Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'majesty'

English Word: majesty

Key Russian Translations:

• величество [vɪlʲɪˈtɕestvə] - [Formal, used in contexts of royalty or grandeur]
• величие [vʲɪˈlʲitɕɪje] - [Formal, emphasizing dignity or splendor, often in literary or poetic contexts]

Frequency: Medium - This word is commonly encountered in formal, historical, or literary texts but less so in everyday conversation.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Involves understanding formal vocabulary and basic noun declensions; for "величество," it may be slightly easier, while "величие" could reach B2 for nuanced usage.

Pronunciation (Russian):

величество: [vɪlʲɪˈtɕestvə]

величие: [vʲɪˈlʲitɕɪje]

Note on величие: The stress falls on the second syllable, which can be tricky for learners due to the soft consonants; pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The quality of being majestic, grand, or dignified (e.g., in reference to royalty or natural splendor).

Translation(s) & Context:

• величество - Used in formal contexts like addressing monarchs or describing awe-inspiring scenes, such as in historical narratives.
• величие - Applied in literary or philosophical discussions to denote moral or aesthetic grandeur, often in a more abstract sense.

Usage Examples:

• Величество короля было очевидно в его манере держаться. (The majesty of the king was evident in his bearing.)

  English Translation: The majesty of the king was evident in his bearing.

• Горы окружали нас своим величеством, заставляя чувствовать себя маленькими. (The mountains surrounded us with their majesty, making us feel small.)

  English Translation: The mountains surrounded us with their majesty, making us feel small.

• Величие русской литературы вдохновляет поколения. (The majesty of Russian literature inspires generations.)

  English Translation: The majesty of Russian literature inspires generations.

• Его величие проявлялось не только в титуле, но и в мудрых решениях. (His majesty was evident not only in his title but also in his wise decisions.)

  English Translation: His majesty was evident not only in his title but also in his wise decisions.

• Величество природы в осеннем лесу завораживает своей красотой. (The majesty of nature in the autumn forest captivates with its beauty.)

  English Translation: The majesty of nature in the autumn forest captivates with its beauty.

Meaning 2: A title used for a sovereign or monarch (e.g., "His Majesty").

Translation(s) & Context:

• величество - Primarily used in formal addresses, such as "Его Величество" for "His Majesty," in diplomatic or historical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его Величество прибыл на церемонию с почетом. (His Majesty arrived at the ceremony with honors.)

  English Translation: His Majesty arrived at the ceremony with honors.

• Мы приветствовали Ее Величество на официальном приеме. (We greeted Her Majesty at the official reception.)

  English Translation: We greeted Her Majesty at the official reception.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "величество" and "величие" are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard neuter declension patterns. "Величество" is less commonly inflected in modern usage but can change based on case and number.

Note: These nouns are often used in singular form and do not change in informal contexts, but proper declension is essential in formal writing.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • величие - Similar to "величество" but often implies a more spiritual or intellectual grandeur.
  • могущество - Emphasizes power and authority, suitable in political contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • ничтожность - Implies insignificance or pettiness.
  • скромность - Suggests modesty or humility, contrasting with overt grandeur.

Related Phrases:

• Его Величество - His Majesty; used in formal addresses to monarchs.
• Величие духа - The majesty of the spirit; refers to inner strength or nobility in personal development.
• Величество природы - The majesty of nature; commonly used in environmental or poetic descriptions.

Usage Notes:

"Majesty" translates most directly to "величество" in formal contexts like royalty, but "величие" is better for abstract or literary uses. In Russian, these words are typically reserved for elevated language; avoid them in casual conversations to prevent sounding overly dramatic. When using with titles, always capitalize as in "Его Величество." For English learners, choose "величество" for concrete scenarios and "величие" for metaphorical ones based on context.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "величество" without proper declension, e.g., saying "of величество" instead of "of величествa." Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "величия короля" (the majesty of the king). This mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "величать" (to call someone great). Correct: "Величество" is a noun, not a verb; use it only as a substantive form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "величество" evoke the historical legacy of the Russian Empire and tsarist traditions. For instance, it was commonly used in reference to the Tsar, reflecting a deep respect for authority and hierarchy. Today, it carries a nostalgic or formal connotation, often appearing in literature or media about Russian history, which helps non-native speakers appreciate the cultural weight of monarchical systems in Russia.

Related Concepts:

• король
• император
• двор