Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'obsequies'

English Word: obsequies

Key Russian Translations:

• похороны [pɐˈxɐrɨnɨ] - [Formal, Plural, Used in contexts of burial ceremonies]
• обряд погребения [ɐˈbrət pɐɡrʲeˈbʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Literary, Used in historical or religious descriptions]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, obituaries, and formal discussions about death and ceremonies, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of formal vocabulary and cultural contexts related to death rituals. For 'обряд погребения', it may be B2 due to its more literary nature.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

похороны: [pɐˈxɐrɨnɨ]

обряд погребения: [ɐˈbrət pɐɡrʲeˈbʲenʲɪjə]

Note on похороны: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Funeral rites or ceremonies for the dead

Translation(s) & Context:

• похороны - Used in formal or neutral contexts to describe public or family burial ceremonies, often implying a solemn event.
• обряд погребения - Applied in more ritualistic or historical settings, such as religious services or literary descriptions, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: Семья организовала скромные похороны для своего покойного родственника.

  English translation: The family organized modest obsequies for their deceased relative.

• Русский пример: Во время обряда погребения священник произнес молитву за упокой души.

  English translation: During the obsequies, the priest recited a prayer for the soul's repose.

• Русский пример: Похороны были перенесены из-за плохой погоды, чтобы все могли присутствовать.

  English translation: The obsequies were postponed due to bad weather so that everyone could attend.

• Русский пример: В старинных текстах описывается обряд погребения как часть национальных традиций.

  English translation: In ancient texts, the obsequies are described as part of national traditions.

• Русский пример: После похорон друзья собрались, чтобы поделиться воспоминаниями.

  English translation: After the obsequies, friends gathered to share memories.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Похороны' is a plural noun (feminine, from the root 'похоронить' meaning 'to bury') and follows the standard first declension pattern for Russian nouns. It is typically used in plural form and inflects based on case and number. 'Обряд погребения' is a phrase where 'обряд' (noun, masculine) inflects, while 'погребения' (genitive form of 'погребение', a neuter noun) also follows regular patterns.

For 'похороны':

For 'обряд погребения', 'обряд' inflects as a regular masculine noun, e.g., Nominative: обряд, Genitive: обряда. It does not have irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • поминки (more focused on memorial feasts, often post-funeral)
  • отпевание (specifically religious chanting during services)
• Antonyms:
  • рождение (birth, as it contrasts with death-related concepts)

Note: 'Поминки' may imply a more communal, post-ceremony gathering, differing subtly from the formal 'похороны'.

Related Phrases:

• Похороны с военными почестями - A funeral with military honors; used for veterans or soldiers.
• Обряд кремации - Cremation ceremony; an alternative to traditional burial rites.
• Поминальная служба - Memorial service; often held after the main obsequies.

Usage Notes:

'Похороны' directly corresponds to 'obsequies' in formal English contexts, emphasizing public or family ceremonies, while 'обряд погребения' is better for literary or historical uses. Be mindful of cultural sensitivity; in Russian, these terms often involve religious elements, so use them in appropriate settings. For English learners, choose 'похороны' for everyday formal discussions and 'обряд погребения' for more archaic or detailed descriptions. Grammatically, ensure agreement in case and number when embedding in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'похороны' in singular form incorrectly, e.g., saying "похорон" when referring to a single event.
  Correct: Stick to plural forms; example: Incorrect: "Это похорон было грустно." Correct: "Это похороны были грустными." Explanation: 'Похороны' is inherently plural in most contexts.
• Mistake: Confusing 'похороны' with 'поминки' and using them interchangeably.
  Correct: 'Поминки' refers to post-funeral gatherings; example: Incorrect: "Поминки начнутся в церкви." Correct: "Похороны начнутся в церкви." Explanation: This mix-up can alter the meaning from the ceremony itself to the memorial feast.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'похороны' often include Orthodox Christian rituals, such as processions, eulogies, and grave-side prayers, reflecting the deep influence of religion on traditions. These ceremonies emphasize community and remembrance, sometimes lasting for days with follow-up events like 'поминки'. Understanding this can help English speakers appreciate the emotional and social weight of the term beyond its literal translation.

Related Concepts:

• смерть (death)
• могила (grave)
• траур (mourning)