Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'heart'

English Word: heart

Key Russian Translations:

• сердце /ˈsʲerdʲt͡sə/ - [Formal, Singular, Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts]

Frequency: High (Commonly used in everyday conversation, literature, and medical contexts)

Difficulty: A2 (Elementary level; straightforward for beginners but requires basic familiarity with noun cases)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сердце: /ˈsʲerdʲt͡sə/

Note on сердце: The initial 'с' is palatalized, which may be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like 's' in "measure." Stress falls on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Anatomical organ (The physical heart in the body)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сердце - Used in medical or biological contexts to refer to the organ that pumps blood.

Usage Examples:

• Моё сердце бьётся быстро. (My heart is beating fast.)

  Translation: My heart is beating fast. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence about physical health.)

• Врачи осмотрели его сердце. (The doctors examined his heart.)

  Translation: The doctors examined his heart. (Illustrates use in a medical context with object case.)

• Сердце человека состоит из четырёх камер. (The human heart consists of four chambers.)

  Translation: The human heart consists of four chambers. (Demonstrates use in an educational or descriptive sentence.)

• Её сердце заболело после операции. (Her heart hurt after the surgery.)

  Translation: Her heart hurt after the surgery. (Shows emotional or physical pain in narrative context.)

2. Emotional or metaphorical center (Symbolizing emotions, love, or core feelings)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сердце - Used metaphorically in poetry, literature, or everyday expressions to denote emotions or the seat of feelings.

Usage Examples:

• Его сердце полно любви. (His heart is full of love.)

  Translation: His heart is full of love. (This highlights metaphorical use in romantic contexts.)

• Сердце разрывается от боли. (The heart is breaking with pain.)

  Translation: The heart is breaking with pain. (Illustrates emotional distress in idiomatic expressions.)

• В глубине сердца я знаю правду. (Deep in my heart, I know the truth.)

  Translation: Deep in my heart, I know the truth. (Shows use in introspective or philosophical contexts.)

• Сердце не терпит лжи. (The heart cannot tolerate lies.)

  Translation: The heart cannot tolerate lies. (Demonstrates moral or ethical connotations.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сердце" is a neuter noun in Russian, which means it follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension neuter nouns. It is irregular in some forms due to historical phonetic changes. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less common and typically used in contexts like "hearts" in a card game or metaphorical multiples.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • душа (dusha) - More poetic, emphasizing the soul or inner self.
  • центр (tsentr) - Used metaphorically for the core or center of something.
• Antonyms:
  • разум (razum) - Intellect or mind, contrasting with emotional aspects.
  • тело (telo) - Body, as opposed to the heart as an internal organ.

Related Phrases:

• Сердце не камень (Serdtse ne kamen') - Meaning: The heart is not made of stone (implies one can be compassionate).
• От всего сердца (Ot vsego serdtsa) - Meaning: From the bottom of my heart (used to express sincerity).
• Сердце кровью обливается (Serdtse krov'yu oblivayetsya) - Meaning: The heart is bleeding (idiomatic for deep emotional pain).

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "сердце" directly corresponds to the English "heart" in both literal and figurative senses, but it often carries a more emotional or poetic connotation in Russian culture. Use it in formal contexts for accuracy, and be mindful of case endings based on sentence structure. For multiple translations, choose "сердце" as the primary option unless a more specific synonym like "душа" fits a spiritual context better. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; instead, adapt to Russian grammar for natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сердце" without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "Я люблю сердце" instead of "Я люблю своё сердце" in a possessive context.

  Correct: Я люблю своё сердце. (I love my heart.) Explanation: In Russian, nouns must agree in case; here, it should be in the accusative case with possessives.

• Error: Overusing "сердце" metaphorically without context, which can sound overly dramatic in casual speech.

  Correct: Instead of forcing it, use simpler expressions like "Я грущу" (I'm sad). Explanation: Russian speakers prefer understated language in everyday conversations to avoid melodrama.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сердце" often symbolizes deep emotion and sincerity, as seen in literature by authors like Pushkin. It reflects the cultural value of heartfelt expression, where phrases like "от всего сердца" emphasize authenticity in relationships, contrasting with more reserved Western norms.

Related Concepts:

• душа (soul)
• любовь (love)
• эмоции (emotions)