Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mortal'

English Word: mortal

Key Russian Translations:

• смертный [ˈsmʲertnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective; used in literary or philosophical contexts]
• человек [tɕɪˈlovʲɛk] - [Informal, Noun; common for 'mortal being' in everyday speech]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its variants are moderately common in Russian literature, philosophy, and formal discussions, but less so in casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of adjective declensions and noun usage. For 'смертный', it's B2; for 'человек', it's B1 due to its everyday frequency.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

смертный: [ˈsmʲertnɨj]

человек: [tɕɪˈlovʲɛk]

Note on смертный: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'ы' sound can be tricky for English speakers as it's a back vowel; pronounce it like the 'i' in 'bit' but more centralized.

Note on человек: The 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in 'loch' in Scottish English; avoid pronouncing it like 'ch' in 'church'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: As an adjective, referring to something subject to death or human (e.g., not immortal).

Translation(s) & Context:

• смертный - Used in formal, literary, or philosophical contexts to describe human frailty or mortality, often in discussions of life and death.

Usage Examples:

• Всякое живое существо смертно, но человеческая душа может быть вечной.

  Every living being is mortal, but the human soul can be eternal.

• Смертные люди часто боятся неизбежного конца.

  Mortal people often fear the inevitable end.

• В мифах боги смотрят на смертных с жалостью.

  In myths, gods look upon mortals with pity.

• Смертное тело нуждается в отдыхе и заботе.

  The mortal body needs rest and care.

Meaning 2: As a noun, referring to a human being (especially in contrast to divine or immortal entities).

Translation(s) & Context:

• человек - Used in everyday contexts to mean a person or mortal being, often implying human limitations.

Usage Examples:

• Человек — существо смертное, но способное к великим делам.

  Man is a mortal being, but capable of great deeds.

• В этой истории смертные герои противостоят богам.

  In this story, mortal heroes stand against the gods.

• Каждый человек осознаёт свою смертность рано или поздно.

  Every person realizes their mortality sooner or later.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Depending on the translation, 'смертный' is an adjective and follows standard Russian adjective declension patterns, while 'человек' is a noun with its own inflections.

For 'смертный' (adjective):

For 'человек' (noun, masculine, 1st declension):

• Singular: Nominative - человек; Genitive - человека; etc.
• Plural: Nominative - люди; Genitive - людей; etc. (It has irregular plural forms.)

Note: 'человек' does not change in some fixed phrases but follows standard noun rules otherwise.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: земной (earthly, often used interchangeably in poetic contexts), бренный (perishable)
• Antonyms: бессмертный (immortal, directly opposite in meaning), вечный (eternal)

Explanation: 'Земной' is a synonym for 'смертный' in contexts emphasizing human existence, but it can imply a more earthly, material aspect.

Related Phrases:

• Смертный грех - A mortal sin, referring to a grave offense in religious contexts.
• Смертные люди - Mortal people, used to contrast with divine beings in literature.
• Бренный мир - The mortal world, implying the transient nature of life.

Usage Notes:

• 'Смертный' is more formal and literary, often used in philosophical or religious discussions, while 'человек' is everyday and versatile. Choose 'смертный' for emphasizing mortality in contrast to immortality.
• In Russian, adjectives like 'смертный' must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which differs from English word order.
• Be cautious with context: In modern Russian, 'человек' can mean 'human' broadly, but 'смертный' carries a deeper connotation of finitude.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'смертный' without proper declension, e.g., saying "смертный женщина" instead of "смертная женщина". Correct: Adjectives must agree in gender; explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the noun's form.
• Error: Confusing 'человек' with 'смертный' in formal contexts, e.g., translating "mortal soul" as "человек душа" instead of "смертная душа". Correct: Use 'смертный' for emphasis on mortality; explanation: This can make the sentence sound unnatural or unclear.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'смертный' are deeply tied to literary traditions, such as in the works of Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where human mortality is a central theme reflecting Orthodox Christian views on life, death, and the soul. This word often evokes a sense of existential reflection, emphasizing the transient nature of human existence in contrast to eternal spiritual truths.

Related Concepts:

• смерть (death)
• жизнь (life)
• бессмертие (immortality)