Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'monastery'

English Word: monastery

Key Russian Translations:

• монастырь [mɐˈnastɨrʲ] - [Formal, used in historical or religious contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, history, and travel contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires familiarity with Russian nouns and religious vocabulary, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

монастырь: [mɐˈnastɨrʲ]

Note on монастырь: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nast"), and the final "ь" indicates a soft consonant, which can be tricky for beginners. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A building or complex of buildings where monks or nuns live and worship, often associated with Orthodox Christianity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• монастырь - Used in formal, historical, or religious discussions; commonly refers to Orthodox monasteries in Russian culture.

Usage Examples:

• Я посетил древний монастырь в Московском кремле, где хранятся иконы и реликвии.

  I visited the ancient monastery in the Moscow Kremlin, where icons and relics are kept.

• Монастырь в горах предлагает уединение для тех, кто ищет духовное просветление.

  The monastery in the mountains offers seclusion for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

• Во время поездки мы увидели несколько монастырей, каждый из которых имеет свою уникальную архитектуру.

  During the trip, we saw several monasteries, each with its own unique architecture.

• Монастырь был основан в XII веке и до сих пор функционирует как центр религиозной жизни.

  The monastery was founded in the 12th century and still functions as a center of religious life.

• В монастыре проводятся экскурсии, где посетители узнают о монашеском образе жизни.

  Tours are conducted at the monastery, where visitors learn about the monastic way of life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Монастырь" is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflections for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, but pay attention to the soft sign (ь) in the nominative singular, which affects pronunciation.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • обитель (obitel') - Often used interchangeably, emphasizing a place of spiritual retreat.
  • монастырский комплекс (monastyrskiy kompleks) - Refers to a larger monastic complex, with a slight emphasis on architecture.
• Antonyms:
  • мирское место (mirskoye mesto) - Meaning a secular or worldly place, contrasting with the religious nature of a monastery.

Related Phrases:

• Монастырский комплекс - A monastic complex; refers to a group of buildings in a monastery setting.
• Жизнь в монастыре - Life in a monastery; often used in discussions of monastic routines.
• Древний монастырь - Ancient monastery; highlights historical significance in cultural contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Монастырь" directly corresponds to "monastery" in English, particularly in the context of Orthodox Christianity, which is prevalent in Russian culture. It is typically used in formal or written language, such as in historical texts, travel guides, or religious discussions. Be mindful of the noun's gender (masculine) when using adjectives or verbs, e.g., "большой монастырь" (big monastery). If the context involves other religious traditions, consider alternatives like "кальвадос" for Catholic monasteries, though "монастырь" is versatile. Choose this term over synonyms when emphasizing permanence or historical value.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect: Using "монастир" (a Ukrainian variant) instead of "монастырь" in Russian contexts. Correct: Always use "монастырь" in standard Russian to avoid confusion with other Slavic languages. Explanation: This mistake often occurs due to similarity with Ukrainian, but it can make the sentence sound non-native.

• Incorrect: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., saying "в монастырь" instead of the correct prepositional form "в монастыре" (in the monastery). Correct: "Я живу в монастыре" (I live in the monastery). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, and improper declension can alter the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, monasteries like the Trinity-Sergius Lavra near Moscow hold deep historical and spiritual significance, often tied to the Russian Orthodox Church. They symbolize resilience and faith, dating back to medieval times, and frequently appear in literature and folklore as places of refuge or miracles. Understanding this context enriches the word's usage, as "монастырь" evokes not just a physical structure but a cornerstone of national identity.

Related Concepts:

• церковь (church)
• собор (cathedral)
• монах (monk)