Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'leviathan'

English Word: leviathan

Key Russian Translations:

• Левиафан [lʲɪˈvʲiəfən] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in literary, biblical, or metaphorical contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Requires familiarity with borrowed words from English or biblical sources, as well as basic noun inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Левиафан: [lʲɪˈvʲiəfən]

Note on Левиафан: The stress falls on the third syllable ("iəfən"). Be mindful of the palatalized 'л' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation can occur based on regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Biblical or Mythical Sea Monster

Translation(s) & Context:

• Левиафан - Used in formal, literary, or religious contexts to refer to the biblical sea creature, often symbolizing chaos or a massive beast.

Usage Examples:

• В Библии Левиафан описывается как огромное морское чудовище.

  In the Bible, Leviathan is described as a massive sea monster.

• Легенды о Левиафане передаются из поколения в поколение в русских сказках.

  Legends about Leviathan are passed down from generation to generation in Russian folktales.

• Художник изобразил Левиафана в своей картине, чтобы подчеркнуть силу природы.

  The artist depicted Leviathan in his painting to emphasize the power of nature.

• В древних текстах Левиафан символизирует хаос и неизведанные глубины океана.

  In ancient texts, Leviathan symbolizes chaos and the unexplored depths of the ocean.

Metaphorical Reference to Something Enormous or Powerful

Translation(s) & Context:

• Левиафан - Employed metaphorically in modern contexts for large entities like corporations or ships, often in formal or journalistic writing.

Usage Examples:

• Эта корпорация — настоящий Левиафан, контролирующий рынок.

  This corporation is a true leviathan, controlling the market.

• Крейсер, похожий на Левиафана, плыл по волнам, внушая страх.

  The cruiser, resembling a leviathan, sailed through the waves, inspiring fear.

• В экономике Левиафан может обозначать государство, которое вмешивается в дела бизнеса.

  In economics, Leviathan can refer to a state that intervenes in business affairs.

• Левиафан индустрии — это компания, которая доминирует на глобальном уровне.

  The leviathan of the industry is a company that dominates on a global level.

• Авторы используют Левиафана как метафору для бюрократического гиганта.

  Authors use Leviathan as a metaphor for a bureaucratic giant.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Левиафан" is a masculine noun (masc. inanimate) borrowed from Hebrew via English and other languages. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As a borrowed word, it doesn't have irregular inflections, but the plural form is uncommon and used only in metaphorical contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Гигант (giant) - Often used for physical size, with a neutral connotation.
  • Чудовище (monster) - Emphasizes fearsome aspects, especially in mythical contexts.
  • Колосс (colossus) - Similar metaphorical use for something immense.
• Antonyms:
  • Карлик (dwarf) - Refers to something small or insignificant.
  • Малютка (tiny one) - Informal term for something diminutive.

Related Phrases:

• Морской Левиафан - A phrase meaning "sea leviathan," used for massive sea creatures or ships; refers to something dominant in the ocean.
• Левиафан бизнеса - Means "business leviathan," describing a corporate giant that controls markets.
• Библейский Левиафан - Translates to "biblical leviathan," often in religious or literary discussions about ancient myths.

Usage Notes:

"Левиафан" directly corresponds to the English "leviathan" as a borrowed term, primarily in formal, literary, or metaphorical contexts. It is not used in casual conversation, so reserve it for written or academic settings. When choosing between translations, opt for "Левиафан" if the context is biblical or mythical; for general metaphors, synonyms like "гигант" might be more versatile. Grammatically, ensure correct case usage, as Russian requires nouns to inflect based on sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as [lɛˈvaɪəθən] (using English phonetics). Correct: Use [lʲɪˈvʲiəfən] to reflect Russian palatalization. Explanation: English speakers often overlook the soft 'л' sound, which can make the word sound unnatural in Russian.

• Error: Using it in plural form incorrectly, e.g., "Левиафанs" (a direct English borrowing). Correct: In Russian, say "Левиафаны" if needed, but it's rare. Explanation: Russian nouns must follow native inflection rules, not English ones, to avoid confusion in sentences.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "Левиафан" vs. "Левиафана" in genitive case. Correct: Always check the case based on context, e.g., "страх Левиафана" (fear of the leviathan). Explanation: Case errors can alter the sentence meaning, common among beginners learning Russian grammar.

Cultural Notes:

"Левиафан" originates from the Hebrew Bible, where it represents a primordial sea monster, symbolizing chaos and the untamed forces of nature. In Russian culture, it's often referenced in literature and folklore, such as in works by authors like Pushkin or in Orthodox interpretations, highlighting themes of divine power and human vulnerability. This cultural depth makes it a fascinating word for exploring Russian literary traditions.

Related Concepts:

• Дракон (dragon)
• Морское чудовище (sea monster)
• Гигант (giant)