Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'penance'

English Word: penance

Key Russian Translations:

• покаяние /pɐˈkajənʲijə/ - [Formal, Religious context]
• искупление /ɪsˈkupʲlʲenʲijə/ - [Formal, Often implies atonement or redemption]

Frequency: Medium (Common in religious texts and discussions, but less frequent in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate) for покаяние; C1 (Advanced) for искупление, as both involve abstract religious concepts and nuanced vocabulary

Pronunciation (Russian):

покаяние: /pɐˈkajənʲijə/

Note on покаяние: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ka"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech.

искупление: /ɪsˈkupʲlʲenʲijə/

Note on искупление: The initial "и" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, and the word ends with a soft "e" that may soften the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The act of self-punishment or repentance as a sign of remorse

Translation(s) & Context:

• покаяние - Used in formal or religious contexts, such as Christian confession or spiritual self-reflection.
• искупление - Applied in contexts involving redemption or making amends, often in broader moral or philosophical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Он совершил покаяние за свои грехи, молясь в церкви.

  He performed penance for his sins by praying in the church.

• В русской православной традиции покаяние является ключевым шагом к духовному очищению.

  In Russian Orthodox tradition, penance is a key step toward spiritual purification.

• Её искупление за ошибки прошло через годы добровольной работы.

  Her penance for her mistakes involved years of voluntary work.

• После признания вины, он выбрал путь покаяния, чтобы обрести мир.

  After admitting guilt, he chose the path of penance to find peace.

• Искупление души часто требует не только слов, но и действий.

  Penance of the soul often requires not just words, but actions as well.

Broader concept of atonement or redemption

Translation(s) & Context:

• искупление - Common in literary or philosophical contexts, emphasizing the process of making up for wrongs.
• покаяние - Sometimes used interchangeably but more focused on personal repentance.

Usage Examples:

• Искупление за прошлое может занять всю жизнь, как в классической русской литературе.

  Penance for the past can take a lifetime, as seen in classic Russian literature.

• Через покаяние и молитву она искала искупления своих ошибок.

  Through penance and prayer, she sought redemption for her mistakes.

• В современном обществе искупление часто выражается в общественных работах.

  In modern society, penance is often expressed through community service.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "покаяние" and "искупление" are neuter nouns in Russian, belonging to the third declension. They follow standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. "Покаяние" is typically uncountable in its primary sense but can inflect when used in plural forms for multiple acts. "Искупление" is also neuter and inflects regularly.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • раскаяние (more emotional, implying deep regret)
  • исповедь (specifically confession in a religious setting)
• Antonyms:
  • грех (sin, as it represents the opposite of repentance)
  • безнаказанность (impunity, lacking any form of atonement)

Related Phrases:

• принести покаяние - To bring repentance; Used in contexts of seeking forgiveness.
• путь искупления - The path of redemption; Often in stories or personal narratives.
• духовное покаяние - Spiritual penance; Refers to internal, non-physical acts of atonement.

Usage Notes:

"Покаяние" directly corresponds to the religious aspect of "penance" in English, making it the preferred translation in Orthodox Christian contexts, while "искупление" aligns more with broader atonement ideas. Be cautious with formal usage, as these words are rarely used in informal speech. In Russian, they often require specific grammatical constructions, such as the genitive case for possessions (e.g., "покаяние за грехи"). When choosing between translations, opt for "покаяние" for personal repentance and "искупление" for societal or redemptive themes.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "покаяние" with "раскаяние": Learners might use "раскаяние" (regret) when "покаяние" (penance) is needed in religious contexts. Incorrect: "Он чувствует раскаяние" (implying emotion only). Correct: "Он выполняет покаяние" (action-oriented). Explanation: "Раскаяние" is more about internal feeling, while "покаяние" involves outward acts.
• Overusing in casual speech: English speakers might incorrectly insert "покаяние" in everyday conversations, e.g., saying "Я сделал покаяние" for minor apologies. Correct usage: Reserve it for formal or spiritual scenarios to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, particularly within the Orthodox Church, "покаяние" holds deep significance as a sacrament involving confession and absolution, often linked to historical events like the Great Lent. It reflects themes of humility and spiritual renewal, which are central to Russian literature (e.g., Dostoevsky's works) and national identity, emphasizing collective and personal redemption.

Related Concepts:

• молитва (prayer)
• грех (sin)
• духовность (spirituality)