Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'matrilinear'

English Word: matrilinear

Key Russian Translations:

• Матриллинейный /ma.tril.li.'nej.nɨj/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and rarely used in everyday Russian conversation, primarily in academic or anthropological contexts.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; requires familiarity with Russian adjective declensions and specialized vocabulary, suitable for learners with a strong grasp of intermediate grammar and lexicon.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Матриллинейный: /ma.tril.li.'nej.nɨj/

Note on Матриллинейный: The stress falls on the third-to-last syllable ('nej), which is common in Russian adjectives. Be cautious with the cluster of consonants in the middle, as it may be challenging for non-native speakers. Variations in pronunciation can occur based on regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Relating to descent or inheritance through the female line.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Матриллинейный - Used in formal, academic, or anthropological discussions to describe systems where lineage, property, or titles are passed through the mother's side. Context: Often appears in historical or cultural analyses.

Usage Examples:

• В некоторых культурах существует матриллинейный род, где имущество передается по женской линии.

  In some cultures, there is a matrilineal lineage, where property is passed down through the female line.

• Антропологи изучают матриллинейные общества, такие как у некоторых индейских племен.

  Anthropologists study matrilineal societies, such as those found in some Native American tribes.

• В матриллинейной системе родство определяется через мать, а не через отца.

  In a matrilineal system, kinship is determined through the mother, not the father.

• Современные исследования показывают, что матриллинейный подход к наследованию все еще сохраняется в определенных регионах.

  Modern studies show that a matrilineal approach to inheritance still persists in certain regions.

• Матриллинейный принцип был ключевым в древних матриархальных обществах.

  The matrilineal principle was key in ancient matriarchal societies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Матриллинейный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it follows the standard rules for adjective declension. Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. This word is invariable in its root but changes endings based on context. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This follows regular adjective patterns; there are no irregular forms for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • По женской линии (More common phrase; implies the same concept but is less technical.)
  • Материнский (Broader term for 'maternal', with subtle differences in connotation; used when emphasizing motherhood rather than lineage.)
• Antonyms:
  • Патриллинейный (Direct opposite, referring to descent through the male line.)
  • По мужской линии (Common phrase for patrilineal systems.)

Related Phrases:

• Матриллинейная система - A system of matrilineal descent; used in discussions of social structures.
• По материнской линии - Through the mother's line; a more everyday way to express matrilineal inheritance in conversations.
• Матриархальный род - Matriarchal lineage; often paired with matrilinear concepts in cultural studies.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "матриллинейный" directly corresponds to the English "matrilinear" and is best used in formal or academic contexts, such as anthropology or history. It is not commonly used in casual speech, where phrases like "по женской линии" are preferred for clarity and accessibility. When translating, ensure the adjective agrees with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. For example, if discussing a female-led society, use the feminine form. Learners should note that Russian often favors descriptive phrases over single words for abstract concepts, so "матриллинейный" might be replaced by longer expressions in everyday use.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "патриллинейный": English learners often mix up matrilineal and patrilineal terms. Incorrect: "В этой культуре патриллинейный род." (This implies patrilineal descent, which is the opposite.) Correct: "В этой культуре матриллинейный род." Explanation: Always double-check the prefix; "матри-" refers to mother, while "patri-" refers to father.

• Forgetting adjective agreement: Incorrect: "Матриллинейный женщина" (This is grammatically wrong as it doesn't agree in gender.) Correct: "Матриллинейная женщина." Explanation: In Russian, adjectives must match the noun's gender, so use the feminine form for feminine nouns.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, matrilineal concepts are less prominent in modern society due to historical patriarchal influences, but they appear in discussions of indigenous groups like those in Siberia or certain ethnic minorities. For instance, some traditional societies in Russia, such as among the indigenous peoples of the North, have elements of matrilineal inheritance, reflecting pre-Soviet social structures. This term can evoke historical or anthropological interest rather than everyday relevance.

Related Concepts:

• Матриархат
• Материнство
• Родство