Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'literati'

English Word: literati

Key Russian Translations:

• Литераторы [lʲɪtʲɪˈratərɨ] - [Plural, Formal]
• Интеллигенция [ɪntʲɛlʲɪˈɡʲɛncʲɪjə] - [Broader context, Formal, Used for intellectual elites including literati]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary discussions, academic texts, and cultural contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires familiarity with Russian cultural and literary vocabulary. For 'Литераторы', B2; for 'Интеллигенция', B1 as it's more general.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Литераторы: [lʲɪtʲɪˈratərɨ]

Интеллигенция: [ɪntʲɛlʲɪˈɡʲɛncʲɪjə]

Note on Литераторы: The stress is on the third syllable ('ra'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'л' sound; pronounce it with a gentle, palatalized 'l'. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Note on Интеллигенция: The 'г' is pronounced as a soft 'g' [ɡʲ], similar to 'g' in 'gem' in English; be mindful of the ending 'ия' which softens the word.

Audio: Play pronunciation for Литераторы | Play for Интеллигенция (Insert actual audio file links here)

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A group of intellectuals, writers, or scholars deeply involved in literature and literary culture.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Литераторы - Used in formal or academic contexts to refer specifically to literary figures, such as writers and critics in professional settings.
• Интеллигенция - Applied in broader cultural or historical contexts, often implying a class of educated elites, including but not limited to literati.

Usage Examples:

• В России литераторы часто собираются в московских салонах, обсуждая современную прозу.

  In Russia, literati often gather in Moscow salons to discuss contemporary prose.

• Интеллигенция XIX века, включая литераторов вроде Толстого, повлияла на развитие русской культуры.

  The intelligentsia of the 19th century, including literati like Tolstoy, influenced the development of Russian culture.

• Молодые литераторы сегодня используют социальные сети для распространения своих идей.

  Young literati today use social media to spread their ideas.

• В литературных кругах интеллигенция ценит дебютные работы новых литераторов.

  In literary circles, the intelligentsia values the debut works of new literati.

• Литераторы и интеллигенция часто критикуют современное общество в своих эссе.

  Literati and intelligentsia often critique modern society in their essays.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Литераторы' and 'Интеллигенция' are nouns. 'Литераторы' is a plural masculine noun (from 'литератор'), which follows standard Russian declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. 'Интеллигенция' is a feminine singular noun that is invariable in the nominative case but declines in other cases.

Note: 'Литераторы' can also have singular forms (e.g., 'Литератор' for a single literary figure), which decline similarly. 'Интеллигенция' is typically used in singular and does not change for plural in common usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Интеллектуалы (Intellectuals; more general, often interchangeable in cultural contexts)
  • Писатели (Writers; focuses on authors specifically)
  • Критики (Critics; for those involved in literary analysis)
• Antonyms:
  • Необразованные (Uneducated; implies lack of intellectual engagement)
  • Массы (The masses; refers to the general public without elite status)

Explanation: Synonyms like 'Интеллектуалы' may have a broader connotation, suitable for everyday discussions, while 'Писатели' is more precise for creative writers.

Related Phrases:

• Круг литераторов (Circle of literati) - Refers to a group of intellectuals in a social or professional network.
• Интеллигенция общества (Intelligentsia of society) - Describes the educated elite influencing cultural developments.
• Салон литераторов (Salon of literati) - A gathering place for literary discussions, often in historical contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'Литераторы' directly corresponds to 'literati' in English, emphasizing a collective of literary professionals, and is best used in formal or academic writing. 'Интеллигенция' has a historical connotation tied to 19th-century Russian society, so choose it for broader intellectual contexts. Be mindful of grammatical gender and case when integrating into sentences; for example, avoid using 'Литераторы' in singular forms unless specifying an individual. In conversational settings, these words are more common in educated discourse rather than casual talk.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'Литератор' (singular) when referring to a group, e.g., saying "Литератор обсудили книгу" instead of "Литераторы обсудили книгу".

  Correct: "Литераторы обсудили книгу" – Explanation: 'Literati' is inherently plural, so match it with the plural form to avoid grammatical disagreement.

• Error: Confusing 'Интеллигенция' with 'Литераторы' and using it for purely literary contexts, e.g., "Интеллигенция написали роман".

  Correct: "Литераторы написали роман" – Explanation: 'Интеллигенция' refers to a wider group, not specifically writers, so it shouldn't be used as a direct substitute in creative contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'Литераторы' and 'Интеллигенция' hold significant historical importance, often linked to figures like Pushkin and Tolstoy. The term 'Интеллигенция' emerged in the 19th century to describe the educated class that played a key role in social reforms and revolutionary movements, reflecting Russia's intellectual heritage and the elevated status of literature in society.

Related Concepts:

• Поэты (Poets)
• Критики (Critics)
• Интеллектуалы (Intellectuals)