Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'guru'

English Word: guru

Key Russian Translations:

• гуру [ɡuˈru] - [Informal, Borrowed word, Often used in spiritual or expert contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in modern Russian, especially in cultural, spiritual, or professional discussions, but not everyday vocabulary)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper-Intermediate; Requires familiarity with borrowed words and cultural contexts, as it doesn't follow standard Russian inflection patterns)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гуру: [ɡuˈru]

Note on гуру: The word is pronounced with a hard 'g' as in English 'go', and the stress is on the second syllable. It's a direct borrowing from Sanskrit via English, so non-native speakers may find the vowel sounds straightforward but should note the lack of Russian-specific softening.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A spiritual teacher or leader

Translation(s) & Context:

• гуру - Typically used in informal or specialized contexts, such as discussions of spirituality, self-help, or expertise, where it refers to a mentor or authority figure.

Usage Examples:

• Мой гуру научил меня основам медитации и внутренней гармонии.

  My guru taught me the basics of meditation and inner harmony. (This example shows the word in a personal, spiritual context.)

• В бизнес-мире гуру инноваций часто вдохновляют молодых предпринимателей.

  In the business world, gurus of innovation often inspire young entrepreneurs. (Here, it demonstrates usage in a professional, metaphorical sense.)

• Она считается гуру йоги в нашем городе, и её семинары всегда переполнены.

  She is considered a guru of yoga in our city, and her seminars are always packed. (This illustrates the word in a cultural or community setting.)

• Гуру древней мудрости оставил нам множество текстов для размышлений.

  The guru of ancient wisdom left us many texts for contemplation. (This example highlights historical or philosophical usage.)

• Без помощи гуру мне было трудно освоить сложные техники дыхания.

  Without the help of a guru, it was hard for me to master the complex breathing techniques. (This shows dependency in a learning context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

As a borrowed noun (masculine, from Sanskrit via English), "гуру" is largely invariable in Russian and does not follow standard inflection patterns. It remains unchanged in most cases, which is common for modern loanwords. However, in some contexts, it may adopt basic endings for agreement.

Note: Due to its status as a loanword, it often remains invariant, making it easier for learners but less flexible in complex sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • учитель (uchitel' - teacher; more general and formal, often used for educators)
  • наставник (nastavnik - mentor; implies guidance and wisdom, with a slight formal connotation)
  • эксперт (ekspert - expert; focuses on professional knowledge rather than spiritual aspects)
• Antonyms:
  • ученик (uchenik - pupil or student; represents the opposite role of a learner rather than a teacher)

Related Phrases:

• Духовный гуру - Spiritual guru (A phrase referring to a leader in spiritual matters, often in contexts of Eastern philosophy.)
• Гуру бизнеса - Business guru (Used for experts in entrepreneurship or management, highlighting modern applications.)
• Следовать за гуру - To follow a guru (Implies devotion or adherence to a mentor's teachings, common in self-improvement contexts.)

Usage Notes:

"Гуру" directly corresponds to the English word and is commonly used in Russian to denote a respected teacher, especially in spiritual, cultural, or professional fields. It is often informal and borrowed, so it's best in casual conversations or written media rather than highly formal settings. When choosing between synonyms like 'учитель' or 'наставник', opt for 'гуру' if the context involves mystique or expertise from non-Russian traditions. Be mindful of grammar: as an invariable noun, it doesn't change endings, which simplifies usage but may feel unnatural to native Russian speakers in complex sentences.

• Context tip: Use it sparingly in everyday speech; it's more prevalent in literature, media, or discussions about yoga and mindfulness.
• Grammar note: It functions as a masculine noun but doesn't inflect, so phrases like "гру гуру" (of the guru) are uncommon—stick to unchanged forms.

Common Errors:

English learners often mistakenly treat "гуру" as a fully inflected Russian noun, attempting to add endings like in native words. For example:

• Error: "Я читал книгу гурова" (Incorrect; implies a possessive form that doesn't exist).
• Correct: "Я читал книгу гуру" (Right form; keep it unchanged for genitive contexts).
• Explanation: Russian loanwords like this don't follow declension rules, so avoid adding suffixes. Another common mistake is overusing it in formal writing—reserve it for appropriate contexts to sound natural.

Cultural Notes:

"Гуру" carries connotations from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, where it originally refers to a spiritual guide. In Russian culture, it's often associated with Eastern philosophy, popularized through global influences like yoga and self-help movements. This word highlights Russia's openness to international ideas, but it may evoke stereotypes if used carelessly, so context matters for respectful communication.

Related Concepts:

• йога (yoga)
• медитация (meditation)
• наставничество (mentorship)