Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'poetry'

English Word: poetry

Key Russian Translations:

• поэзия /pɐˈezʲɪjə/ - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary discussions, education, and cultural contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of literary terminology and cultural nuances, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

поэзия: /pɐˈezʲɪjə/

Note on поэзия: The stress falls on the second syllable ('eзʲ'), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalized 'зʲ' sound. Pronounce it with a soft 'z' as in 'measure'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The art or work of a poet; literary works in verse form

Translation(s) & Context:

• поэзия - Used in formal, educational, or artistic contexts to refer to poetry as a genre or creative expression.

Usage Examples:

• Я люблю читать русскую поэзию по вечерам.

  I love reading Russian poetry in the evenings.

• Поэзия Пушкина оказала огромное влияние на русскую литературу.

  Pushkin's poetry had a huge influence on Russian literature.

• Современная поэзия часто экспериментирует с формами и ритмами.

  Modern poetry often experiments with forms and rhythms.

• В школе мы изучаем классическую поэзию разных эпох.

  At school, we study classical poetry from various eras.

• Её поэзия полна эмоциональных образов и метафор.

  Her poetry is full of emotional imagery and metaphors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Поэзия" is a feminine noun (feminine singular) in Russian. It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ия. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple types or collections of poetry. There are no irregular inflections for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стихотворство (slightly more formal, emphasizing the act of writing verse)
  • лирика (focuses on lyrical or emotional poetry)
• Antonyms:
  • проза (prose; contrasts with the rhythmic and poetic style)

Related Phrases:

• современная поэзия - Modern poetry; refers to contemporary poetic works and trends.
• классическая поэзия - Classical poetry; often denotes works from historical literary canons.
• свободная поэзия - Free verse poetry; used for poetry without strict rhyme or meter.

Usage Notes:

"Поэзия" directly corresponds to the English "poetry" in its broad sense, but it is typically used in more formal or intellectual contexts in Russian. Unlike English, where "poetry" can be casual, Russian speakers often reserve it for discussions of literature, art, or education. When choosing between synonyms like "стихотворство," opt for "поэзия" in general references. Be mindful of grammatical gender (feminine) when constructing sentences, and note that it doesn't change in the nominative singular form.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "поэзия" with "стих" (verse): Learners might use "стих" when meaning "poetry," but "стих" refers to a single line or unit of verse. Correct usage: Instead of saying "Я пишу стих" for "I write poetry," say "Я пишу поэзию" to convey the full art form.

• Overusing in informal speech: English speakers might translate "poetry" directly into casual contexts, but in Russian, it's better to use in written or formal settings. Error example: "Это поэзия жизни" (overly poetic for everyday talk); Correct: Avoid in casual chat; use "Это красиво" instead.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "поэзия" holds profound significance, often linked to national identity through figures like Alexander Pushkin, known as the father of modern Russian literature. Poetry readings and festivals are common, reflecting Russia's romantic literary tradition. This word evokes emotions and historical depth, making it more than just a literary term—it's a gateway to understanding Russian soul (as per the cultural concept of "душа").

Related Concepts:

• стих (verse)
• литература (literature)
• муза (muse)