historical or religious connotation. It is not appropriate for modern campaigns.
• "кампания" is the go-to term for modern crusades in the sense of a vigorous campaign or movement, especially in political, social, or marketing contexts.
• Be mindful of the formality of the context: "крестовый поход" sounds more formal and archaic, while "кампания" is neutral and widely applicable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "крестовый поход" to describe a modern social movement. Incorrect: "крестовый поход за экологию". Correct: "кампания за экологию". Explanation: "крестовый поход" carries a historical or religious weight and is inappropriate for contemporary contexts unless intentional for dramatic effect.
• Error: Misusing cases with "кампания". Incorrect: "Я участвую в кампания". Correct: "Я участвую в кампании". Explanation: The prepositional case requires the correct ending for feminine nouns.

Cultural Notes:

The term "крестовый поход" is deeply tied to the historical context of the Crusades in Russian culture, often discussed in history classes or religious studies. It may evoke strong imagery of medieval warfare and religious zeal. On the other hand, "кампания" is a more neutral term, frequently used in Soviet and post-Soviet contexts to describe organized efforts, such as political or propaganda campaigns.

Related Concepts:

• религия (religion)
• война (war)
• движение (movement)
• борьба (struggle)