Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'holocaust'

English Word: holocaust

Key Russian Translations:

• Холокост /xɐˈlɔkəst/ - [Formal, Proper Noun, Used in historical and academic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in historical, educational, and news discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of historical events and basic Russian noun declensions for accurate usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Холокост: /xɐˈlɔkəst/

Note on Холокост: The initial "Х" is a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch," which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The systematic extermination of Jews by Nazis during World War II

Translation(s) & Context:

• Холокост - Used in formal, historical, or educational contexts to refer specifically to the genocide; often appears in discussions of WWII atrocities or memorials.

Usage Examples:

• Холокост был одной из самых страшных страниц в истории человечества.

  The Holocaust was one of the most terrible chapters in human history.

• Музеи по всему миру документируют Холокост, чтобы предотвратить подобные трагедии в будущем.

  Museums around the world document the Holocaust to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

• Образование о Холокосте помогает бороться с антисемитизмом и расовой ненавистью.

  Education about the Holocaust helps combat anti-Semitism and racial hatred.

• Памятники Холокосту служат напоминанием о жертвах нацистского режима.

  Holocaust memorials serve as reminders of the victims of the Nazi regime.

• Холокост затронул миллионы людей, включая не только евреев, но и другие группы.

  The Holocaust affected millions of people, including not only Jews but also other groups.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Холокост" is a masculine noun in Russian, borrowed from English/German, and follows standard first-declension patterns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic declensions:

Note: As a proper noun, it may remain undeclined in some contexts, especially in titles or formal references.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Геноцид (Genocide) - More general term for mass extermination, often used interchangeably but less specific to WWII.
  • Массовое уничтожение (Mass extermination) - Emphasizes scale, suitable for broader historical contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • Мир (Peace) - Represents the opposite concept of harmony and absence of violence.
  • Спасение (Salvation or rescue) - Contrasts with destruction, often in humanitarian contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Памятник Холокосту - A memorial dedicated to the Holocaust; used in contexts of remembrance and education.
• Катастрофа Холокоста - The catastrophe of the Holocaust; emphasizes the scale of the tragedy in historical narratives.
• Жертвы Холокоста - Victims of the Holocaust; commonly used in discussions about survivors and memorials.

Usage Notes:

This term corresponds directly to the English "Holocaust" as a specific historical event, but in Russian, it is highly formal and sensitive. Always use it in contexts related to WWII history; avoid casual or metaphorical applications to prevent offense. For general disasters, opt for alternatives like "катастрофа" or "трагедия." When choosing between translations, "Холокост" is preferred for precision in academic or educational settings. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun, so ensure correct declension based on sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with general terms: English learners might misuse "Холокост" for any mass disaster, e.g., saying "Холокост в природе" (incorrect for a natural disaster). Correct usage: Use "катастрофа" instead, as in "Естественная катастрофа" (natural disaster).

• Mispronunciation: Omitting the guttural "Х" sound, e.g., pronouncing it as /ɐˈlɔkəst/ instead of /xɐˈlɔkəst/. Error example: Saying "Алокост" (wrong). Correct: Practice the "kh" sound as in "Bach" for accurate pronunciation.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting case changes, e.g., using "Холокост" in genitive as "Холокост" instead of "Холокоста." Error: "Я помню Холокост" (should be "Холокост" in nominative, but in genitive contexts, correct it to "память о Холокосте").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Холокост" is deeply tied to World War II history, where it is remembered as part of the broader "Великая Отечественная война" (Great Patriotic War). It carries significant emotional weight, with memorials like the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow highlighting anti-Semitism and the need for remembrance. Using this term requires cultural sensitivity, as it evokes national trauma and is often linked to Soviet narratives of victory over fascism.

Related Concepts:

• Геноцид
• Антисемитизм
• Вторая мировая война
• Памятники жертвам