Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'embassy'

English Word: embassy

Key Russian Translations:

• посольство [poˈsɔlstvə] - [Formal, Used in diplomatic or official contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal discussions about international relations, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; Involves understanding of diplomatic vocabulary and basic noun inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

посольство: [poˈsɔlstvə]

Note on посольство: The stress falls on the third syllable ("sɔl"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronounce the "о" as a mid-back rounded vowel.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The building or group representing a country's diplomatic interests in another country.

Translation(s) & Context:

• посольство - Used in formal contexts for diplomatic missions or representations, often in government or international affairs discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Я посетил посольство США в Москве, чтобы получить визу.

  I visited the US embassy in Moscow to get a visa.

• Посольство России в Лондоне организует культурные мероприятия.

  The Russian embassy in London organizes cultural events.

• В случае чрезвычайной ситуации, обращайтесь в посольство вашей страны.

  In case of an emergency, contact the embassy of your country.

• Посольство Франции в Париже является историческим зданием.

  The French embassy in Paris is a historic building.

• Дипломаты из посольства проводят переговоры о торговых соглашениях.

  Diplomats from the embassy are conducting negotiations on trade agreements.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Посольство" is a neuter noun in the third declension group in Russian. It follows regular patterns for nouns ending in -o, but exhibits typical Slavic inflections for cases and numbers. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дипломатическая миссия (diplomatic mission) - More general term, often used interchangeably in broader contexts.
  • представительство (representation) - Emphasizes official representation, with a slight nuance toward administrative functions.
• Antonyms: N/A (This term doesn't have direct antonyms, as it's a specific institution; however, concepts like "enemy territory" might contrast in context, but no exact antonym exists.)

Related Phrases:

• Посольство страны (Embassy of a country) - Refers to the diplomatic mission representing a specific nation; used in formal international contexts.
• Аккредитованное посольство (Accredited embassy) - Indicates an officially recognized diplomatic post; common in discussions of international law.
• Посольский прием (Embassy reception) - A social event hosted by an embassy; often involves cultural diplomacy.

Usage Notes:

"Посольство" directly corresponds to the English "embassy" in formal and diplomatic contexts, but it's important to note that in Russian, this term is almost exclusively used for the highest level of diplomatic representation (e.g., between sovereign states). For lower-level representations, like consulates, use "консульство" instead. Be mindful of case inflections when using it in sentences; for example, it changes to "посольстве" in prepositional phrases. When choosing between translations, opt for "посольство" in official or written contexts, as it's neutral and widely understood.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "посольство" with "консульство": English learners often mix these up. Error: Saying "Я иду в посольство за паспортом" (meaning "I'm going to the embassy for my passport"), when it should be "консульство" for visa and passport services. Correct: "Я иду в консульство за паспортом." Explanation: "Посольство" is for broader diplomatic functions, not routine consular services.

• Improper inflection: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., using "посольство" in a genitive context. Error: "Я из посольство" (incorrect genitive). Correct: "Я из посольства." Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, embassies like "посольство" play a significant role in fostering international relations, often hosting events that blend diplomacy with cultural exchange. Historically, during the Soviet era, embassies were key sites for Cold War espionage, adding a layer of intrigue to the term. Understanding this can help English speakers grasp the nuanced respect Russians have for diplomatic institutions.

Related Concepts:

• посол (ambassador)
• дипломатия (diplomacy)
• консульство (consulate)