Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'parable'

English Word: parable

Key Russian Translations:

• при́тча /ˈprʲitʃə/ - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in religious, literary, and educational contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and contextual usage, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic Russian grammar).

Pronunciation (Russian):

при́тча: /ˈprʲitʃə/

Note on при́тча: The stress is on the first syllable (при́), which is a common challenge for English speakers. The 'ч' sound is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in 'loch' but softer. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A short story with a moral lesson, often used in religious or teaching contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• при́тча - Used in formal, literary, or religious discussions to describe allegorical stories, such as in the Bible or folklore (e.g., in sermons or educational settings).

Usage Examples:

• В Библии много при́тч, которые учат моральным урокам, например, при́тча о сеятеле.

  In the Bible, there are many parables that teach moral lessons, for example, the parable of the sower.

• Писатель использовал при́тчу, чтобы объяснить сложные философские идеи простым языком.

  The writer used a parable to explain complex philosophical ideas in simple language.

• В русской литературе при́тча часто встречается в сказках, как в произведениях Пушкина.

  In Russian literature, parables are often found in fairy tales, as in Pushkin's works.

• Учитель рассказал при́тчу о дружбе, чтобы мотивировать учеников ценить отношения.

  The teacher told a parable about friendship to motivate students to value relationships.

• Современные фильмы иногда включают при́тчи, чтобы передать глубокие истины через повествование.

  Modern films sometimes include parables to convey deep truths through storytelling.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

при́тча is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • аллего́рия (allegory) - More abstract and broader, often used in artistic contexts.
  • расска́з с моралью (story with a moral) - A descriptive phrase, less formal than при́тча.
• Antonyms:
  • реализм (realism) - Refers to straightforward, non-allegorical depiction of reality.
  • фанта́зия без смысла (fantasy without meaning) - Informal antonym implying purposeless stories.

Related Phrases:

• при́тча о блудном сыне - The parable of the prodigal son; a biblical story emphasizing forgiveness and redemption.
• народная при́тча - Folk parable; refers to traditional stories passed down orally in Russian culture.
• моральная при́тча - Moral parable; used to highlight ethical lessons in educational settings.

Usage Notes:

при́тча is a precise translation for "parable" in contexts like religious texts or literature, but it carries a more formal and literary connotation in Russian. English speakers should note that it's often used in written or spoken Russian involving moral or philosophical discussions, such as in sermons or classrooms. When choosing between translations, opt for при́тча in formal settings; for everyday conversation, a more descriptive phrase like "рассказ с уроком" might be better. Grammatically, always ensure correct declension based on sentence structure, as Russian requires case agreement.

• Avoid direct word-for-word translation; integrate it into natural Russian sentence flow.
• In religious contexts, it aligns closely with biblical usage, but in modern Russian, it can extend to secular stories.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the declensions of при́тча, such as using the nominative form in all cases (e.g., saying "о при́тча" instead of "о при́тче" in the prepositional case). Correct usage: Incorrect: "Я думаю о при́тча." (Wrong declension) | Correct: "Я думаю о при́тче." (Proper dative/prepositional form). Another error is confusing it with similar words like "легенда" (legend), which lacks the moral focus. Always check context to ensure the word fits the intended allegorical meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, при́тча is deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity and folklore, often appearing in texts like the Bible or stories by authors such as Tolstoy. It reflects a tradition of using simple narratives to convey profound moral truths, emphasizing community values and spiritual reflection, which differs from Western interpretations that might focus more on individualism.

Related Concepts:

• легенда (legend)
• сказка (fairy tale)
• аллего́рия (allegory)