Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'elegy'

English Word: elegy

Key Russian Translations:

• элегия (/ɪˈlʲe.ɡʲɪ.jə/) - [Formal, Literary context; used in poetry and reflective writing]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears frequently in literary discussions and classical Russian literature.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2; Requires familiarity with literary terminology and basic Russian grammar, as it involves understanding poetic forms.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

элегия: /ɪˈlʲe.ɡʲɪ.jə/

Note on элегия: The stress is on the second syllable. Be mindful of the soft consonants (лʲ and ɡʲ), which are common in Russian and may be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A poem or song of lamentation for the dead (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• элегия - Used in formal literary contexts to describe a mournful poem, often reflecting on loss or mortality. Common in Russian poetry and translations of Western literature.

Usage Examples:

• Эта элегия посвящена погибшим солдатам Великой Отечественной войны.

  This elegy is dedicated to the soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War.

• Пушкин написал множество элегий, отражающих его личные переживания.

  Pushkin wrote numerous elegies reflecting his personal experiences.

• В современной русской литературе элегия часто сочетается с элементами лирики.

  In modern Russian literature, the elegy is often combined with elements of lyric poetry.

• Чтение элегии на поминках помогает выразить общую скорбь.

  Reading an elegy at a memorial service helps express collective grief.

• Элегия в прозе может быть менее формальной, но всё равно несёт эмоциональную глубину.

  An elegy in prose can be less formal but still carries emotional depth.

A reflective or mournful composition in other art forms (Extended meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• элегия - Applied metaphorically in music or visual arts, indicating a somber tone, often in cultural or artistic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта музыкальная элегия передаёт атмосферу меланхолии и утраты.

  This musical elegy conveys an atmosphere of melancholy and loss.

• В фильме режиссёр использовал элегию как метафору для человеческих страданий.

  In the film, the director used an elegy as a metaphor for human suffering.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"элегия" is a feminine noun (1st declension in Russian). It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns, which include changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • плач (plach) - A lament or wail, often more emotional and less structured.
  • траурная песня (traurnaya pesnya) - Funeral song, used in similar mournful contexts but more specific to music.
  • лирическая жалоба (liricheskaya zhaloba) - Poetic complaint, with subtle differences in tone, implying personal reflection.
• Antonyms:
  • ода (oda) - Ode, a celebratory and joyful poem.
  • гимн (gimn) - Hymn, typically praising or triumphant.

Related Phrases:

• писать элегию (pisat' elegiyu) - To write an elegy; used when composing a mournful poem.
• элегия памяти (elegiya pamyati) - Elegy of memory; refers to tributes for the deceased, common in memorial contexts.
• романтическая элегия (romanticheskaya elegiya) - Romantic elegy; indicates a style influenced by Romanticism, often with emotional depth.

Usage Notes:

"Элегия" directly corresponds to the English "elegy" as a literary term, but it is primarily used in formal or academic settings in Russian. English speakers should note that it carries a strong cultural connotation in Russian literature, often linked to poets like Pushkin. When choosing this word, opt for it in written or artistic contexts rather than casual speech. For plural forms, ensure correct declension based on case, as Russian grammar requires this for agreement. If multiple translations exist, "элегия" is the most precise for poetic elegies, while synonyms like "плач" might suit more everyday expressions of grief.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "элегия" interchangeably with "плач" without considering context. Incorrect: "Я написал плач о моей собаке" (when meaning a structured poem). Correct: "Я написал элегию о моей собаке" for a formal poem. Explanation: "Плач" implies a raw, emotional outburst, while "элегия" suggests a composed, literary form—confusing them can alter the intended tone.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "О элегия" (should be genitive). Correct: "Об элегии". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must adjust endings based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "элегия" is deeply tied to the Romantic era, with figures like Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov using it to explore themes of loss, nature, and existential reflection. It often embodies the Slavic soul's melancholy, known as "toska," making it a symbol of national literary heritage rather than just a generic term for mourning.

Related Concepts:

• сонет (sonet)
• ода (oda)
• лирика (lirika)
• трагедия (tragediya)