Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Diary'

English Word: Diary

Key Russian Translations:

• дневник [dnʲɪvˈnʲik] - [Common, Neutral]
• журнал [ʒʊrˈnal] - [Formal, Often used for logs or journals]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дневник: [dnʲɪvˈnʲik]

Note on дневник: Stress is on the second syllable. The 'д' is pronounced with a soft 'n' sound due to the following 'н'.

журнал: [ʒʊrˈnal]

Note on журнал: Stress is on the second syllable. The 'ж' is a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Personal Record of Daily Events

Translation(s) & Context:

• дневник - Commonly used for a personal diary or a student's grade book in school contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Я пишу в свой дневник каждый вечер.

  I write in my diary every evening.

• Учитель проверил дневник ученика.

  The teacher checked the student's diary (grade book).

• Она хранит свой дневник под замком.

  She keeps her diary under lock and key.

2. Formal Log or Record

Translation(s) & Context:

• журнал - Used for formal records, logs, or journals, often in professional or academic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Капитан вёл журнал наблюдений.

  The captain kept a log of observations.

• Этот журнал публикует научные статьи.

  This journal publishes scientific articles.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

дневник (Masculine Noun): Follows the second declension pattern in Russian.

журнал (Masculine Noun): Also follows the second declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for дневник:

• записная книжка (note-book, less personal)
• ежедневник (daily planner)

Synonyms for журнал:

• лог (log, more technical)
• издание (publication)

Antonyms: None directly applicable for either translation in common usage.

Related Phrases:

• вести дневник - To keep a diary (personal record).
• школьный дневник - School diary (grade book for students).
• журнал учёта - Logbook or record journal (formal usage).

Usage Notes:

• "дневник" is the go-to word for a personal diary or a student's grade book. Use it in casual or educational contexts.
• "журнал" is more formal and often refers to a log, magazine, or periodical. Avoid using it for personal diaries.
• Be mindful of the context, as "дневник" can also mean a school report card in certain regions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "журнал" to mean a personal diary. Incorrect: "Я пишу в свой журнал." Correct: "Я пишу в свой дневник." (Explanation: "журнал" implies a formal record or publication, not a personal diary.)
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions. Incorrect: "Я пишу в дневнике." Correct: "Я пишу в дневник." (Explanation: The preposition "в" requires the accusative case when indicating direction or purpose.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "дневник" often carries a dual meaning, especially among schoolchildren, as it refers to both a personal diary and a grade book where teachers record marks and comments. This dual usage is unique and may confuse non-native speakers if the context isn't clear.

Related Concepts:

• запись (note, entry)
• воспоминание (memory, recollection)
• отчёт (report, account)