Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'missionary'

English Word: missionary

Key Russian Translations:

• миссионер [mʲɪsʲɪˈonʲɛr] - [Formal, typically used in religious or historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in religious, historical, or academic discussions.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with religious vocabulary and noun declensions in Russian, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

миссионер: [mʲɪsʲɪˈonʲɛr]

Note on миссионер: The stress falls on the third syllable ("onʲɛr"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person sent on a religious mission, often to spread faith or provide aid.

Translation(s) & Context:

• миссионер - Used in formal contexts such as religious texts, historical narratives, or discussions about global outreach; implies a dedicated role in evangelism or charity work.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Он посвятил свою жизнь как миссионер в отдалённых регионах Африки.

  English: He dedicated his life as a missionary in remote regions of Africa.

• Русский: Миссионер помогал местным жителям, строя школы и больницы.

  English: The missionary helped local residents by building schools and hospitals.

• Русский: В XIX веке многие миссионеры приезжали в Россию для распространения христианства.

  English: In the 19th century, many missionaries came to Russia to spread Christianity.

• Русский: Она работала миссионером, преодолевая культурные барьеры в азиатских странах.

  English: She worked as a missionary, overcoming cultural barriers in Asian countries.

• Русский: Группа миссионеров организовала благотворительную акцию в бедных районах.

  English: The group of missionaries organized a charitable event in poor districts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Миссионер" is a masculine noun (second declension in Russian). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • проповедник (preacher; more focused on oral dissemination of faith, with subtle differences in connotation)
  • евангелист (evangelist; used for those actively spreading the gospel)
• Antonyms:
  • атеист (atheist; implies a complete lack of belief in religious missions)
  • скептик (skeptic; often used in contexts questioning faith-based activities)

Related Phrases:

• миссионерская работа - Missionary work; refers to organized efforts in spreading religion or providing aid.
• миссионерский поезд - Missionary journey; commonly used for travel related to religious outreach.
• миссионерская деятельность - Missionary activities; a broader term for initiatives involving evangelism and community support.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "миссионер" directly corresponds to the English "missionary" but is most appropriate in formal or historical contexts. It often carries a neutral to positive connotation, especially in religious discussions. Be mindful of the word's declensions based on case (e.g., use "миссионеру" in dative for indirect objects). When choosing between synonyms like "проповедник," opt for "миссионер" if the focus is on long-term, organized missions rather than simple preaching. This term is rarely used in informal speech, so it's best for written or academic settings.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect: Using "миссионер" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я видел миссионер" instead of "Я видел миссионера" (accusative case).

  Correct: Я видел миссионера. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so always adjust based on the sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

• Incorrect: Confusing with "проповедник" and using it interchangeably, e.g., "Он был проповедник в церкви" when meaning a missionary abroad.

  Correct: Он был миссионером в Африке. Explanation: While related, "проповедник" implies local preaching, whereas "миссионер" suggests international or outreach-focused roles; misuse can alter the intended meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "миссионер" is often associated with historical figures from the Russian Orthodox Church or foreign missionaries during the imperial era. It can evoke themes of cultural exchange or colonization, as seen in 19th-century Russia when missionaries influenced remote regions. However, in modern contexts, it may carry sensitivity due to Russia's complex history with religion and state, so use it thoughtfully in conversations about faith.

Related Concepts:

• церковь (church)
• евангелие (gospel)
• благотворительность (charity)