Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'incantation'

English Word: incantation

Key Russian Translations:

• заклинание /zə.klʲɪˈna.nʲɪ.jə/ - [Formal, Literary]
• чары /ˈt͡ɕa.rɨ/ - [Informal, Poetic, Used in magical or folklore contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is not everyday vocabulary but appears in literature, fantasy, and discussions of folklore.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian nouns and thematic vocabulary, as it involves abstract concepts like magic.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

заклинание: /zə.klʲɪˈna.nʲɪ.jə/

чары: /ˈt͡ɕa.rɨ/

Note on заклинание: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-na-), which can be tricky for learners due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Pronunciation may vary slightly in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A magical formula or spell

Translation(s) & Context:

• заклинание - Used in formal or literary contexts, such as in books, films, or discussions about witchcraft and magic.
• чары - Applied in informal or poetic settings, often implying enchantment or a charm in folklore narratives.

Usage Examples:

• Волшебник произнес древнее заклинание, чтобы открыть скрытый портал.

  The wizard uttered an ancient incantation to open the hidden portal.

• В сказках часто упоминаются чары, которые превращают обычные предметы в волшебные.

  In fairy tales, charms are often mentioned that turn ordinary objects into magical ones.

• Она шептала заклинание под нос, пытаясь защитить дом от злых духов.

  She whispered the incantation quietly, trying to protect the house from evil spirits.

• Эти чары из русской народной традиции используются в ритуалах для вызова дождя.

  These charms from Russian folk tradition are used in rituals to summon rain.

• Молодой колдун выучил сложное заклинание из древней книги, но ошибся в произношении.

  The young sorcerer learned a complex incantation from an ancient book but messed up the pronunciation.

A ritual chant or formula in non-magical contexts (e.g., religious or ceremonial)

Translation(s) & Context:

• заклинание - In ceremonial or religious settings, implying a formulaic recitation, such as in prayers or rituals.

Usage Examples:

• В старинных обрядах жрецы повторяли заклинание для изгнания болезней.

  In ancient rituals, priests repeated the incantation to drive out illnesses.

• Заклинание из народных песен помогает сохранить традиции и культурное наследие.

  The incantation from folk songs helps preserve traditions and cultural heritage.

• Дети в лагере пели заклинание, чтобы разжечь костёр во время игры.

  The children at the camp sang the incantation to light the fire during the game.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

заклинание is a neuter noun in the second declension, which follows standard Russian noun patterns with regular inflections. It does not have irregularities but changes based on case, number, and gender agreement.

чары is also a neuter plural noun and typically remains unchanged in most forms, as it is often used in plural: Nominative/Accusative: чары; Genitive: чар; Dative: чарам; etc. It does not inflect as regularly as заклинание due to its plural nature.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • заклятие (Similar to заклинание but often implies a more binding or protective spell; used in formal contexts)
  • чародейство (Broader term for sorcery or magic arts; more general than specific incantations)
• Antonyms:
  • развеивание (Dispelling or breaking a spell; used when countering magic)
  • проклятие (A curse, which is the opposite in intent but similar in form)

Related Phrases:

• произносить заклинание - To utter an incantation; often used in storytelling or magical contexts.
• волшебные чары - Magical charms; refers to enchanting spells in fairy tales.
• древнее заклинание - Ancient incantation; commonly used in historical or fantasy narratives to evoke mystery.

Usage Notes:

заклинание directly corresponds to "incantation" in English, emphasizing a spoken or chanted formula in magical or ritualistic settings. It is typically formal and literary, so avoid using it in casual conversation. When choosing between заклинание and чары, opt for заклинание for precise spell-casting scenarios, while чары suits broader enchantment themes. Grammatically, ensure agreement with case and number, as Russian nouns inflect based on sentence structure. For example, in questions or descriptions, it might appear as "Какое заклинание?" (What incantation?).

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing заклинание with заклятие and using them interchangeably. Correct: заклятие implies a more permanent binding spell. Example of error: "Он использовал заклятие для лечения" (incorrect if a simple chant is meant). Correct example: "Он использовал заклинание для лечения" – This is better for a recited formula.
• Mistake: Forgetting to inflect the noun in sentences, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Correct: Always adjust for case, like "о заклинании" in genitive. Example of error: "Я думаю заклинание" (incorrect). Correct example: "Я думаю о заклинании" – Adds the preposition and correct case.

Cultural Notes:

Заклинание often carries connotations from Russian folklore and Slavic mythology, where such incantations were part of pagan rituals, as seen in tales by authors like Pushkin. In modern culture, it's linked to fairy tales and fantasy literature, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of magic and superstition, which can influence how the word is perceived in everyday language.

Related Concepts:

• магия (magic)
• заклинатель (enchanter)
• фольклор (folklore)