Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'graveyard'

English Word: graveyard

Key Russian Translations:

• кладбище [klɐdʲˈbʲiʂə] - [Neutral, commonly used in formal and informal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in everyday language, especially in discussions about history, death, or urban planning, but not as common as basic nouns like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp its basic usage, but understanding nuances in cultural contexts may require further exposure.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кладбище: [klɐdʲˈbʲiʂə]

Note on кладбище: The stress falls on the third syllable ("bʲiʂə"). Be mindful of the palatalized consonants [dʲ] and [bʲ], which are common in Russian and can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, such as in dialects where the final vowel softens further.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A place where the dead are buried, often associated with cemeteries or burial grounds.

Translation(s) & Context:

• кладбище - Used in general contexts for a cemetery, such as in historical, religious, or everyday discussions. It can be formal or informal depending on the setting.

Usage Examples:

• Мы пошли на старое кладбище, чтобы почтить память предков.

  We went to the old graveyard to pay respects to our ancestors.

• В городе есть большое кладбище, где хоронят известных личностей.

  In the city, there is a large graveyard where famous people are buried.

• Кладбище было покрыто снегом, создавая атмосферу тишины и размышлений.

  The graveyard was covered in snow, creating an atmosphere of silence and reflection.

• После похорон семья часто посещает кладбище, чтобы ухаживать за могилой.

  After the funeral, the family often visits the graveyard to tend to the grave.

• В Halloween люди иногда устраивают экскурсии на заброшенное кладбище для развлечения.

  During Halloween, people sometimes organize tours to an abandoned graveyard for entertainment.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Кладбище" is a neuter noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • погост - Often used for a rural or church-affiliated graveyard; more archaic and poetic.
  • некрополь - Formal term for a large, ancient cemetery, implying historical significance.
• Antonyms:
  • жизнь - (Life; a conceptual opposite, not a direct antonym, as it contrasts the idea of death.)

Related Phrases:

• старое кладбище - Old graveyard; refers to historical burial sites with cultural importance. (Used in contexts discussing heritage or tourism.)
• городское кладбище - City graveyard; common in urban settings for municipal burials. (Often appears in administrative or everyday conversations.)
• покинутое кладбище - Abandoned graveyard; implies neglect and mystery, as in horror stories. (Used in literary or Halloween-related contexts.)

Usage Notes:

"Кладбище" directly corresponds to the English "graveyard" in most contexts, but it can also encompass what English speakers might call a "cemetery." It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal (e.g., official documents) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations). Be cautious with cultural sensitivity, as discussing graveyards in Russia often involves respect for Orthodox traditions. When choosing between synonyms like "погост," opt for it in poetic or rural contexts. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence structure to avoid errors.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "на кладбище" incorrectly as "на кладбищ" in genitive contexts.

  Correct Usage: "Я иду на кладбище" (I am going to the graveyard). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; here, it's prepositional, so it should be "кладбище," not a mistaken form.

• Error: Confusing it with "клад" (heap or pile), which sounds similar but means something entirely different.

  Correct Usage: Use "кладбище" for burial grounds. Explanation: This mix-up often happens due to phonetic similarity, leading to humorous or confusing statements for native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, graveyards like "кладбище" hold significant historical and emotional value, often linked to Orthodox Christian traditions. Visiting graves on Radonitsa (a spring holiday) is a common practice, symbolizing respect for the dead. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on remembrance and community, contrasting with some Western views where graveyards might be seen as purely somber or eerie.

Related Concepts:

• могила (grave)
• похороны (funeral)
• некрополь (necropolis)