Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nirvana'

English Word: nirvana

Key Russian Translations:

• нирвана (/nʲɪrˈvanə/) - [Formal, Philosophical/Religious]

Frequency: Medium (Used in specific cultural, religious, or intellectual discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with loanwords and basic religious vocabulary, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нирвана: /nʲɪrˈvanə/

Note on нирвана: The stress is on the second syllable ('vanə'), and the initial 'н' is palatalized (softened) in Russian pronunciation, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'n' sound as in "news".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A state of perfect happiness, peace, and liberation, often associated with Buddhism or spiritual enlightenment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• нирвана - Used in formal, philosophical, or religious contexts to describe a transcendent state of bliss; common in discussions of Eastern philosophy.

Usage Examples:

• В буддизме нирвана — это состояние полного освобождения от страданий.

  In Buddhism, nirvana is a state of complete liberation from suffering.

• После долгой медитации он наконец достиг нирваны.

  After long meditation, he finally achieved nirvana.

• Современные йоги часто говорят о нирване как о высшей цели жизни.

  Modern yogis often speak of nirvana as the ultimate goal of life.

• В повседневном языке слово «нирвана» может метафорически обозначать идеальное спокойствие.

  In everyday language, the word 'nirvana' can metaphorically mean ideal calmness.

• Философы обсуждают, достижима ли нирвана в материальном мире.

  Philosophers discuss whether nirvana is achievable in the material world.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"нирвана" is a feminine noun (feminine gender in Russian) borrowed from Sanskrit via English. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for first-declension feminine nouns ending in -a. Below is a table showing its inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of stress across cases, but pay attention to the soft endings in certain forms, which is typical for Russian feminine nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • блаженство (bliss; more general and emotional, often used in non-religious contexts)
  • просветление (enlightenment; emphasizes intellectual or spiritual awakening)
• Antonyms:
  • мука (torment; implies suffering and distress)
  • страдание (suffering; directly contrasts with the peace of nirvana)

Related Phrases:

• достичь нирваны - To achieve nirvana; used in spiritual or metaphorical contexts to mean reaching a state of ultimate peace.
• в поисках нирваны - In search of nirvana; common in narratives about personal growth or philosophical quests.
• нирвана души - Nirvana of the soul; a poetic phrase emphasizing inner tranquility in literature or poetry.

Usage Notes:

"нирвана" directly corresponds to the English "nirvana" as a loanword, primarily in formal or academic settings. It is most commonly used in discussions of Buddhism or Eastern philosophy, but can be applied metaphorically in everyday Russian to describe profound relaxation or happiness. Be mindful of its feminine gender when using in sentences, as it affects adjective agreement (e.g., "великая нирвана" for "great nirvana"). When choosing between synonyms like "блаженство," opt for "нирвана" if the context is specifically religious; otherwise, "блаженство" might be more versatile. Avoid overuse in casual speech, as it can sound pretentious.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я ищу нирвана" instead of "Я ищу нирвану" (accusative case after verbs of seeking).

  Correct: "Я ищу нирвану." (I am seeking nirvana.) Explanation: In Russian, direct objects require the accusative case, so the ending changes from "нирвана" to "нирвану."

• Error: Mispronouncing with English stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable as in English.

  Correct Pronunciation: /nʲɪrˈvanə/ with stress on the second syllable. Explanation: Russian loanwords often adapt to native stress patterns, which can confuse English learners.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "небеса" (heavens), leading to incorrect contextual use.

  Correct: Use "нирвана" for spiritual liberation, not general heavenly concepts. Explanation: While both relate to positive states, "нирвана" is specific to enlightenment, not a physical place.

Cultural Notes:

"нирвана" originates from Sanskrit and is deeply rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, symbolizing the end of the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and the cessation of desire. In Russian culture, it gained prominence through translations of Eastern philosophy in the 19th and 20th centuries, often evoking intellectual curiosity about spirituality. It's not just a word but a concept that reflects Russia's historical fascination with Asian philosophies, as seen in works by authors like Leo Tolstoy.

Related Concepts:

• медитация (meditation)
• просветление (enlightenment)
• карма (karma)