Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'icon'

English Word: icon

Key Russian Translations:

• икона [iˈko.nə] - [Formal, used for religious or artistic icons]
• иконка [iˈkon.kə] - [Informal, commonly used for computer or digital icons]

Frequency: Medium (The word is frequently encountered in cultural, religious, and technological contexts in Russian media and everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; basic forms are straightforward for learners with some vocabulary knowledge, but cultural nuances may require intermediate proficiency. For 'иконка', it might be A2 for tech contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

икона: [iˈko.nə]

Note on икона: The stress is on the second syllable ('ko'). Pronounce the 'o' as in 'core', and be aware of soft consonants in Russian, which can make it sound more fluid.

иконка: [iˈkon.kə]

Note on иконка: Similar to 'икона', but with an additional diminutive suffix '-ка', which softens the ending; stress remains on the second syllable. This form is often used playfully in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Religious or artistic icon (e.g., a sacred image)

Translation(s) & Context:

• икона - Used in formal, cultural, or religious contexts, such as Orthodox Christianity, where it refers to a painted religious image.

Usage Examples:

• В русской православной церкви икона играет важную роль в богослужении.

  In the Russian Orthodox Church, the icon plays an important role in worship.

• Художник создал красивую икону для музея.

  The artist created a beautiful icon for the museum.

• Семья молится перед старой иконой в своем доме.

  The family prays before an old icon in their home.

• Икона была подарена на праздник Рождества.

  The icon was given as a gift for Christmas.

Computer or digital icon (e.g., a graphical symbol)

Translation(s) & Context:

• иконка - Used in informal, everyday tech contexts, such as apps or interfaces, to refer to small visual symbols.

Usage Examples:

• Нажми на иконку в углу экрана, чтобы открыть меню.

  Click on the icon in the corner of the screen to open the menu.

• Эта иконка обозначает уведомление о новых сообщениях.

  This icon indicates a notification for new messages.

• Дизайнер обновил иконки в приложении для лучшей usability.

  The designer updated the icons in the app for better usability.

• Иконка батареи показывает уровень заряда.

  The battery icon shows the charge level.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'икона' and 'иконка' are feminine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns. 'Икона' is a first-declension noun, while 'иконка' is a diminutive form that also declines regularly.

Note: These forms are regular and do not have irregularities, making them relatively easy for learners. In plural forms, the nouns can indicate multiple icons in various contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • икона: образ (obraz) - Often used interchangeably in religious contexts, but 'образ' can imply a broader image or likeness.
  • иконка: значок (znachok) - Common in tech contexts; implies a symbol or badge, with a slight emphasis on functionality.
• Antonyms:
  • икона: иконоборчество (ikonoborstvo) - Meaning iconoclasm, referring to opposition against icons in a religious sense.
  • иконка: нет прямого антонима (No direct antonym, as it's a tech term, but could contrast with 'текст' (text) in digital interfaces).

Related Phrases:

• Святая икона - Holy icon; used in religious settings to denote a blessed or revered image.
• Рабочий стол иконка - Desktop icon; a common phrase in computing for icons on a user's desktop.
• Иконка уведомления - Notification icon; refers to alerts in apps, highlighting digital interactions.

Usage Notes:

The English word 'icon' translates to 'икона' in formal or cultural contexts, especially in Russian Orthodox traditions, where it carries deep symbolic meaning. For digital uses, 'иконка' is more appropriate due to its diminutive and informal connotation. Be mindful of register: 'икона' is neutral to formal, while 'иконка' is casual. When choosing between translations, consider the context—religious vs. technological. Grammatically, both nouns decline based on case, so always adjust for sentence structure, e.g., use genitive for possession like 'цвет иконы' (color of the icon).

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'икона' and 'иконка': English learners often use 'икона' for computer icons, which sounds overly formal. Correct: Use 'иконка' for tech; e.g., Wrong: "Нажми на икону" (sounds archaic); Right: "Нажми на иконку".
• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change endings in sentences, e.g., Wrong: "Я вижу икона" (incorrect accusative); Right: "Я вижу икону". This error stems from not applying Russian case rules.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'икона' is deeply tied to Orthodox Christianity, often representing not just art but spiritual portals. Icons like those by Andrei Rublev are national treasures, symbolizing divine presence and historical continuity. This cultural weight can make 'икона' more than a mere image, influencing its use in literature and daily life.

Related Concepts:

• образ
• значок
• иконопись