Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'horoscope'

English Word: horoscope

Key Russian Translations:

• гороскоп (/ɡərɐˈskop/) - [Neutral; commonly used in media and everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is frequently encountered in modern Russian media, literature, and online content related to astrology, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; learners at this level can grasp it with some exposure to loanwords and cultural topics, as it involves basic astrological concepts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гороскоп: /ɡərɐˈskop/

Note on гороскоп: The stress falls on the third syllable (/ˈskop/), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords from Greek. Be mindful of the soft 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A forecast of a person's future based on the relative positions of the stars and planets.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гороскоп - Used in general contexts for astrological predictions, such as in newspapers or apps (e.g., daily horoscopes).

Usage Examples:

• Я читаю свой гороскоп каждое утро, чтобы узнать, что день принесёт.

  I read my horoscope every morning to find out what the day will bring.

• В газете опубликован гороскоп на неделю для всех знаков зодиака.

  The newspaper has published a horoscope for the week for all zodiac signs.

• Её гороскоп предсказал удачный день для путешествий, и она решила поехать в отпуск.

  Her horoscope predicted a lucky day for travels, so she decided to go on vacation.

• Многие люди не верят в гороскопы, считая их суеверием.

  Many people don't believe in horoscopes, considering them superstition.

• Он консультируется с гороскопом перед важными решениями в бизнесе.

  He consults his horoscope before making important business decisions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гороскоп" is a masculine noun (second declension in Russian). It follows regular noun inflection patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: As a loanword, it does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • астрологический прогноз (astrological forecast; more formal and descriptive)
  • звездный гороскоп (star horoscope; emphasizes celestial aspects)
• Antonyms:
  • реальность (reality; implies opposition to mystical predictions)
  • научный подход (scientific approach; contrasts with astrology)

Related Phrases:

• ежедневный гороскоп - Daily horoscope; used for routine astrological readings.
• гороскоп на любовь - Horoscope for love; focuses on romantic predictions.
• составить гороскоп - To create a horoscope; refers to the act of making predictions.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "гороскоп" directly corresponds to the English "horoscope" and is widely used in contexts involving astrology. It is neutral in tone and can be applied in both formal (e.g., astrological publications) and informal settings (e.g., casual conversations). When choosing between synonyms like "астрологический прогноз," opt for "гороскоп" in everyday use for brevity. Note that in Russian, it often appears in the nominative case, and its plural form is used for multiple predictions. Be aware of cultural nuances where astrology might be viewed skeptically.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing the case, e.g., saying "Я верю в гороскоп" instead of correctly inflecting in other contexts like "Я интересуюсь гороскопом" (I am interested in the horoscope).

  Correct: Ensure proper declension; for example, in genitive: "Я не верю в гороскопа" should be "Я не верю в гороскоп." Explanation: Russian nouns change based on case, and beginners often forget this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing with similar words, e.g., using "горизонт" (horizon) instead of "гороскоп."

  Correct: "Гороскоп" specifically means astrological chart; "горизонт" refers to the horizon line. Explanation: These words sound similar but have entirely different meanings, which can cause mix-ups for English learners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, horoscopes are popular in media and social contexts, often linked to Soviet-era interests in mysticism and modern New Age trends. However, they are sometimes dismissed as pseudoscience, reflecting a broader cultural debate between traditional beliefs and rationality, especially in post-Soviet societies.

Related Concepts:

• знак зодиака (zodiac sign)
• астрология (astrology)
• прогноз (forecast)