Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'heart'

English Word: heart

Key Russian Translations:

• сердце /ˈsʲɛrd.t͡sə/ - [Neutral, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts]

Frequency: High (This word is very common in everyday Russian language, appearing in both spoken and written forms.)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner level, as it is a basic vocabulary item in Russian, easy to learn for new learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сердце: /ˈsʲɛrd.t͡sə/

Note on сердце: The initial "с" is pronounced with a soft "s" sound due to the following "е", which can be tricky for English speakers. The stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Anatomical Meaning: The organ that pumps blood in the body.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сердце - Used in medical, biological, or everyday descriptions of the human body; neutral context.

Usage Examples:

• Мое сердце бьется быстро во время бега.

  My heart beats fast during running. (This example shows the word in a physical activity context, demonstrating its use in simple declarative sentences.)

• Врачи проверяют сердце пациента на наличие проблем.

  Doctors check the patient's heart for any problems. (Here, it illustrates a medical scenario, highlighting the word in a professional setting.)

• Сердце человека состоит из четырех камер.

  The human heart consists of four chambers. (This sentence demonstrates the word in an educational or explanatory context, varying the grammatical structure.)

• Если сердце остановится, это опасно для жизни.

  If the heart stops, it is dangerous for life. (This example shows conditional usage in discussions about health emergencies.)

Figurative Meaning: The center of emotions, feelings, or the core of something.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сердце - Used metaphorically in emotional, literary, or idiomatic expressions; can be informal or poetic.

Usage Examples:

• Он следовал велениям своего сердца, несмотря на трудности.

  He followed the dictates of his heart, despite the difficulties. (This illustrates emotional decision-making in a narrative context.)

• В сердце города находится главная площадь.

  In the heart of the city is the main square. (Here, it metaphorically means the center or core of a location.)

• Ее сердце разбито после расставания.

  Her heart is broken after the breakup. (This shows idiomatic usage in personal relationships.)

• Сердце команды – это их капитан.

  The heart of the team is their captain. (This example demonstrates the word in a group or organizational context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Слово "сердце" является нейтральным существительным (neuter noun) во втором склонении. Оно имеет регулярные изменения по падежам и числам, но не меняется по роду. В именительном падеже множественного числа оно становится "сердца". Вот таблица склонения для единственного и множественного числа:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • душа (dusha) - More emotional connotation, often used interchangeably in figurative senses but emphasizes the soul.
  • ядро (yadra) - For the "core" meaning, e.g., in contexts like the heart of a problem.
• Antonyms:
  • неж receivers (not directly applicable, as "heart" doesn't have a clear antonym, but for emotional sense: разум (razum) - mind, implying logic over emotion.)

Related Phrases:

• С разбитым сердцем - With a broken heart (Used to describe emotional distress after a loss or disappointment.)
• От всего сердца - From the bottom of one's heart (Expresses sincerity in expressions of gratitude or love.)
• Сердце не камень - The heart is not made of stone (An idiom meaning one can be compassionate, often in moral contexts.)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "сердце" directly corresponds to the English "heart" in both literal and figurative senses, but it's more commonly used in poetic or emotional contexts in Russian literature.
• In formal settings, such as medical discussions, stick to the anatomical meaning; in informal conversations, the figurative use is prevalent.
• Grammar note: As a neuter noun, it always uses neuter agreements (e.g., "это сердце" - this is a heart). When choosing between translations, use "сердце" for general purposes, but consider context for synonyms like "душа".

Common Errors:

• Mispronouncing the soft "с" in "сердце" as a hard "s", leading to /ˈsɛrd.t͡sə/ instead of /ˈsʲɛrd.t͡sə/. Correct usage: Practice the palatalized sound with native audio. Incorrect: Saying "сердце" with a English-like "s".
• Confusing gender: Learners might treat it as masculine or feminine, but it's neuter, so adjectives must agree (e.g., Correct: "больное сердце" - sick heart; Incorrect: Using feminine endings.)
• Overusing in figurative speech: English speakers might translate idioms directly, e.g., saying "heartfelt" as "сердцеfelt", which is wrong; instead, use "от всего сердца".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сердце" often symbolizes deep emotion and sincerity, frequently appearing in literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin or Tolstoy) and folk songs. It reflects the Russian emphasis on heartfelt expression, where emotions are valued over pure logic, contrasting with some Western cultural norms.

Related Concepts:

• душа (soul)
• разум (mind)
• кровь (blood)