Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'manuscript'

English Word: manuscript

Key Russian Translations:

• рукопись [ruˈkɔpʲisʲ] - [Formal, Singular]

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

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

рукопись: [ruˈkɔpʲisʲ]

Note on рукопись: The stress falls on the second syllable. Be mindful of the soft sign (ʲ) which affects the pronunciation of the preceding consonant, making it palatalized. This can be tricky for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A handwritten or typed document, often historical or original.

Translation(s) & Context:

• рукопись - Used in formal or academic settings to refer to original documents, such as ancient texts or unpublished works.

Usage Examples:

• Эта рукопись датируется XII веком и содержит редкие стихи.

  This manuscript dates back to the 12th century and contains rare poems.

• В музее хранится ценная рукопись Шекспира.

  A valuable manuscript by Shakespeare is kept in the museum.

• Автор решил не публиковать рукопись, чтобы доработать её.

  The author decided not to publish the manuscript in order to revise it.

• Рукопись была повреждена во время пожара, но её удалось восстановить.

  The manuscript was damaged in a fire, but it was successfully restored.

• Студенты изучают древние рукописи в библиотеке университета.

  Students study ancient manuscripts in the university library.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Рукопись" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It undergoes regular declension based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ь, with no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • оригинал (original; used for unpublished or primary sources, but less formal than рукопись)
  • текст (text; broader term, often for written content in general)
• Antonyms:
  • печатный текст (printed text; refers to mechanically reproduced documents)
  • копия (copy; implies a reproduction rather than the original)

Related Phrases:

• древняя рукопись - An ancient manuscript; often used in historical or archaeological contexts.
• рукопись автора - The author's manuscript; refers to a writer's original draft.
• потерянная рукопись - A lost manuscript; common in literary discussions about undiscovered works.

Usage Notes:

"Рукопись" directly corresponds to the English "manuscript" in formal contexts, such as literature, history, or academia. It is typically used in written Russian and avoids casual speech. When choosing between translations like "рукопись" and "оригинал", opt for "рукопись" if emphasizing the handwritten or original nature. Grammatically, always decline it according to its case in a sentence, e.g., "Я читаю рукопись" (I am reading the manuscript) in accusative case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я имею рукопись" instead of the correct genitive form in certain contexts.

  Correct: "Я имею рукопись" is actually fine in nominative, but in phrases like "Я думаю о рукописи", it should be genitive: "Я думаю о рукописи". Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; beginners often forget to change endings based on the preposition or sentence structure.

• Error: Confusing it with "книга" (book), leading to misuse in historical contexts.

  Correct: Use "рукопись" for unpublished or handwritten items, not "книга". For example, say "Эта рукопись ценна" instead of "Эта книга ценна" if it's not a published book. Explanation: This mix-up stems from overlapping meanings in English, but Russian distinguishes them clearly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, manuscripts hold significant historical value, often linked to literary figures like Pushkin or Tolstoy. Many iconic Russian manuscripts, such as those from medieval monasteries, represent the preservation of Orthodox traditions and national heritage. Understanding this context can deepen appreciation for words like "рукопись" in discussions of Russian literature and history.

Related Concepts:

• книга (book)
• документ (document)
• архив (archive)