Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hero'

English Word: hero

Key Russian Translations:

• герой [ɡʲɪˈroj] - [Formal, used in literary, historical, or everyday contexts]
• героиня [ɡʲɪˈroɪnə] - [Formal, specifically for a female hero]

Frequency: High (commonly used in Russian literature, media, and daily conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions, but basic forms are accessible to learners at this level. For 'героиня', difficulty may vary slightly based on gender-specific vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

герой: [ɡʲɪˈroj]

героиня: [ɡʲɪˈroɪnə]

Note on герой: The stress falls on the last syllable ('roj'), which is a common feature in Russian masculine nouns. Be mindful of the palatalized 'г' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

Note on героиня: Similar stress pattern, but the ending '-ия' indicates a feminine noun; pronunciation may soften in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person admired for courage, noble qualities, or great achievements (e.g., in stories, history, or real life).

Translation(s) & Context:

• герой - Used in formal or narrative contexts, such as describing historical figures or protagonists in books.
• героиня - Applied when referring to a female hero, often in literature or modern media, emphasizing gender-specific roles.

Usage Examples:

• Он был настоящим героем в битве за свободу.

  He was a true hero in the battle for freedom. (This example shows the noun in a historical context, demonstrating basic nominative case.)

• В фильме главная героиня спасает мир от опасности.

  In the film, the main heroine saves the world from danger. (Illustrates use in a cinematic setting, with feminine agreement.)

• Мой дед стал героем для всей семьи, пережив войну.

  My grandfather became a hero for the whole family by surviving the war. (Demonstrates emotional, familial context and possessive structures.)

• Героиня романа вдохновляет читателей на смелые поступки.

  The heroine of the novel inspires readers to take brave actions. (Shows literary usage with genitive case for "of the novel".)

• Каждый может стать героем в своей повседневной жизни.

  Anyone can become a hero in their everyday life. (Highlights motivational, general contexts with indefinite pronouns.)

2. A protagonist in a story or myth (more literary sense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• герой - Common in storytelling, especially in Russian folklore or classics like those by Tolstoy.

Usage Examples:

• Герой эпической поэмы борется с драконом.

  The hero of the epic poem fights a dragon. (Example in a mythical context, showing genitive case.)

• В этой сказке герой преодолевает множество препятствий.

  In this fairy tale, the hero overcomes many obstacles. (Demonstrates narrative structure in folklore.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'герой' (masculine noun, 2nd declension) and 'героиня' (feminine noun, 1st declension) undergo regular inflection in Russian. Below is a table outlining key forms for each:

Note: These are regular patterns, but 'герой' can have slight irregularities in plural forms in poetic or archaic usage. 'Героиня' remains consistent as a feminine noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: смельчак (brave person, often implying boldness in action), героический человек (heroic person, more descriptive)
• Antonyms: трус (coward, used in contrasting contexts like moral dilemmas)

Related Phrases:

• национальный герой - A national hero; refers to figures celebrated in a country's history.
• герой нашего времени - Hero of our time; a phrase from Lermontov's novel, used for modern-day idols or anti-heroes.
• быть героем - To be a hero; common in motivational speeches or stories.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'герой' directly corresponds to the English 'hero' in most contexts, but it's important to match gender with 'героиня' for accuracy. Use formal registers in literary or official settings, and be aware of declensions to fit sentence structure—e.g., in genitive case for possession. When choosing between translations, opt for 'герой' for general or masculine references and 'героиня' for females to avoid gender bias. This word often carries a positive connotation in Russian culture, so context matters for nuances.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'герой' for a female subject without adjustment. Incorrect: "Она герой" (grammatically wrong as it doesn't agree in gender). Correct: "Она героиня". Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in gender, number, and case, so always check the subject's gender before selection.

• Error: Forgetting declensions in sentences. Incorrect: "Я увидел герой" (should be accusative). Correct: "Я увидел героя". Explanation: This is a common mistake for English speakers who aren't used to case systems; practice with tables above to build accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'герой' often evokes figures from literature, such as the protagonists in works by Pushkin or Tolstoy, or real historical heroes like those from World War II. The term carries a deep sense of national pride and is frequently used in media to honor everyday people, reflecting Russia's emphasis on collective heroism and resilience in the face of adversity.

Related Concepts:

• легенда (legend)
• идол (idol)
• спасатель (rescuer)