Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'matriarchy'

English Word: matriarchy

Key Russian Translations:

• матриархат [/mɐˈtrʲi.ɐr.xət/] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This term is used in academic, sociological, or historical discussions but is not everyday vocabulary in Russian.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of social and cultural concepts, as well as basic Russian noun inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

матриархат: /mɐˈtrʲi.ɐr.xət/

Note on матриархат: The stress is on the third syllable ('ar'), which is a common challenge for English speakers. The 'р' is a trilled 'r' sound, and the 'х' is a guttural 'kh' like in 'loch'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A social system where females hold primary power, descent is traced through the female line, or women have dominant roles.

Translation(s) & Context:

• матриархат - Used in formal contexts such as sociology, anthropology, or historical discussions to describe societies or family structures dominated by women.

Usage Examples:

• В некоторых древних племенах матриархат был основной формой социальной организации.

  In some ancient tribes, matriarchy was the primary form of social organization.

• Современные исследования показывают, что матриархат существовал в некоторых индейских культурах.

  Modern studies show that matriarchy existed in some Native American cultures.

• В этой семье матриархат проявляется через влияние матери на решения.

  In this family, matriarchy is evident through the mother's influence on decisions.

• Критики патриархата часто обсуждают преимущества матриархата в гендерном равенстве.

  Critics of patriarchy often discuss the advantages of matriarchy in gender equality.

• В мифологии матриархат ассоциируется с богинями и женскими архетипами.

  In mythology, matriarchy is associated with goddesses and female archetypes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Матриархат' is a masculine noun in Russian (from the root 'архат', related to 'arch' or rule). It follows the standard third-declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The plural form is used when referring to multiple instances or examples of matriarchal systems. This noun does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • женское доминирование (female dominance) - More general term, often used in gender studies contexts.
  • материнское правление (maternal rule) - Emphasizes family or lineage aspects, less formal than матриархат.
• Antonyms:
  • патриархат (patriarchy) - The opposite system where males hold primary power.

Related Phrases:

• материнская линия - Refers to tracing descent through the female line, often in matriarchal societies.
• женское лидерство в матриархате - Describes female leadership within a matriarchy, highlighting power dynamics.
• традиции матриархата - Common phrase for traditions associated with matriarchal systems, used in cultural discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'матриархат' directly corresponds to the English 'matriarchy' and is typically used in formal or academic settings. It is a neuter noun in terms of gender implications but grammatically masculine. Be cautious with context: in everyday Russian, people might prefer phrases like 'женское доминирование' for less technical discussions. When choosing between translations, use 'матриархат' for precise sociological references. Grammatically, it requires agreement in gender, number, and case with adjectives or verbs, e.g., 'в матриархате' (in the matriarchy).

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with 'патриархат': English learners often mix up 'матриархат' and 'патриархат'. Incorrect: Using 'матриархат' to describe a male-dominated society. Correct: 'Патриархат преобладает в многих традиционных культурах.' (Patriarchy prevails in many traditional cultures.) Explanation: These are antonyms, so ensure the context clearly defines female dominance for 'матриархат'.

• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting to change the case, e.g., saying 'в матриархат' instead of 'в матриархате'. Correct: 'В матриархате женщины принимают ключевые решения.' (In matriarchy, women make key decisions.) Explanation: Russian nouns must inflect based on their role in the sentence; always check the case requirements.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'матриархат' is often discussed in the context of indigenous peoples like those in Siberia or historical societies, such as the Scythians or certain Slavic tribes. It carries connotations of female empowerment and is sometimes idealized in feminist literature, contrasting with the historically patriarchal structures in Russian history, like those under the Tsars or in Orthodox traditions.

Related Concepts:

• феминизм (feminism)
• гендерное равенство (gender equality)
• патриархат (patriarchy)