Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Israel'

English Word: Israel

Key Russian Translations:

• Израиль [Izráilʹ] - [Proper noun, used as a country name, Formal]

Frequency: High (commonly used in news, geography, and everyday discussions about international affairs).

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) - As a proper noun, it's straightforward for learners, requiring basic recognition without complex grammar.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Израиль: [Izráilʹ]

Note on Израиль: The stress is on the second syllable ("rá"). In casual speech, the final "ʹ" (palatalization) might be softened, but it's pronounced clearly in formal contexts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The country Israel (referring to the nation in the Middle East)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Израиль - Used in geographical, political, historical, or cultural contexts, such as discussing travel, politics, or religion. It is a neutral, standard term in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я всегда мечтал посетить Израиль, чтобы увидеть Иерусалим.

  I always dreamed of visiting Israel to see Jerusalem.

• Израиль имеет богатую историю, включая древние библейские места.

  Israel has a rich history, including ancient biblical sites.

• Международные новости часто освещают события в Израиле.

  International news often covers events in Israel.

• Туристы едут в Израиль за морем и солнечным климатом.

  Tourists go to Israel for the sea and sunny climate.

• Израиль известен своими инновациями в технологиях и науке.

  Israel is known for its innovations in technology and science.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Израиль" is a masculine proper noun in Russian and follows the standard declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It changes based on grammatical case, which is common for place names. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: As a proper noun, it does not have plural forms in standard usage. The inflections are regular and follow common patterns for borrowed place names.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: None direct, but related terms include "Сион" (Sion) in poetic or biblical contexts, which has subtle connotations of historical or religious significance.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "Израиль" is a specific proper noun without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Израиль и Палестина - Refers to the geopolitical region and conflicts; often used in discussions about Middle Eastern politics.
• Государство Израиль - Means "The State of Israel"; used in formal or official contexts to emphasize its status as a sovereign nation.
• История Израиля - Translates to "History of Israel"; common in educational or historical narratives.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Израиль" directly corresponds to the English "Israel" as a proper noun for the country. It is used across all registers (formal and informal) but is particularly prevalent in news, travel, and academic discussions. Be mindful of sensitive geopolitical contexts, as mentioning Israel may involve discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Grammatically, it requires correct case agreement (e.g., use the genitive form "Израиля" after prepositions like "о" or "из"). When choosing between translations, "Израиль" is the standard and most accurate; avoid archaic or poetic alternatives unless in specific literary contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing the case, e.g., saying "в Израиль" instead of the correct instrumental "в Израиле" for locations with the preposition "в" (in).

  Correct: "Я живу в Израиле" (I live in Israel). Explanation: Russian prepositions dictate case changes, and learners often overlook this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Pronouncing it as [Izrayl] without the palatalized "ʹ", making it sound unnatural.

  Correct: [Izráilʹ]. Explanation: The palatalization is key to authentic pronunciation; ignoring it can make the word sound like a mispronunciation of similar English terms.

Cultural Notes:

"Израиль" carries significant cultural and historical weight in Russian-speaking contexts, often linked to biblical history, Jewish heritage, and modern geopolitics. In Russia, discussions about Israel may reference its role in the Holocaust, immigration of Jewish populations from the former USSR, or ongoing Middle Eastern tensions. This term evokes themes of resilience and ancient civilization, as portrayed in literature and media.

Related Concepts:

• Иерусалим (Jerusalem)
• Палестина (Palestine)
• Ближний Восток (Middle East)