Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hierarchy'

English Word: hierarchy

Key Russian Translations:

• иерархия [i̯ɪ.rɐrˈxʲi.jə] - [Formal, Used in contexts of organization or structure]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, business, and social discussions, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and abstract concepts, per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

иерархия: [i̯ɪ.rɐrˈxʲi.jə]

Note on иерархия: The stress falls on the third syllable ("xʲi"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'xʲ' sound, similar to a guttural 'h' followed by a 'y'. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A system of ranking or organization, such as in social, corporate, or religious structures

Translation(s) & Context:

• иерархия - Used in formal contexts to describe structured systems, such as company hierarchies or church organizations; common in written and professional Russian.

Usage Examples:

• В компании существует строгая иерархия, где каждый сотрудник знает своё место.

  In the company, there is a strict hierarchy where every employee knows their place.

• Церковная иерархия определяет роли священников и епископов в православной традиции.

  The church hierarchy defines the roles of priests and bishops in Orthodox tradition.

• В животном мире также наблюдается иерархия, например, среди волков в стае.

  In the animal world, a hierarchy is also observed, for example, among wolves in a pack.

• Политическая иерархия страны часто подвергается критике за неравенство.

  The political hierarchy of the country is often criticized for inequality.

• В школьной иерархии старшеклассники иногда доминируют над младшими.

  In the school hierarchy, older students sometimes dominate over younger ones.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"иерархия" is a feminine noun (feminine singular) in Russian, belonging to the first declension group. It follows regular patterns for most cases but has no plural form in common usage as it often refers to an abstract concept. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not typically inflect for plural in modern usage, as hierarchies are often treated as singular concepts. If used in a plural sense (e.g., multiple systems), it would be "иерархии" in genitive plural, but this is rare.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: структура (struktura - structure), система (sistema - system), порядок (poryadok - order)
• Explanation: "Структура" emphasizes physical or organizational layout, while "система" is broader and implies interconnected elements. "Порядок" focuses on sequence or arrangement.
• Antonyms: анархия (anarkhiya - anarchy), хаос (khaos - chaos)
• Explanation: These imply a lack of structure, contrasting with the organized nature of "иерархия."

Related Phrases:

• Социальная иерархия - Social hierarchy; Refers to societal ranking based on status or class.
• Корпоративная иерархия - Corporate hierarchy; Describes business organizational structures.
• Иерархия ценностей - Hierarchy of values; Used in philosophical or ethical contexts to denote prioritized beliefs.
• Explanation: These phrases are common in formal discussions and highlight how "иерархия" integrates into everyday Russian discourse on organization and priorities.

Usage Notes:

"Иерархия" directly corresponds to the English "hierarchy" in most contexts, but English speakers should note its formal tone in Russian. It is rarely used in casual conversation; instead, opt for this term in written reports, academic papers, or professional settings. Grammatically, as a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs (e.g., "строгая иерархия" for "strict hierarchy"). When choosing between translations, "иерархия" is the most precise for abstract systems, while "структура" might be better for physical arrangements. Avoid overusing it in spoken Russian to prevent sounding overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "иерархия" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу иерархия" instead of "Я вижу иерархию" (accusative case after "вижу").

  Correct: "Я вижу иерархию." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; "вижу" governs accusative, so the noun must change accordingly.

• Error: Confusing it with "иерарх" (ierarkh, meaning a person in a hierarchy, like a leader).

  Correct: Use "иерарх" for individuals (e.g., "церковный иерарх"), and "иерархия" for the system. Explanation: These are related but distinct; mixing them can lead to misunderstandings in hierarchical contexts.

• Error: Forgetting stress patterns, leading to mispronunciation as [i̯ɪ.rɐˈrxi.jə] instead of [i̯ɪ.rɐrˈxʲi.jə].

  Correct: Practice the correct IPA. Explanation: Incorrect stress can alter perceived meaning or make speech sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "иерархия" often reflects historical influences like the Orthodox Church's strict structures or the Soviet-era bureaucratic systems. For instance, it evokes images of social stratification in Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy, where class hierarchies play a central role. Understanding this term helps English speakers grasp the cultural emphasis on order and authority in Russian society, which can differ from more egalitarian Western views.

Related Concepts:

• авторитет (avtoritet - authority)
• подчинение (podchinenie - subordination)
• организация (organizatsiya - organization)