Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'malediction'

English Word: malediction

Key Russian Translations:

• проклятие /prɐˈklʲætʲjə/ - [Formal, often used in literary or serious contexts]
• проклятье /prɐˈklʲætʲjə/ - [Informal variant, sometimes interchangeable but less common in modern speech]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, folklore, and discussions about curses, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun inflections and vocabulary related to emotions and supernatural themes)

Pronunciation (Russian):

проклятие: /prɐˈklʲætʲjə/

проклятье: /prɐˈklʲætʲjə/ (similar to проклятие, with emphasis on the first syllable; note the soft 'л' sound which can be tricky for English speakers)

Note on проклятие: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'я' sound is palatalized. Practice with native speakers to master the rolling 'р'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A spoken curse or imprecation invoking harm.

Translation(s) & Context:

• проклятие - Used in formal or narrative contexts, such as in stories or when expressing deep anger (e.g., in literature or heated arguments).
• проклятье - Informal equivalent, often in everyday speech for milder expressions of frustration.

Usage Examples:

• Он произнес проклятие в гневе, когда узнал о предательстве. (He uttered a malediction in anger when he learned of the betrayal.)

  English Translation: He uttered a malediction in anger when he learned of the betrayal.

• В старинных сказках герои часто борются с проклятиями, наложенными злыми колдунами. (In ancient fairy tales, heroes often struggle against maledictions cast by evil wizards.)

  English Translation: In ancient fairy tales, heroes often struggle against maledictions cast by evil wizards.

• Ее проклятье эхом разнеслось по комнате, заставив всех замолчать. (Her malediction echoed through the room, making everyone fall silent.)

  English Translation: Her malediction echoed through the room, making everyone fall silent.

• Иногда проклятие может быть просто словами, полными ярости, без реальной магической силы. (Sometimes a malediction can just be words full of fury, without any real magical power.)

  English Translation: Sometimes a malediction can just be words full of fury, without any real magical power.

• В современной речи проклятие используется для выражения крайнего раздражения, как в спорах. (In modern speech, a malediction is used to express extreme irritation, as in arguments.)

  English Translation: In modern speech, a malediction is used to express extreme irritation, as in arguments.

Secondary Meaning: A general term for a curse or bad omen.

Translation(s) & Context:

• проклятие - In broader contexts like superstitions or cultural references, implying a lingering negative force.

Usage Examples:

• Древнее проклятие семьи привело к их падению. (The ancient malediction on the family led to their downfall.)

  English Translation: The ancient malediction on the family led to their downfall.

• Многие верят, что проклятие можно снять с помощью ритуала. (Many believe that a malediction can be lifted through a ritual.)

  English Translation: Many believe that a malediction can be lifted through a ritual.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "проклятие" and "проклятье" are neuter nouns in the third declension group, which means they follow standard Russian noun inflection patterns. They are not irregular but require attention to cases and numbers.

Note: These forms do not change significantly between "проклятие" and "проклятье," but "проклятие" is more standard.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • проклинанье (more poetic, used in literary contexts for a similar cursing act)
  • заклятье (implies a magical spell, with subtle differences in connotation toward enchantment)
• Antonyms:
  • благословение (a blessing, opposite in intent and effect)
  • похвала (praise, contrasting positive affirmation)

Related Phrases:

• Проклятие на семью (A curse on the family) - Refers to a hereditary malediction in folklore or stories.
• Наложить проклятие (To cast a malediction) - Used when someone invokes a curse, often in dramatic or supernatural contexts.
• Снять проклятие (To lift a malediction) - Common in narratives about breaking curses, implying resolution or redemption.

Usage Notes:

"Malediction" directly corresponds to "проклятие" in Russian, but English users should note that Russian often carries a more emotional or supernatural weight, especially in cultural contexts. Use "проклятие" in formal writing or serious discussions, while "проклятье" might suit informal speech. Be cautious with grammar: always inflect based on case (e.g., genitive for possession). When choosing between translations, opt for "проклятие" as it's more versatile and widely understood.

• In sentences, it often pairs with verbs like "произнести" (to utter) or "наложить" (to cast).
• Avoid overusing in casual conversation, as it can sound dramatic.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "проклятие" with "проклятый" (cursed, an adjective). For example, they might say "Я проклятие" meaning "I am a malediction," which is incorrect; the right phrase is "Я под проклятием" (I am under a malediction). Error: "Он проклятие на меня" (wrong, as it doesn't inflect properly). Correct: "Он наложил проклятие на меня" (He cast a malediction on me). This mistake stems from not applying case endings, so always check the noun's role in the sentence.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "проклятие" often appears in folklore and literature, such as in fairy tales by Pushkin or folk stories, where curses are tied to themes of fate, sin, and redemption. It reflects a historical belief in the power of words, influenced by Orthodox Christianity and pagan traditions, emphasizing that spoken words can have real, lasting effects on one's life.

Related Concepts:

• заклятье (enchantment or spell)
• проклятый (cursed)
• колдовство (witchcraft)