Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gorgon'

English Word: gorgon

Key Russian Translations:

• горгона /ɡɐrˈɡonə/ - [Formal, used in literary or mythological contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is rarely used in everyday Russian conversation, primarily appearing in academic, literary, or mythological discussions.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Requires familiarity with Greek mythology and basic Russian noun declensions; suitable for learners with intermediate vocabulary.

Pronunciation (Russian):

горгона: /ɡɐrˈɡonə/

Note on горгона: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈɡonə/), which is common in Russian feminine nouns. Be cautious with the initial 'г' sound, which is a voiced velar fricative, similar to the 'g' in "go" but softer in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A mythical creature from Greek mythology, typically depicted as a female monster with snakes for hair.

Translation(s) & Context:

• горгона - Used in formal, educational, or literary contexts when discussing ancient myths, art, or history; often refers specifically to figures like Medusa.

Usage Examples:

• В греческой мифологии горгона Медуса была известна своей способностью превращать людей в камень.

  In Greek mythology, the gorgon Medusa was known for her ability to turn people to stone.

• Художники часто изображают горгону с змеями вместо волос, чтобы подчеркнуть её устрашающий облик.

  Artists often depict the gorgon with snakes instead of hair to emphasize her terrifying appearance.

• В современном искусстве образ горгоны используется как символ защиты от зла.

  In modern art, the image of the gorgon is used as a symbol of protection against evil.

• Легенда о горгонах рассказывает о трёх сестрах, чьи взгляды могли окаменить любого.

  The legend of the gorgons tells of three sisters whose gazes could turn anyone to stone.

• В русской литературе горгона иногда упоминается в сравнениях для описания опасных женщин.

  In Russian literature, the gorgon is sometimes mentioned in comparisons to describe dangerous women.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Горгона" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: монстр (monster) - More general term; медуза (Medusa) - Specific reference to the most famous gorgon; демон (demon) - Emphasizes evil nature, but less precise.
• Antonyms: ангел (angel) - Represents benevolence and goodness, contrasting the gorgon's malevolence.

Related Phrases:

• Горгона Медуса - Refers specifically to the gorgon Medusa; used in mythological storytelling to denote a protective or fearsome figure.
• Образ горгоны - Means "the image of the gorgon"; commonly used in art and literature to discuss symbolic representations.
• Легенда о горгонах - Translates to "the legend of the gorgons"; employed in educational contexts to explore Greek myths.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds closely to the English "gorgon" as a proper noun from Greek mythology. It is typically used in formal or academic settings rather than casual conversation. When choosing this word, ensure the context involves mythology or symbolism, as it carries specific cultural connotations. Grammatically, remember that "горгона" is a feminine noun and must agree in gender, case, and number with other words in the sentence. For learners, differentiate it from similar terms like "монстр" if a more general meaning is needed.

• Avoid overusing it in modern contexts, as it may sound archaic or overly literary.
• In comparative sentences, it pairs well with adjectives like "страшная" (terrible) to enhance description.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "горгона" with "медуза" (Medusa), assuming they are interchangeable. For example, a common mistake is saying "горгона" when specifically referring to Medusa, which could lead to: Incorrect: "Горгона была убита Персеем." (Implying a general gorgon). Correct: "Медуза, горгона, была убита Персеем." Explanation: Use "горгона" as a general term and specify if needed to avoid ambiguity and maintain historical accuracy.

Another error is incorrect declension, such as using the nominative form in all cases: Incorrect: "О легенде горгона" (wrong case). Correct: "О легенде горгоны" (genitive case). This stems from not applying Russian case rules properly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "горгона" draws from ancient Greek mythology and is often referenced in literature, art, and even modern media to symbolize protection or peril. For instance, images of gorgons appear on protective amulets, reflecting a shared cultural heritage with Western traditions. This word highlights Russia's appreciation for classical antiquity, as seen in works by authors like Pushkin, who incorporated mythological elements to explore themes of fate and heroism.

Related Concepts:

• Медуза (Medusa)
• Мифология (Mythology)
• Греческая легенда (Greek legend)
• Монстр (Monster)