Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'horde'

English Word: horde

Key Russian Translations:

• орда [ˈordə] - [Historical, Formal; used in contexts of nomadic tribes or large invading forces]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in historical, literary, or educational contexts, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian grammar and some historical knowledge, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

орда: [ˈordə]

Note on орда: The stress is on the first syllable; the "о" is pronounced as a short "o" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers used to longer vowels. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A large group of nomadic warriors or invaders (historical context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• орда - Used in formal or historical discussions, such as referring to the Mongol invasions; context: academic, literary, or historical narratives in Russian.

Usage Examples:

• В XIII веке монголы образовали Великую Орду, которая контролировала огромные территории Евразии.

  In the 13th century, the Mongols formed the Great Horde, which controlled vast territories in Eurasia.

• Орда кочевников быстро перемещалась по степям, оставляя за собой разрушения.

  The horde of nomads moved quickly across the steppes, leaving destruction in their wake.

• В русских летописях часто упоминается Орда как символ угрозы для древнерусских княжеств.

  In Russian chronicles, the Horde is often mentioned as a symbol of threat to the ancient Russian principalities.

• Современные историки изучают, как Орда повлияла на развитие русской культуры.

  Modern historians study how the Horde influenced the development of Russian culture.

Meaning 2: A large, disorganized crowd or multitude (less common, metaphorical extension)

Translation(s) & Context:

• орда - Rarely used in modern informal contexts for a chaotic group; context: poetic or exaggerated descriptions, but less precise than "толпа".

Usage Examples:

• На концерте собралась настоящая орда фанатов, заполнившая весь стадион.

  At the concert, a real horde of fans gathered, filling the entire stadium.

• В утренний час пик на улицах Москвы образуется орда спешащих людей.

  During the morning rush hour in Moscow, a horde of rushing people forms on the streets.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Орда" is a feminine noun in Russian (1st declension). It follows standard noun declension patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender but changes with case as shown. It does not have irregular forms in standard Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • толпа (tolpa) - More general for a crowd; used in everyday contexts.
  • масса (massa) - Implies a large, amorphous group; less historical connotation.
  • армия (armiya) - For organized military groups; subtle difference in implying structure.
• Antonyms:
  • одиночка (odinochka) - Refers to an individual or solitary person.
  • маленькая группа (malenkaya gruppa) - A small group, contrasting with the scale of a horde.

Related Phrases:

• Золотая Орда - The Golden Horde; a historical reference to the Mongol khanate that ruled parts of Russia; used in historical discussions.
• Кочевая орда - Nomadic horde; refers to wandering groups in a historical or adventurous context.
• Орда захватчиков - Horde of invaders; emphasizes aggression in narratives.

Usage Notes:

"Орда" directly corresponds to the English "horde" in its historical sense, particularly in reference to the Mongol Empire's influence on Russian history. It is typically used in formal, academic, or literary contexts rather than everyday speech. Be cautious with its connotations, as it often carries negative implications of invasion or chaos. When choosing between translations like "орда" and "толпа," opt for "орда" in historical or epic scenarios, but use "толпа" for modern crowds to avoid anachronisms. Grammatically, ensure proper case agreement, as Russian requires nouns to inflect based on sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "орда" interchangeably with "толпа" in non-historical contexts, e.g., saying "орда людей на улице" for a simple street crowd. Correct: Use "толпа людей" instead, as "орда" implies a more primitive or invasive group. Explanation: This can sound overly dramatic or historically misplaced in casual conversation.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using "орда" in the genitive case as "орда" instead of "орды." Correct: "От Орды" should be "От орды" in proper context. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, and neglecting this makes sentences grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "орда" is deeply tied to the history of the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, often evoking memories of the Golden Horde's rule over Kievan Rus'. This term symbolizes foreign domination and resilience in Russian national identity, frequently appearing in literature and folklore as a metaphor for external threats. Understanding this historical context helps English speakers grasp the emotional weight it carries in modern Russian discourse.

Related Concepts:

• хан (khan) - Refers to a leader in nomadic societies.
• кочевники (kochevniki) - Nomads, often associated with horde-like groups.
• империя (imperiya) - Empire, linking to the broader historical empires involving hordes.