Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'exhume'

English Word: exhume

Key Russian Translations:

• эксгумировать [ɛksɡʊmʲɪrəˈvatʲ] - [Formal, Legal, Used in forensic or historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is rarely used in everyday conversation, primarily in specialized fields like law, medicine, or history.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced learners; requires familiarity with Russian verb conjugations and formal vocabulary, as it is a borrowed term from Latin via English.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эксгумировать: [ɛksɡʊmʲɪrəˈvatʲ]

Note on эксгумировать: The stress falls on the third syllable ("va-"), which is common in Russian verbs of foreign origin. Be cautious with the palatalized 'мʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To dig up a corpse from the ground, often for legal, medical, or historical purposes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• эксгумировать - Used in formal contexts such as forensic investigations, archaeological digs, or legal proceedings.

Usage Examples:

• Врачи эксгумировали тело для проведения судебно-медицинской экспертизы.

  Doctors exhumed the body for a forensic medical examination.

• Историки решили эксгумировать могилу, чтобы выяснить обстоятельства смерти.

  Historians decided to exhume the grave to determine the circumstances of death.

• Правительство приказало эксгумировать останки для идентификации жертв.

  The government ordered the exhumation of remains to identify the victims.

• Семья настаивала на том, чтобы эксгумировать тело и проверить причину смерти.

  The family insisted on exhuming the body to verify the cause of death.

• В ходе расследования полиция эксгумировала несколько могил в старом кладбище.

  During the investigation, the police exhumed several graves in the old cemetery.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

эксгумировать is a first-conjugation verb in Russian, derived from a foreign root, and follows regular patterns with some irregularities due to its Latin origin. It is intransitive and primarily used in the perfective aspect. Below is a table of its key inflections:

Note: This verb does not have significant irregularities but may vary in aspect; the perfective form is implied here.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • выкапывать (vykapyvat') - More general term for digging up, often used in non-formal contexts; implies physical excavation without legal connotations.
  • извлекать (izvlekat') - To extract or remove, applicable in broader contexts like archaeology.
• Antonyms:
  • захоронить (zakhoronit') - To bury or inter, the opposite action in funerary contexts.
  • похоронить (pokhoronit') - To entomb or lay to rest, emphasizing final burial.

Related Phrases:

• эксгумация тела (eksgumatsiya tela) - Exhumation of the body; used in legal or medical reports to describe the process.
• судебная эксгумация (sudebnaya eksgumatsiya) - Forensic exhumation; common in criminal investigations for evidence gathering.
• эксгумировать могилу (eksgumirovat' mogilu) - To exhume a grave; refers to disturbing a burial site for specific reasons.

Usage Notes:

эксгумировать directly corresponds to "exhume" in English, emphasizing formal and sensitive contexts like autopsies or historical inquiries. It is typically used in written legal documents or professional discussions rather than everyday speech. When choosing between translations, opt for эксгумировать in official settings to maintain precision, as выкапывать might sound too literal or informal. Grammatically, ensure correct verb aspect: use the perfective form for completed actions. English learners should note that Russian verbs like this often require agreement with the subject in gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Confusing verb aspects: Learners might incorrectly use the imperfective form (e.g., "я эксгумирую" for a completed action). Correct: Use perfective "я эксгумировал" for past events. Error example: "Я эксгумирую тело вчера" (incorrect mixing of tenses); Correct: "Я эксгумировал тело вчера." Explanation: Russian requires consistent aspect to convey action completion.

• Misusing synonyms: Beginners often substitute with выкапывать in formal contexts, which can diminish the legal tone. Error example: "Мы выкапываем тело для суда" (too casual); Correct: "Мы эксгумируем тело для суда." Explanation: эксгумировать carries the necessary formality and specificity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, exhumation (эксгумация) is often linked to historical events, such as the exhumation of remains from mass graves related to World War II or Stalinist purges. It carries emotional and ethical weight, involving family consent and religious considerations, as Orthodox traditions emphasize undisturbed burials. This reflects broader cultural sensitivities around death and heritage in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• похороны (pohorony) - Funeral
• кладбище (kladbishche) - Cemetery
• судебная медицина (sudebnaya meditsina) - Forensic medicine