Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'devil'

English Word: devil

Key Russian Translations:

• дьявол [ˈdʲjævəl] - [Formal, Singular]
• чёрт [tɕort] - [Informal, Singular, Often used in exclamations]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the translation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "дьявол"; A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "чёрт"

Pronunciation (Russian):

дьявол: [ˈdʲjævəl]

Note on дьявол: The initial "дь" sound is palatalized, a common feature in Russian. Stress falls on the first syllable.

чёрт: [tɕort]

Note on чёрт: The "ч" is a soft affricate sound, and stress is on the single syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Literal Meaning (Supernatural Evil Being)

Translation(s) & Context:

• дьявол - Used in formal, religious, or literary contexts to refer to the Devil or Satan.

Usage Examples:

• Дьявол искушал его в пустыне.

  The Devil tempted him in the desert.

• В этой книге дьявол изображён как символ зла.

  In this book, the Devil is portrayed as a symbol of evil.

• Он продал душу дьяволу за богатство.

  He sold his soul to the Devil for wealth.

2. Informal/Exclamatory Meaning (Expression of Frustration or Emphasis)

Translation(s) & Context:

• чёрт - Used colloquially as an exclamation or to refer to a mischievous person or minor evil spirit.

Usage Examples:

• Чёрт, я опоздал на поезд!

  Damn, I missed the train!

• Этот ребёнок — настоящий чёрт!

  This child is a real devil!

• Чёрт возьми, это сложно!

  Damn it, this is hard!

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дьявол (Noun, Masculine, Animate):

чёрт (Noun, Masculine, Animate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дьявол:

• сатана
• демон

(Note: "сатана" is often used specifically for Satan, while "демон" can refer to a broader concept of demons.)

Synonyms for чёрт:

• бес

Antonyms:

• ангел (angel)
• бог (god)

Related Phrases:

• чёрт возьми - Literally "devil take it," used as an exclamation of frustration or emphasis (equivalent to "damn it").
• договор с дьяволом - "Deal with the devil," a common expression for a dangerous or morally questionable agreement.
• чёрт попутал - Literally "the devil confused me," used to excuse a mistake or bad behavior.

Usage Notes:

• "дьявол" is the more formal and literary term, often used in religious or serious contexts. It directly corresponds to the English "devil" as a supernatural evil entity.
• "чёрт" is informal and versatile, often used in everyday speech as an exclamation or to describe a mischievous person. It can be offensive in some contexts, so use it with caution.
• When choosing between the two, consider the tone and setting: use "дьявол" for formal discussions and "чёрт" for casual or emotional expressions.

Common Errors:

• Mixing formality levels: English learners often use "чёрт" in formal contexts, which can sound inappropriate. For example, saying "чёрт" in a religious discussion instead of "дьявол" may offend listeners. Correct usage: Use "дьявол" in formal or religious contexts.
• Misusing exclamations: Saying "дьявол возьми" instead of "чёрт возьми" sounds unnatural. Correct usage: Stick to "чёрт возьми" for exclamations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian folklore and culture, "чёрт" often appears as a mischievous, trickster-like figure rather than a purely evil entity like the Devil in Western traditions. This nuance explains its frequent use in casual speech. Meanwhile, "дьявол" carries a heavier, more sinister connotation, often tied to Christian theology.

Related Concepts:

• бес (demon, imp)
• ад (hell)
• грех (sin)