Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'historian'

English Word: historian

Key Russian Translations:

• историк /ɪsˈto.rʲɪk/ - [Formal, Academic]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in educational, academic, and professional contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to history and academia)

Pronunciation (Russian):

историк: /ɪsˈto.rʲɪk/

Note on историк: The stress falls on the second syllable ("to"). The "рʲ" represents a palatalized 'r', which can be challenging for English speakers; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who studies, researches, or writes about history.

Translation(s) & Context:

• историк - Used in formal, academic, or professional contexts, such as discussions about historical events or biographies.

Usage Examples:

• Этот историк специализируется на средневековой истории России.

  This historian specializes in the medieval history of Russia.

• Многие историки считают, что эта теория нуждается в пересмотре.

  Many historians believe that this theory needs to be revised.

• Как известный историк, она часто выступает на конференциях.

  As a well-known historian, she often speaks at conferences.

• Историк из Москвы опубликовал новую книгу о Второй мировой войне.

  The historian from Moscow published a new book on World War II.

• В университете преподаёт опытный историк, который делится уникальными insights.

  At the university, an experienced historian teaches and shares unique insights.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Историк" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with changes based on case and number. It is not irregular but requires attention to the palatalization in certain forms.

Note: The word does not change in gender (always masculine) and has no irregular forms. For example, in plural, the ending shifts to "-и" for nominative.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • исследователь истории (researcher of history) - More emphasis on active research, often used interchangeably in academic contexts.
  • хронист (chronicler) - Specifically for someone who records events, with a historical connotation, but less common in modern usage.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "историк" is a profession. However, in broader contexts, words like "забывчивый" (forgetful) could imply the opposite trait, though not a true antonym.

Related Phrases:

• профессиональный историк - A professional historian; used in career or academic discussions.
• историк-документалист - A documentary historian; refers to someone who works with primary sources, often in film or media.
• известный историк - A famous historian; common in biographical or news contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "историк" directly corresponds to the English "historian" and is typically used in formal or educational settings. It is a masculine noun, so agreements in adjectives and verbs must reflect gender (e.g., "хороший историк" for "a good historian"). When choosing between translations, use "историк" for general purposes; opt for synonyms like "исследователь истории" if emphasizing research. Be mindful of context: in casual speech, Russians might say "человек, изучающий историю" (a person studying history) instead. Grammatically, always decline it according to the sentence structure for proper flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я читал книгу историк" instead of "Я читал книгу историка" (I read the book of the historian).

  Correct: "Я читал книгу историка." Explanation: In genitive case, the noun must end in "-а" for singular masculine nouns like this to show possession or relation.

• Error: Forgetting gender agreement, e.g., saying "Эта историк" (feminine form) when referring to a male historian.

  Correct: "Этот историк." Explanation: "Историк" is masculine, so determiners and adjectives must agree (use "этот" for masculine nominative).

• Error: Confusing with similar words, e.g., using "история" (history as a subject) instead of "историк" (the person).

  Correct: Use "историк" for the profession. Explanation: "История" is a feminine noun meaning "history," so ensure context clarifies the intended meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, historians like those associated with the Soviet era (e.g., figures in historiography) hold significant importance, often shaping national identity. The term "историк" can carry connotations of intellectual prestige, especially in contexts like the Russian Academy of Sciences. Understanding this helps English speakers appreciate how history is intertwined with national pride and education in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• археолог (archaeologist)
• антрополог (anthropologist)
• филолог (philologist)