Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'necropolis'

English Word: necropolis

Key Russian Translations:

• некрополь [nʲɪˈkropəlʲ] - [Formal, Used in historical or archaeological contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's more prevalent in academic, historical, or specialized texts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2) - Requires familiarity with borrowed words and basic noun inflections in Russian.

Pronunciation (Russian):

некрополь: [nʲɪˈkropəlʲ]

Note on некрополь: The stress falls on the third syllable ('kro'). Be mindful of the palatalized 'н' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A large ancient cemetery or burial site, often with historical significance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• некрополь - Used in formal or academic contexts to describe ancient burial grounds, such as those in historical cities or archaeological sites.

Usage Examples:

• В древнем Риме некрополь был важной частью городской инфраструктуры.

  In ancient Rome, the necropolis was an important part of the city's infrastructure.

• Туристы посетили некрополь, чтобы увидеть древние захоронения.

  Tourists visited the necropolis to see the ancient burials.

• Некрополь под городом хранит тайны давно ушедших цивилизаций.

  The necropolis beneath the city holds secrets of long-gone civilizations.

• Археологи изучают некрополь, чтобы понять ритуалы погребения.

  Archaeologists are studying the necropolis to understand burial rituals.

• В музее есть экспонаты из некрополя, датированные I веком.

  The museum has exhibits from the necropolis dating back to the 1st century.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"некрополь" is a masculine noun in Russian, borrowed from Greek via Latin. It follows the standard third-declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple necropolises. There are no irregular changes, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кладбище (kladbishe) - More general term for cemetery, often used for modern contexts; less formal than некрополь.
  • могильник (mogilnik) - Emphasizes an ancient or prehistoric burial site; commonly used in archaeological discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • жилой район (zhiloy rayon) - Residential area, contrasting with a burial site as it represents living spaces.

Related Phrases:

• древний некрополь (drevniy nekropol') - Meaning: Ancient necropolis; Used in historical narratives to specify age and significance.
• археологический некрополь (arkheologicheskiy nekropol') - Meaning: Archaeological necropolis; Common in academic or tourism contexts for sites under study.
• подземный некрополь (podzemnyy nekropol') - Meaning: Underground necropolis; Refers to subterranean burial complexes, often with a mysterious connotation.

Usage Notes:

"некрополь" directly corresponds to the English "necropolis" as a borrowed term, making it a precise match for historical or formal discussions. It is typically used in written or academic Russian rather than everyday speech due to its specialized nature. When choosing between synonyms like "кладбище," opt for "некрополь" in contexts involving ancient or cultural heritage to convey a more sophisticated tone. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., большой некрополь for "big necropolis"). Avoid using it in informal conversations, as it may sound overly formal or pretentious.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "кладбище": English learners often misuse "некрополь" interchangeably with "кладбище," but the latter is for general cemeteries. Error: "Это обычное кладбище" instead of "Это некрополь." Correct: Use "некрополь" only for ancient, large-scale sites. Explanation: This error stems from overlooking the historical connotation; always check the context for precision.

• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., saying "в некрополь" (wrong accusative) instead of "в некрополь" (correct, as it's the same as nominative in accusative for this form). Error: "Я иду в некрополь" (if context demands genitive). Correct: "Я иду в некрополь" is fine, but in genitive: "из некрополя." Explanation: Russian cases are crucial; practice declension tables to avoid this.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "некрополь" often evokes images of ancient civilizations, such as those in the Black Sea region or historical Russian cities like Novgorod. It carries a sense of mystery and historical depth, reflecting Russia's rich archaeological heritage. For instance, the Necropolis of Alexander Nevsky in St. Petersburg symbolizes national pride and is a site for cultural tourism, highlighting how such sites are intertwined with Russian identity and history.

Related Concepts:

• мавзолей (mavzoley)
• катакомбы (katakomby)
• археология (arkheologiya)