Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'goddess'

English Word: goddess

Key Russian Translations:

• богиня /bɐˈɡʲinʲə/ - [Feminine Noun, Used in formal, literary, or mythological contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, mythology, and religious discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1/B2) - Involves understanding noun declensions and cultural contexts; suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge

Pronunciation (Russian):

богиня: /bɐˈɡʲinʲə/

Note on богиня: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ɡʲinʲə/), which is a common feature in Russian feminine nouns. Pay attention to the palatalized 'г' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A female deity or supernatural being, often worshipped in mythology or religion

Translation(s) & Context:

• богиня - Used in contexts involving ancient myths, modern literature, or religious texts; appropriate for formal or narrative descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• В древней греческой мифологии Афродита была богиней любви и красоты.

  In ancient Greek mythology, Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty.

• Славянские богини, такие как Мокошь, олицетворяли природу и плодородие.

  Slavic goddesses, such as Mokosh, personified nature and fertility.

• В современном искусстве художники часто изображают богиню как символ женской силы.

  In modern art, artists often depict the goddess as a symbol of feminine power.

• Дети любят слушать истории о богине Луны, которая управляет ночным небом.

  Children love hearing stories about the goddess of the Moon, who rules the night sky.

• В индуистской традиции Лакшми считается богиней процветания и удачи.

  In Hindu tradition, Lakshmi is considered the goddess of prosperity and fortune.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

богиня is a first-declension feminine noun in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for feminine nouns ending in -я. It changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • божество (bozhestvo) - More general term for a deity, often used interchangeably but less specific to female figures.
  • нимфа (nimfa) - Refers to a female spirit in mythology, with a connotation of nature or beauty.
• Antonyms:
  • бог (bog) - Male deity, contrasting in gender.

Related Phrases:

• Греческая богиня (Grecheskaya boginya) - Greek goddess; Used in discussions of classical mythology.
• Богиня плодородия (Boginya plodorodiya) - Goddess of fertility; Common in cultural or agricultural contexts.
• Древняя богиня (Drevnyaya boginya) - Ancient goddess; Refers to historical or prehistoric deities.

Usage Notes:

богиня directly corresponds to "goddess" in English, emphasizing a female divine figure. It is typically used in formal, literary, or educational contexts rather than casual conversation. When selecting this word, ensure the gender is appropriate, as Russian nouns have grammatical gender. For example, if referring to a male deity, use "бог" instead. Be mindful of case endings in sentences to maintain grammatical accuracy, such as using the genitive case after prepositions like "of" (e.g., "богини любви" for "goddess of love").

• In plural forms, it can refer to multiple goddesses in a pantheon.
• Avoid overusing in everyday language; opt for it in thematic discussions like history or art.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is confusing "богиня" with "бог" and using the wrong gender form. For example:

• Incorrect: Он был бог (when referring to a female deity).
• Correct: Она была богиней (She was a goddess).
• Explanation: Russian requires agreement in gender, so always match the noun to the subject. Another error is forgetting declensions, such as saying "Я видел богиню" incorrectly in other cases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "bогиня" is deeply rooted in Slavic pagan traditions, where goddesses like Mokosh represented earth, fertility, and domestic life. This reflects pre-Christian beliefs that were later influenced by Orthodox Christianity, leading to a blend of pagan and Christian elements in folklore. Understanding these nuances can enhance appreciation for Russian literature and art, such as in the works of Pushkin or folk tales.

Related Concepts:

• мифология (miyfologiya)
• поклонение (pokloneniye)
• древние боги (drevniye bogi)