Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Easter'

English Word: Easter

Key Russian Translations:

• Пасха [ˈpas.xə] - [Formal, Religious]

Frequency: Medium (Common in religious and cultural contexts, especially during spring holidays, but not everyday vocabulary)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level in CEFR, as it involves basic vocabulary with cultural elements; suitable for beginners learning about holidays)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Пасха: [ˈpas.xə]

Note on Пасха: The 'x' in IPA represents a guttural 'kh' sound, similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'. Stress is on the first syllable, and pronunciation may vary slightly by region in Russia.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Пасха - Used in formal and religious contexts, such as church services or family traditions, to refer to the Easter holiday in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

Usage Examples:

• Мы празднуем Пасху в воскресенье с семьей и красим яйца.

  We celebrate Easter on Sunday with the family and paint eggs.

• В России Пасха часто сопровождается постом и молитвами.

  In Russia, Easter is often accompanied by fasting and prayers.

• Дети ждут Пасху, чтобы получить сладости и подарки.

  Children look forward to Easter to receive sweets and gifts.

• Во время Пасхи люди говорят: "Христос воскрес!"

  During Easter, people say: "Christ is risen!"

• Пасха - это время для посещения церкви и встречи с друзьями.

  Easter is a time for attending church and meeting with friends.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пасха" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for gender, number, and case. The word is invariable in its base form but changes according to grammatical context.

Note: As a holiday name, it is often used in its nominative form and does not inflect frequently in casual speech.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Светлое Воскресение (Svétloye Voskréseniye) - More formal or poetic term, emphasizing the "Bright Resurrection," often used in religious texts.
  • Воскресение Христово (Voskréseniye Khristóvo) - Literally "Christ's Resurrection," used interchangeably in ecclesiastical contexts but with a slightly more doctrinal nuance.
• Antonyms: Not typically applicable, as "Пасха" is a specific holiday. However, conceptually, it contrasts with periods of fasting like Великий Пост (Velíkiy Post - Great Lent).

Related Phrases:

• Христос воскрес! (Khristós voskrés!) - A traditional Easter greeting meaning "Christ is risen!" Used in festive contexts during the holiday.
• Воистину воскрес! (Voistínu voskrés!) - The response to the above greeting, meaning "Truly, He is risen!" Common in Orthodox traditions.
• Крашеные яйца на Пасху (Kráshenyé yáytsa na Páskhu) - "Dyed eggs for Easter," referring to a cultural custom of decorating eggs as symbols of new life.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Пасха" directly corresponds to the English "Easter" in the context of the Christian holiday, particularly in the Orthodox tradition. It is most commonly used in formal or religious settings, such as church services or family gatherings. Be aware of cultural nuances: in Russia, Easter often involves specific rituals like breaking fasts and exchanging greetings, which may not align exactly with Western traditions. When choosing between synonyms like "Светлое Воскресение," opt for "Пасха" in everyday conversation for simplicity. Grammatically, it functions as a feminine noun and should agree in gender and case with accompanying words.

• Avoid using it in non-religious contexts unless discussing cultural events.
• In plural forms, it's rare but can appear in discussions of multiple celebrations.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "Пасха" with "Воскресенье" (Sunday), thinking it means any Sunday rather than the specific holiday. Incorrect: "Я иду в церковь в Пасха" (grammatical error in case). Correct: "Я иду в церковь на Пасху" (using the correct prepositional case). Another error is mispronouncing the 'х' sound as a soft 'h' instead of the guttural 'kh', which can make it sound like "Pasa" instead of [ˈpas.xə]. Always ensure proper case agreement to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

"Пасха" is deeply rooted in Russian Orthodox Christianity and symbolizes renewal and resurrection. In Russia, it often marks the end of Lent with feasts, egg-painting, and family visits. Historically, it dates back to early Christian traditions adapted from pagan spring festivals, reflecting Russia's blend of faith and folklore. This makes it more than a religious event—it's a cultural cornerstone that fosters community and joy.

Related Concepts:

• Рождество (Rojdestvo) - Christmas
• Великий Пост (Velikiy Post) - Great Lent
• Троица (Troitsa) - Trinity Sunday