Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'obituary'

English Word: obituary

Key Russian Translations:

• некролог [nʲɪˈkroləɡ] - [Formal, Used in journalistic or official contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in media, literature, and formal announcements.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding formal vocabulary related to death and media, requiring familiarity with Russian noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

некролог: [nʲɪˈkroləɡ]

Note on некролог: The stress is on the second syllable ('kro'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'н' sound, which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation can occur based on regional accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A published notice of a person's death, often including a short biography or tribute.

Translation(s) & Context:

• некролог - Used in formal contexts such as newspapers, online media, or official records to announce and commemorate a deceased individual.

Usage Examples:

• В газете был опубликован некролог об известном писателе.

  An obituary about the famous writer was published in the newspaper.

• Семья решила написать некролог для местной газеты.

  The family decided to write an obituary for the local newspaper.

• Некролог включал детали о его вкладе в науку.

  The obituary included details about his contributions to science.

• После смерти актера его коллеги подготовили трогательный некролог.

  After the actor's death, his colleagues prepared a touching obituary.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Некролог" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, and it follows the standard first declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions in the singular form (plural is less common but follows similar patterns).

Note: The word is invariant in gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • поминальная заметка (pominálnaya zamétka) - A commemorative note, often used in more personal or less formal contexts.
  • воспоминание об усопшем (vospominániye ob usopshém) - Remembrance of the deceased, with a focus on emotional tribute.
• Antonyms: This word doesn't have direct antonyms, as it relates to death announcements. However, биография (biografiya) could be considered a contrast for living subjects.

Related Phrases:

• написать некролог (napísat' nekrológ) - To write an obituary; used when composing a tribute.
• опубликовать некролог (opublikóvat' nekrológ) - To publish an obituary; common in media contexts.
• некролог в газете (nekrológ v gazéte) - Obituary in the newspaper; refers to printed or online announcements.

Usage Notes:

"Некролог" directly corresponds to the English "obituary" in formal settings, such as journalism or official records. It is typically used in written form rather than spoken language. Be mindful of the formal register; avoid it in casual conversations. When choosing between synonyms like "поминальная заметка," opt for "некролог" in professional contexts for precision. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on sentence structure, e.g., use genitive after prepositions like "о" (about).

Common Errors:

• Incorrect declension: Learners might forget to change the ending, e.g., saying "о некролог" instead of "о некрологе" (about the obituary). Correct usage: "О некрологе в газете" (About the obituary in the newspaper). This error stems from not applying Russian case rules.

• Overusing in informal contexts: English speakers might use it casually, but in Russian, it's formal. Error example: Using "некролог" in everyday chat; correct alternative: Avoid it or use "поминальная заметка" for personal discussions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, obituaries like "некролог" often appear in newspapers or online platforms as a way to honor the deceased, reflecting traditions of respect and remembrance. They may include not just biographical details but also reflections on the person's legacy, tying into broader cultural values of community and historical memory, especially in post-Soviet societies where public mourning plays a significant role.

Related Concepts:

• похороны (pohoróny) - Funeral
• поминки (póminki) - Memorial service
• биография (biografíya) - Biography