Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hallelujah'

English Word: hallelujah

Key Russian Translations:

• Аллилуйя /ɐlʲɪˈlujjə/ - [Religious context, Formal]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in religious or liturgical settings, not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1/B2, as it involves understanding religious terminology and cultural nuances.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Аллилуйя: /ɐlʲɪˈlujjə/

Note on Аллилуйя: The stress is on the third syllable. The 'лʲ' sound is a palatalized 'l', which can be challenging for English speakers; it's softer than a standard 'l'. Pronunciation may vary slightly in singing or chanting contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: An exclamation of praise, joy, or worship, often in religious contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Аллилуйя - Used in Christian liturgy, hymns, or expressions of triumph; common in formal religious gatherings or celebrations.

Usage Examples:

• Аллилуйя! Господь услышал наши молитвы.

  Hallelujah! The Lord has heard our prayers.

• Во время пасхальной службы все хором пели: "Аллилуйя, Христос воскрес!"

  During the Easter service, everyone sang in chorus: "Hallelujah, Christ has risen!"

• После победы в битве, воины возгласили: "Аллилуйя, мы свободны!"

  After the victory in battle, the warriors exclaimed: "Hallelujah, we are free!"

• В православной церкви "Аллилуйя" звучит как кульминация молитвы.

  In the Orthodox Church, "Hallelujah" resounds as the culmination of prayer.

• Дети в воскресной школе радостно кричали: "Аллилуйя!" во время праздника.

  Children in Sunday school joyfully shouted: "Hallelujah!" during the celebration.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Аллилуйя" is primarily an interjection or exclamation in Russian, borrowed from Hebrew via Greek and Church Slavonic. As such, it does not undergo typical inflection for case, number, or gender. It remains unchanged in most contexts:

• Base form: Аллилуйя (used in singular, plural, or as a standalone expression).

For emphasis or repetition, it may be repeated (e.g., "Аллилуйя, аллилуйя!"), but this is not a formal inflection.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Слава Богу (Slava Bogu) - Literal: "Glory to God"; used for expressions of gratitude, with a similar tone of praise but more general.
  • Хвала Господу (Khvala Gospodu) - Literal: "Praise to the Lord"; interchangeable in religious contexts, emphasizing worship.
• Antonyms:
  • Горе (Gore) - Literal: "Sorrow"; conveys sadness or lamentation, contrasting the joy of "Аллилуйя".
  • Проклятие (Proklyatie) - Literal: "Damnation"; used for curses, opposite in religious sentiment.

Related Phrases:

• Аллилуйя, братья и сестры! - (Hallelujah, brothers and sisters!; Used to address a group in a religious gathering, emphasizing communal praise.)
• Петь аллилуйю - (To sing Hallelujah; Refers to chanting in church services, often with hymns.)
• Аллилуйя во славу Божию - (Hallelujah to the glory of God; A formal phrase in liturgical contexts, highlighting devotion.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Аллилуйя" directly corresponds to the English "hallelujah" as a borrowed term, primarily in Eastern Orthodox and Christian traditions. It is almost exclusively used in formal or religious settings, such as church services, hymns, or expressions of spiritual joy. Unlike in English, where it can appear in secular music or casual exclamations, Russian usage is more restricted to avoid sounding irreverent. When choosing between translations, opt for "Аллилуйя" in liturgical contexts; for everyday praise, "Слава Богу" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it functions as an interjection and doesn't require conjugation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /a.lɪˈlu.jə/ (anglicized version) instead of the Russian /ɐlʲɪˈlujjə/.
  Correct: Use the palatalized 'лʲ' sound; for example, say "Аллилуйя" with a soft 'l'. Explanation: English speakers often overlook the Russian palatalization, which alters the word's authenticity in religious settings.

• Error: Using "Аллилуйя" in casual, non-religious contexts, like everyday excitement.
  Correct: Reserve it for worship; instead, use "Ура!" (Hooray) for secular joy. Explanation: This can come across as mocking or inappropriate in Russian culture, where religious terms are treated with reverence.

Cultural Notes:

"Аллилуйя" holds deep roots in Russian Orthodox Christianity, derived from the Hebrew "Hallelujah" meaning "Praise the Lord." It is prominently featured in church liturgies, especially during Easter and other feasts, symbolizing resurrection and divine glory. In Russian culture, its use reinforces communal faith and is often chanted in choirs, reflecting the historical influence of Byzantine traditions on Russian spirituality.

Related Concepts:

• Аминь (Amen)
• Христос воскрес (Christ has risen)
• Молитва (Prayer)