Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lullaby'

English Word: lullaby

Key Russian Translations:

• колыбельная /kə.lɨ.'bʲelʲ.nə.jə/ - [Noun, Feminine, Singular, Informal; Used in contexts related to childcare and music]

Frequency: Medium (Common in family, children's literature, and cultural discussions, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1 level; Involves understanding noun declensions and basic vocabulary related to family and emotions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

колыбельная: /kə.lɨ.'bʲelʲ.nə.jə/

Note on колыбельная: The stress is on the third syllable ('bʲelʲ), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the soft consonant sounds like 'лʲ'. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, such as in Southern Russia.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A soothing song or melody used to lull a child to sleep

Translation(s) & Context:

• колыбельная - Used in everyday family settings, children's stories, or cultural references to describe a traditional lullaby; common in informal or affectionate contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Мама поёт колыбельную, чтобы убаюкать малыша.

  Mom sings a lullaby to lull the baby to sleep. (This example shows the word in a simple, domestic context with a verb like "поёт" for singing.)

• В русской фольклоре колыбельные передаются из поколения в поколение.

  In Russian folklore, lullabies are passed down from generation to generation. (Here, it demonstrates the word in a cultural or historical context, highlighting its noun form in a sentence with prepositional phrases.)

• Эта колыбельная имеет мягкий ритм, идеальный для успокоения ребёнка.

  This lullaby has a soft rhythm, perfect for calming the child. (This usage illustrates the word with adjectives and in a descriptive sentence, showing its application in modern parenting discussions.)

• Дети быстро засыпают под звуки колыбельной.

  Children fall asleep quickly to the sounds of a lullaby. (This example varies the structure by using it with prepositional phrases and verbs of action.)

• Композитор создал новую колыбельную для детского альбома.

  The composer created a new lullaby for a children's album. (This shows the word in a creative or artistic context, demonstrating its flexibility in different genres.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Колыбельная is a feminine noun in the first declension group, which means it undergoes regular inflection based on case, number, and gender in Russian grammar. It is not irregular but follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ая. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is used when referring to multiple lullabies, such as in a collection. This noun does not have verbal inflections as it is not a verb.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Успокаивающая песня (uspokaiwayushchaya pesnya) - A more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the soothing aspect; used in formal or poetic contexts.
  • Колыбельный мотив (kolibel'nyy motiv) - Focuses on the musical motif; common in artistic discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • Бодрящая мелодия (bodryashchaya melodiya) - Meaning "energizing melody"; implies the opposite effect of lulling to sleep.

Related Phrases:

• Спеть колыбельную (Spet' kolibel'nuyu) - To sing a lullaby; Used in parenting or bedtime routines; English equivalent: "to sing a lullaby."
• Колыбельная для младенца (Kolibel'naya dlya mladentsa) - Lullaby for an infant; Common in child-rearing contexts; English equivalent: "lullaby for a baby."
• Традиционная колыбельная (Traditsionnaya kolibel'naya) - Traditional lullaby; Often refers to folk songs; English equivalent: "folk lullaby."

Usage Notes:

Колыбельная directly corresponds to the English "lullaby" as a noun, typically used in contexts involving children, music, or cultural traditions. It is neutral in tone but leans informal in family settings. Be mindful of Russian noun declensions when using it in sentences—always adjust for case based on the sentence structure. For instance, choose this word over synonyms when emphasizing a specific song or melody. If the context involves multiple items, use the plural form for accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я люблю колыбельная" instead of "Я люблю колыбельную" (incorrect accusative).

  Correct: "Я люблю колыбельную" – Explanation: In Russian, the accusative case is required after verbs like "люблю" (love). English learners often forget declensions, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "песня" (song), resulting in overly vague phrasing, e.g., "Эта песня для сна" instead of "Эта колыбельная для сна."

  Correct: "Эта колыбельная для сна" – Explanation: Specify "колыбельная" to convey the soothing, child-specific nature; using "песня" alone loses the nuance.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, колыбельная often carries deep emotional and historical significance, rooted in folklore and oral traditions. Many traditional lullabies, like those from Russian fairy tales, incorporate elements of nature or family heritage to soothe children, reflecting themes of protection and continuity. This makes the word not just a musical term but a symbol of nurturing and cultural identity.

Related Concepts:

• песня (pesnya) - Song
• убаюкивание (ubayukivanie) - Lulling to sleep
• детская литература (detskaya literatura) - Children's literature