Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mosque'

English Word: mosque

Key Russian Translations:

• мечеть /mʲɪˈt͡ɕetʲ/ - [Formal, commonly used in both written and spoken contexts for Islamic places of worship]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in discussions about religion, culture, or travel in Russian-speaking regions, but not as common as everyday words like "дом" (house).)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR standards; learners at this level should grasp basic vocabulary related to world religions, though the pronunciation and inflections may pose challenges for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

мечеть: /mʲɪˈt͡ɕetʲ/

Note on мечеть: The pronunciation involves a palatalized 'm' sound (/mʲ/), which is common in Russian but may be tricky for English speakers. The stress falls on the second syllable. Variations in regional accents might soften the 't͡ɕ' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A place of worship for Muslims

Translation(s) & Context:

• мечеть - Typically used in formal, religious, or cultural contexts when referring to a mosque as a building or institution in Islamic communities. It can appear in everyday conversations about travel or history.

Usage Examples:

• Мы посетили красивую мечеть в Москве.

  We visited a beautiful mosque in Moscow.

• Мечеть была построена в 19 веке и до сих пор функционирует.

  The mosque was built in the 19th century and is still operational.

• В этой мечети проводятся ежедневные молитвы и культурные мероприятия.

  In this mosque, daily prayers and cultural events are held.

• Туристы часто фотографируют мечеть на фоне реки.

  Tourists often photograph the mosque against the backdrop of the river.

• Мечеть служит центром для мусульманской общины в городе.

  The mosque serves as a center for the Muslim community in the city.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Мечеть" is a feminine noun in Russian, belonging to the first declension. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ь, with regular inflections across cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender but changes regularly with cases, as shown. No irregular forms are common for this noun.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: мусульманский храм (musulmanskiy khram) - Less specific, often used interchangeably in broader religious contexts, but implies a temple-like structure.
• мусульманская молельня (musulmanskaya molyelnya) - Emphasizes the prayer aspect, used for smaller or less formal places of worship.
• Antonyms: церковь (tserkov') - A church, representing Christian places of worship; синагога (sinagoga) - A synagogue, for Jewish contexts.

Related Phrases:

• идти в мечеть (idti v mecheť) - To go to the mosque; used in everyday contexts for attending prayers or events.
• посетить мечеть (posetit' mecheť) - To visit the mosque; common in tourist or cultural discussions.
• мечеть в центре города (mecheť v tsentre goroda) - The mosque in the city center; refers to prominent urban locations.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "мечеть" directly corresponds to the English "mosque" and is the standard term for Islamic places of worship. It is neutral and formal, suitable for both spoken and written language, but avoid using it in non-religious contexts where it might seem out of place. When discussing multiple mosques, ensure proper plural inflections as outlined. For learners, choose "мечеть" over synonyms like "мусульманский храм" if the focus is specifically on Islamic architecture, as it carries more precise cultural connotations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing as /mɛˈtʃet/ (like the English "meet"). Correct: /mʲɪˈt͡ɕetʲ/ - English speakers often overlook the palatalized 'm' and soft 't͡ɕ' sound; practice with native audio to avoid this.
• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "в мечеть" instead of "в мечети" in genitive contexts. Correct: In phrases like "поблизости от мечети" (near the mosque), always adjust for case; this is a common grammar slip for beginners.
• Error: Confusing with "церковь" (church). Correct: Use "мечеть" only for Islamic sites to maintain accuracy; mixing them can lead to cultural misunderstandings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, "мечеть" often evokes the historical and cultural significance of Islam in regions like Tatarstan or the North Caucasus. Many mosques, such as the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, blend Russian and Islamic architectural styles, reflecting centuries of multicultural coexistence. This word carries connotations of community and tradition, and using it respectfully acknowledges Russia's diverse religious landscape.

Related Concepts:

• ислам (islam) - Islam
• мусульманин (musulmanin) - Muslim
• религия (religiya) - Religion
• храм (khram) - Temple