Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cult'

English Word: cult

Key Russian Translations:

• культ [kʊlʲt] - [Formal, Often used in religious or cultural contexts]
• секта [ˈsʲektə] - [Neutral, Refers specifically to a sect or fringe group]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in discussions of religion, culture, or sociology)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

культ: [kʊlʲt]

Note on культ: The 'л' is palatalized, pronounced softly with the tongue touching the palate.

секта: [ˈsʲektə]

Note on секта: Stress falls on the first syllable, and 'е' is pronounced as a soft 'ye' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A system of religious veneration or devotion (Cultural/Religious)

Translation(s) & Context:

• культ - Used for worship or veneration, often in historical or anthropological contexts (e.g., "cult of ancestors").

Usage Examples:

• Культ предков был распространён в древних обществах.

  The cult of ancestors was widespread in ancient societies.

• В этой культуре развился культ солнца.

  A cult of the sun developed in this culture.

• Культ личности стал проблемой в политике.

  The cult of personality became a problem in politics.

2. A small religious or social group with unconventional beliefs (Sect)

Translation(s) & Context:

• секта - Refers to a sect or fringe group, often with a negative connotation of being secretive or extreme.

Usage Examples:

• Эта секта привлекла много молодых людей.

  This cult attracted many young people.

• Секта была запрещена из-за опасных практик.

  The cult was banned due to dangerous practices.

• Он попал под влияние странной секты.

  He fell under the influence of a strange cult.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

культ (noun, masculine, inanimate):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	культ	культы
Genitive	культа	культов
Dative	культу	культам
Accusative	культ	культы
Instrumental	культом	культами
Prepositional	о культе	о культах

секта (noun, feminine, inanimate):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	секта	секты
Genitive	секты	сект
Dative	секте	сектам
Accusative	секту	секты
Instrumental	сектой	сектами
Prepositional	о секте	о сектах

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for культ:

• поклонение (worship)
• обожествление (deification)

Note: "Поклонение" is more general and can apply to reverence, while "обожествление" implies making something divine.

Synonyms for секта:

• группировка (grouping, faction)
• община (community, often neutral)

Antonyms for секта:

• церковь (church, mainstream religion)

Related Phrases:

• культ личности - Cult of personality (often used in political contexts).
• религиозная секта - Religious sect (specifies the nature of the group).
• попасть в секту - To fall into a cult (implies being drawn into a dangerous group).

Usage Notes:

• "Культ" is broader and can refer to any form of veneration or obsession, not necessarily negative (e.g., "cult of beauty"). It aligns closely with the English "cult" in cultural or historical contexts.
• "Секта" specifically refers to a group, often with a negative connotation in Russian, implying deviation from mainstream beliefs. Use it when "cult" refers to a fringe religious or social group.
• Be cautious about tone: "секта" can sound judgmental, so context matters when translating.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "культ" to describe a group of people. Wrong: "Эта культ опасна." Correct: "Эта секта опасна." (This cult is dangerous.) Explanation: "Культ" refers to the concept or practice, not the group itself.
• Error: Using "секта" for cultural veneration. Wrong: "Секта солнца." Correct: "Культ солнца." (Cult of the sun.) Explanation: "Секта" implies a specific group, not a general belief or practice.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "секта" often carries a strong negative connotation due to historical and modern associations with controversial or harmful groups. It is frequently used in media to describe cults or sects that are seen as manipulative. Meanwhile, "культ" can be neutral or even positive in contexts like "культ знаний" (cult of knowledge), reflecting a deep respect for learning.

Related Concepts:

• религия (religion)
• верование (belief)
• обряд (ritual)