Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'patriarchal'

English Word: patriarchal

Key Russian Translations:

• патриархальный /pə.trʲɪ.ɐrˈxal.nɨj/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is used in academic, social, or historical discussions but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Requires understanding of social and historical concepts; suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian adjectives and their inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

патриархальный: /pə.trʲɪ.ɐrˈxal.nɨj/

Note on патриархальный: The stress falls on the third syllable ('xal'), which can be tricky for non-native speakers due to the palatalized 'r' sound. Pronounce it with a soft, rolling 'r' as in many Russian words.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to a system or society dominated by men, often in a familial or hierarchical structure (e.g., patriarchy).

Translation(s) & Context:

• патриархальный - Used in formal discussions of gender roles, history, or sociology, such as in academic texts or debates on social inequality.

Usage Examples:

• В современном обществе всё ещё существуют патриархальные традиции, где мужчины занимают ведущие роли в семье.

  In modern society, patriarchal traditions still exist where men hold leading roles in the family.

• Критики феминизма часто обсуждают, как патриархальные нормы влияют на права женщин.

  Critics of feminism often discuss how patriarchal norms affect women's rights.

• В патриархальной культуре ожидается, что отец будет главой дома и принимать ключевые решения.

  In a patriarchal culture, it is expected that the father will be the head of the household and make key decisions.

• Глобальные движения стремятся преодолеть патриархальные структуры для достижения равенства.

  Global movements aim to overcome patriarchal structures to achieve equality.

• Исторические тексты описывают патриархальные общества древнего Востока, где женщины имели ограниченные права.

  Historical texts describe patriarchal societies of the ancient East, where women had limited rights.

Meaning 2: Pertaining to a patriarch, such as in religious or familial contexts (e.g., a church leader).

Translation(s) & Context:

• патриарший (as a variant in religious contexts) - Used specifically in Orthodox Christian settings, such as referring to the Patriarch of Moscow.

Usage Examples:

• Патриарший престол в Русской православной церкви символизирует патриархальные ценности веры.

  The patriarchal throne in the Russian Orthodox Church symbolizes patriarchal values of faith.

• В патриархальной семье старший мужчина часто выступает в роли духовного лидера.

  In a patriarchal family, the eldest man often acts as the spiritual leader.

• Многие культуры сохраняют патриархальные ритуалы, связанные с передачей власти от отца к сыну.

  Many cultures maintain patriarchal rituals related to the transfer of power from father to son.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Патриархальный" is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard adjective declension patterns. It changes based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: For the variant "патриарший" (used in religious contexts), it is less inflected and often remains unchanged in certain forms, but it generally follows similar adjective patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • отеческий (otecheskiy) - More paternal, often used in familial contexts; implies a nurturing aspect.
  • мужской (muzhskoy) - General term for masculine, but less specific to power structures.
• Antonyms:
  • матriarchальный (matriarkhal'nyy) - Refers to a matriarchal system, opposite in gender dominance.
  • эгалитарный (egalitarnyy) - Implies equality, contrasting with hierarchical structures.

Related Phrases:

• Патриархальная система - A system where male authority prevails; used in sociological discussions.
• Патриархальные ценности - Patriarchal values; refers to traditional norms emphasizing male leadership.
• Патриархальный порядок - Patriarchal order; common in historical or cultural analyses of societal structures.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "патриархальный" directly corresponds to the English "patriarchal" in meaning, but it is often used in more formal or academic contexts to discuss gender dynamics or historical systems. Be mindful of the word's connotations, as it can carry negative implications in modern feminist discourse. When choosing between translations like "патриархальный" and "патриарший," opt for the former in general social contexts and the latter in religious ones. Grammatically, always inflect it according to the noun it modifies to maintain agreement in gender, number, and case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "патриархальный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "в патриархальный общество" instead of "в патриархальном обществе."

  Correct: "в патриархальном обществе" - Explanation: Adjectives must agree in case; here, it should be prepositional case to match "обществе."

• Error: Confusing it with "патриотический" (patriotic), leading to misuse in sentences about national pride.

  Correct: Use "патриархальный" only for gender-related hierarchies, not nationalism. For example, avoid saying "патриархальный праздник" when meaning a patriotic holiday.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "патриархальный" often evokes images of traditional family structures from Tsarist Russia or the Soviet era, where male heads of households held authority. This term is frequently discussed in the context of ongoing debates about gender equality in Russia, influenced by Orthodox Christian traditions and historical norms. Understanding this helps English speakers grasp the cultural resistance to rapid social changes in modern Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• феминизм (feminism)
• гендерные роли (gender roles)
• семейные традиции (family traditions)