Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nun'

English Word: nun

Key Russian Translations:

• монахиня [mɐˈna.xʲɪ.nə] - [Formal, Singular, Used in religious contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is commonly encountered in discussions of religion, history, or literature but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun declension and religious vocabulary; learners at this level can grasp it with some practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

монахиня: [mɐˈna.xʲɪ.nə]

Note on монахиня: The stress falls on the second syllable (на́-), which is a common challenge for English speakers. The "х" is pronounced as a guttural [x], similar to the "ch" in Scottish "loch".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A woman who has taken religious vows to live in a convent and devote her life to spiritual practices.

Translation(s) & Context:

• монахиня - Used in formal, religious, or historical contexts to describe a female member of a monastic order.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: В монастыре живет старая монахиня, которая молится каждый день.

  English Translation: In the monastery lives an old nun who prays every day.

• Русский пример: Монахиня помогала больным в госпитале во время войны.

  English Translation: The nun helped the sick in the hospital during the war.

• Русский пример: Многие монахини в России посвятили свою жизнь благотворительности.

  English Translation: Many nuns in Russia have dedicated their lives to charity.

• Русский пример: Молодая монахиня учила детей в приходской школе.

  English Translation: The young nun taught children in the parish school.

• Русский пример: Монахиня в черном одеянии шла по улице, молясь на четках.

  English Translation: The nun in black robes walked down the street, praying with her rosary.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Монахиня" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -я. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: The word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сестрица (sestritsa) - More affectionate or informal term, often used in literary contexts.
  • инокиня (inokinya) - Similar to монахиня, but sometimes implies a stricter ascetic lifestyle.
• Antonyms:
  • светская женщина (svetskaya zhenshchina) - Meaning a secular woman, contrasting with religious devotion.

Related Phrases:

• Монастырская жизнь (Monastyrskaya zhizn) - Monastic life; Refers to the daily routine and spiritual practices of nuns and monks.
• Приходская монахиня (Prikhodskaya monakhinya) - Parish nun; Describes a nun involved in community or church activities.
• Обитель монахинь (Obitel' monakhin') - Convent or abode of nuns; A fixed phrase for a religious community.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "монахиня" directly corresponds to the English "nun" in religious contexts, but it is more formal and less commonly used in everyday speech. Always use the appropriate case based on sentence structure; for example, in genitive constructions like "жизнь монахини" (the life of a nun). Be mindful of gender agreement, as it is a feminine noun. If the context is historical or literary, "монахиня" is preferred over synonyms like "сестрица," which may sound archaic or poetic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "монахиня" in all cases, e.g., saying "Я видел монахиня" instead of "Я видел монахиню" (accusative).

  Correct Usage: Я видел монахиню. (I saw the nun.) Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; accusative is needed after verbs of seeing or direct objects.

• Error: Confusing with masculine forms, e.g., using "монах" (monk) for a female nun.

  Correct Usage: Use "монахиня" for females only. Explanation: Russian nouns have grammatical gender, so accuracy is crucial to avoid gender mismatches.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, nuns like those depicted in "монахиня" often symbolize piety, sacrifice, and spiritual depth, influenced by the Orthodox Christian tradition. For instance, figures like the nuns in Russian literature (e.g., in Dostoevsky's works) represent themes of redemption and inner peace, reflecting the historical role of the Russian Orthodox Church in society.

Related Concepts:

• монах (monakh) - Monk
• монастырь (monastyr') - Monastery
• духовность (dukhovnost') - Spirituality