Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'highness'

English Word: highness

Key Russian Translations:

• Высочество /vɨˈsot͡ɕɪstvə/ - [Formal, used for royalty or high-ranking titles]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in formal, historical, or literary contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of formal Russian grammar and cultural nuances, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Высочество: /vɨˈsot͡ɕɪstvə/

Note on Высочество: The stress is on the third syllable ('sot'), and the 'щ' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh' which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear, elongated vowel in the stressed syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A title of respect for royalty or high-ranking individuals (e.g., "His Highness")

Translation(s) & Context:

• Высочество - Used in formal contexts for addressing princes, dukes, or other nobility in Russian-speaking cultures, similar to English "Highness" in diplomatic or historical settings.

Usage Examples:

• Его Высочество прибыл на церемонию. (His Highness arrived at the ceremony.)

  English Translation: His Highness arrived at the ceremony. (This example shows the word in a formal, ceremonial context.)

• Мы приветствовали Ее Высочество с большим уважением. (We greeted Her Highness with great respect.)

  English Translation: We greeted Her Highness with great respect. (Illustrates gender agreement in Russian titles.)

• В старых текстах часто упоминается Высочество как титул. (In old texts, Highness is often mentioned as a title.)

  English Translation: In old texts, Highness is often mentioned as a title. (Demonstrates use in historical or literary discussions.)

• Высочество, позвольте представить вам гостей. (Highness, allow me to introduce the guests to you.)

  English Translation: Highness, allow me to introduce the guests to you. (Shows polite, direct address in social interactions.)

• Князь известен как Его Высочество в официальных документах. (The prince is known as His Highness in official documents.)

  English Translation: The prince is known as His Highness in official documents. (Highlights formal documentation usage.)

2. General sense of elevated status or nobility (less common, metaphorical)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Высота (in a metaphorical sense) - Rarely used directly for "highness" but can imply elevated status in poetic or abstract contexts, though not as precise as for titles.

Usage Examples:

• Его духовная высота вдохновляла многих. (His spiritual highness inspired many.)

  English Translation: His spiritual highness inspired many. (This uses "высота" metaphorically, differing from the title sense.)

• В поэзии часто описывается высочество характера. (In poetry, the highness of character is often described.)

  English Translation: In poetry, the highness of character is often described. (Shows adaptation in literary language.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Высочество" is a neuter noun in Russian, primarily used in its base form for titles. It does not change frequently but follows standard noun declension patterns when necessary. Below is a table for its basic inflections:

Note: As a title, it often remains undeclined in fixed phrases like "Его Высочество." For metaphorical uses like "высота," it follows regular third-declension patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Князь (Prince) - Often used interchangeably in historical contexts, but more specific to hereditary titles.
  • Герцог (Duke) - Similar for high nobility, with subtle differences in rank.
• Antonyms:
  • Простолюдин (Commoner) - Implies lack of noble status.
  • Низость (Lowliness) - For the metaphorical sense, contrasting elevated status.

Related Phrases:

• Его Высочество - His Highness; used for male royalty in formal introductions.
• Ее Высочество - Her Highness; for female royalty, emphasizing gender agreement.
• Ваше Высочество - Your Highness; a direct address in polite or ceremonial speech.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds closely to the English "highness" in formal or royal contexts, but in Russian, it's almost exclusively used for titles. Always pair it with possessives like "Его" (His) or "Ее" (Her) to specify gender. Be mindful of the formal register—avoid in casual conversations. When choosing between translations, use "Высочество" for titles and "высота" only metaphorically. In modern Russian, this word is more common in literature or historical discussions rather than everyday language.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "Высочество" without a possessive pronoun, e.g., saying just "Высочество" as a standalone noun in informal contexts.
  Correct: "Его Высочество" for "His Highness." Explanation: In Russian, titles require gender-specific possessives for clarity and politeness; omitting them can sound incomplete or rude.
• Mistake: Confusing it with "высота" (height), leading to misuse in non-title contexts.
  Correct: Use "высота" for physical or abstract elevation, e.g., "высота горы" (height of the mountain). Explanation: These are homophones in some forms but have distinct meanings; mix-ups can alter the sentence's intent.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Высочество" evokes the imperial era, particularly the Romanov dynasty, where it was used for grand dukes and duchesses. It carries connotations of pre-revolutionary aristocracy and is often seen in literature like Tolstoy's works, symbolizing social hierarchy and the divide between nobility and commoners. Today, it's rarely used except in diplomatic or ceremonial settings, reflecting Russia's complex history with monarchy.

Related Concepts:

• Император (Emperor)
• Корона (Crown)
• Дворянство (Nobility)