Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fame'

English Word: fame

Key Russian Translations:

• Слава (/ˈsla.va/) - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, media, and everyday discussions about achievements or historical figures)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; straightforward for beginners but requires basic noun declension understanding)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Слава: /ˈsla.va/

Note on Слава: The stress is on the first syllable (/ˈsla/). Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers as it differs from the English 'l'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Fame as widespread recognition or renown

Translation(s) & Context:

• Слава - Used in formal contexts like biographies or historical discussions, often implying positive achievement.

Usage Examples:

• Его слава распространилась по всему миру после победы в олимпиаде.

  His fame spread throughout the world after his victory in the Olympics.

• Слава актера принесла ему множество наград и признание публики.

  The fame of the actor brought him numerous awards and public recognition.

• В эпоху интернета слава может прийти очень быстро.

  In the age of the internet, fame can come very quickly.

• Она достигла славы благодаря своему таланту и упорному труду.

  She achieved fame through her talent and hard work.

2. Fame as glory or honor (often with a heroic connotation)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Слава - Applied in literary or poetic contexts, emphasizing moral or historical significance, such as in Russian folklore.

Usage Examples:

• Слава героям войны никогда не забудется в истории.

  The glory of the war heroes will never be forgotten in history.

• Ее слава как ученого вдохновляет молодое поколение.

  Her fame as a scientist inspires the younger generation.

• Слава и почести ждут тех, кто посвятил жизнь искусству.

  Fame and honors await those who dedicate their lives to art.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Слава" is a feminine noun (3rd declension) and undergoes regular case and number changes. It is invariant in plural forms for most uses but changes by case in singular.

Note: For other translations, if any, follow similar patterns based on their word class.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Известность (izvestnost') - More neutral, emphasizing public knowledge.
  • Случайность (sluchaynost') - In specific contexts, implying fleeting fame.
• Antonyms:
  • Неизвестность (neizvestnost') - Anonymity or obscurity.
  • Забвение (zabyveniye) - Oblivion or being forgotten.

Related Phrases:

• Вечная слава (vechnaya slava) - Eternal fame; often used in memorials or historical contexts.
• Достичь славы (dostich' slavy) - To achieve fame; a common expression in motivational speech.
• Слава богу (slava bogu) - Thank God; note: this is a different usage, but related phonetically; meaning "praise to God".

Usage Notes:

"Слава" directly corresponds to "fame" in English but often carries a more positive or heroic connotation in Russian, especially in literary or cultural contexts. It is typically used in formal writing or speech; for informal settings, consider "известность" for a less elevated tone. Be cautious with grammar: as a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs. When choosing between translations, use "слава" for enduring or glorious fame, and opt for synonyms like "известность" for modern celebrity status.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "слава" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел слава" instead of "Я видел славу" (I saw the fame).

  Correct: Я видел славу. Explanation: "Слава" in accusative case is "славу" when it's the direct object.

• Error: Confusing with "слава" as in "slava bогу" (praise to God), leading to misuse in secular contexts.

  Correct: In non-religious contexts, avoid this phrase; use standalone "слава" for fame. Explanation: The religious expression is idiomatic and not related to personal achievement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "слава" often evokes themes from literature and history, such as in Pushkin's works or Soviet-era propaganda, where it symbolizes heroic deeds. It can imply a sense of immortality through legacy, contrasting with Western concepts of fleeting celebrity, and is frequently tied to national pride in figures like war heroes or artists.

Related Concepts:

• Геройство (geroystvo) - Heroism
• Достижение (dostizheniye) - Achievement
• Легенда (legenda) - Legend