Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'immolate'

English Word: immolate

Key Russian Translations:

• сжечь [ˈsʐeʧʲ] - [Formal, Verb; used in contexts involving burning or destruction by fire]
• принести в жертву [prʲɪˈnʲesʲtʲɪ v ˈʐɛrtvʊ] - [Formal, Phrase; typically in religious, sacrificial, or metaphorical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation; more prevalent in literary, historical, or religious texts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and contextual nuances in Russian, as direct equivalents may vary based on formality and specific usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сжечь: [ˈsʐeʧʲ]

Note on сжечь: The 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure' in English, but can be challenging for beginners. Stress falls on the first syllable.

принести в жертву: [prʲɪˈnʲesʲtʲɪ v ˈʐɛrtvʊ]

Note on привести в жертву: Pay attention to the soft sign 'ь' in 'принести', which palatalizes the preceding consonant, affecting pronunciation fluidity.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To kill or offer as a sacrifice, especially by burning

Translation(s) & Context:

• сжечь - Common in literal contexts of burning for sacrifice or destruction, such as in historical or ritualistic narratives.
• принести в жертву - Used metaphorically or literally for offering something (e.g., oneself or an object) in sacrifice, often without the element of fire.

Usage Examples:

• В древние времена жрецы сжигали животных в жертву богам.

  In ancient times, priests immolated animals as sacrifices to the gods.

• Во время ритуала воины принесли в жертву свои доспехи, чтобы умиротворить духов.

  During the ritual, warriors immolated their armor to appease the spirits.

• В литературе часто описывается, как герои сжигают свои корабли, символизируя полное посвящение.

  In literature, it's often described how heroes immolate their ships, symbolizing total commitment.

• Мать принесла в жертву свою карьеру, чтобы заботиться о семье.

  The mother immolated her career to take care of her family.

• В фильме показан, как персонаж сжигает документы, чтобы защитить тайну.

  In the film, the character immolates documents to protect a secret.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For the verb "сжечь" (to burn/immolate), it is an irregular verb in Russian, belonging to the first conjugation with specific stem changes. It is the perfective aspect of "сжигать". Below is a table of its key inflections:

For the phrase "принести в жертву", it involves the verb "принести" (to bring), which is irregular and perfective. Its base form doesn't inflect as a single word, but "принести" conjugates as: я принесу, ты принесёшь, etc. This phrase remains relatively stable in structure but adapts based on grammatical case in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сжигать (more general burning, imperfective form)
  • пожертвовать (to sacrifice, often metaphorical; differs slightly as it implies giving up without fire)
• Antonyms:
  • спасать (to save)
  • сохранять (to preserve)

Note: "сжигать" is a near-synonym but implies ongoing action, while "пожертвовать" focuses on the act of sacrifice without destruction.

Related Phrases:

• принести себя в жертву - To sacrifice oneself; often used in heroic or altruistic contexts.
• сжечь дотла - To burn to the ground; implies complete destruction, similar to total immolation.
• жертвенный огонь - Sacrificial fire; a phrase evoking ritualistic burning.

Usage Notes:

When translating "immolate" to Russian, choose "сжечь" for literal fiery sacrifices and "принести в жертву" for broader sacrificial acts. "сжечь" is more formal and literary, while "принести в жертву" fits religious or metaphorical scenarios. Be cautious with aspect: use perfective forms like "сжечь" for completed actions. In everyday Russian, these are rare; opt for simpler synonyms in casual speech. Grammar note: Verbs must agree in person, number, and gender in past tense.

Common Errors:

• Confusing aspect: Learners often use the imperfective "сжигать" when "сжечь" is needed for a completed action. Error: "Я сжигать дом" (incorrect). Correct: "Я сжег дом" (I immolated/burned the house). Explanation: Russian verbs have perfective and imperfective pairs; "сжечь" indicates a finished event.
• Misusing in context: Non-natives might directly translate as "иммолировать" (a rare borrowing), which sounds unnatural. Error: "Он иммолировал статую." Correct: "Он сжег статую." Explanation: Stick to native words for better fluency.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like "сжечь" or "принести в жертву" often tie to historical pagan rituals or Orthodox traditions, such as the burning of effigies during festivals like Maslenitsa. These words carry connotations of self-sacrifice in literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy), reflecting themes of redemption or loss, which differ from Western interpretations due to Russia's Slavic heritage.

Related Concepts:

• жертва (sacrifice)
• огонь (fire)
• ритуал (ritual)