Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mecca'

English Word: mecca

Key Russian Translations:

• Мекка [ˈmɛkə] - [Proper noun, as a place name; can be used metaphorically]
• Центр притяжения [ˈt͡sɛntr‿prʲɪˈtrʲaʐənʲɪjə] - [Informal, metaphorical usage, often in modern contexts]

Frequency: Medium - The term 'Мекка' is commonly used in religious, historical, or metaphorical contexts, especially in discussions about Islam or tourism, but it's not everyday vocabulary for most speakers.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should understand it as a proper noun, but the metaphorical use might require additional context. For 'Центр притяжения', difficulty is also B1 due to its compound structure.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Мекка: [ˈmɛkə] - Stress on the first syllable; the 'к' is a hard consonant, similar to the English 'k' in 'kite'.

Центр притяжения: [ˈt͡sɛntr‿prʲɪˈtrʲaʐənʲɪjə] - Note on Центр притяжения: The word features palatalization (e.g., 'рʲ' sounds softer due to the following vowel), which can be challenging for beginners; practice with native audio for accurate rolling 'r' sounds.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A city in Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims, often used literally.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Мекка - Used in religious, historical, or geographical contexts, such as discussing Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj).

Usage Examples:

• Мусульмане совершают хадж в Мекку каждый год.

  Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca every year.

• Мекка является священным городом для миллиардов верующих.

  Mecca is a sacred city for billions of believers.

• В Мекке расположена Кааба, самое святое место в исламе.

  In Mecca, the Kaaba is located, the holiest site in Islam.

• Путешествие в Мекку - это мечта многих мусульман.

  Traveling to Mecca is a dream for many Muslims.

• Из-за пандемии хадж в Мекку был ограничен в 2020 году.

  Due to the pandemic, the Hajj to Mecca was restricted in 2020.

2. Metaphorical meaning: A place or thing that attracts people with a specific interest.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Мекка - Used informally in media or literature to describe a hub, e.g., "Silicon Valley is the mecca of tech."
• Центр притяжения - Preferred in formal or everyday speech for broader metaphorical applications.

Usage Examples:

• Силиконовая долина - это Мекка для молодых программистов.

  Silicon Valley is a mecca for young programmers.

• Париж часто называют Меккой моды и искусства.

  Paris is often called the mecca of fashion and art.

• Этот фестиваль стал центром притяжения для любителей музыки со всего мира.

  This festival has become a mecca for music lovers from around the world.

• Мекка инноваций - это, безусловно, Кремниевая долина.

  The mecca of innovation is undoubtedly Silicon Valley.

• Для историков Рим является центром притяжения древних тайн.

  For historians, Rome is a mecca of ancient mysteries.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Мекка' is a feminine noun in Russian, derived from a proper name, and follows standard first-declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

For 'Центр притяжения', it is a phrase where 'центр' (a masculine noun) inflects regularly: Nominative: Центр, Genitive: Центра, etc. It does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Мекка - Очаг (Ochak, meaning 'hearth' or 'center')
  • Центр притяжения - Мекка; also, Приют (Priyut, meaning 'haven' in metaphorical senses)
  The term 'Очаг' implies a warm, gathering place, often with emotional connotations, while 'Приют' suggests safety.
• Antonyms:
  • Пустыня (Pustynya, meaning 'desert' or 'wasteland')
  • Изгой (Izgoy, meaning 'outcast' or 'exile')

Related Phrases:

• Паломничество в Мекку - A pilgrimage to Mecca; used in religious contexts to describe the Hajj.
• Мекка инноваций - Mecca of innovations; a metaphorical phrase for tech hubs, implying a center of creativity.
• Центр притяжения туристов - Center of attraction for tourists; often used for popular destinations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'Мекка' directly corresponds to the English 'Mecca' as a proper noun and is used similarly in literal contexts. For metaphorical uses, 'Центр притяжения' is more flexible and common in formal writing or speech, as it avoids direct borrowing. Be cautious with context: in religious discussions, use 'Мекка' respectfully. When choosing between translations, opt for 'Мекка' in historical or Islamic topics, and 'Центр притяжения' for everyday metaphors to sound more natural. Grammatically, always ensure proper declension based on sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'Мекка' without declension, e.g., saying "Я еду Мекка" instead of "Я еду в Мекку" (I am going to Mecca). Correct: "Я еду в Мекку" – Explanation: Russian requires the correct prepositional case for locations.
• Mistake: Overusing 'Мекка' metaphorically without context, which can sound awkward; e.g., "Это Мекка для еды" might be better as "Это центр притяжения для еды." Correct: Use 'Центр притяжения' for metaphors to avoid confusion. – Explanation: Native speakers prefer native phrases for abstracts to maintain fluency.

Cultural Notes:

'Мекка' refers to the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia, and is central to the faith as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. In Russian culture, it's often discussed in educational or travel contexts, symbolizing spiritual journeys. Metaphorically, it represents aspiration and community, reflecting Russia's diverse religious landscape and interest in global cultures.

Related Concepts:

• Хадж (Hajj)
• Кааба (Kaaba)
• Медине (Medina)