Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prayer'

English Word: prayer

Key Russian Translations:

• молитва /mɐˈlʲitvə/ - [Formal, Religious context]
• моление /mɐˈlʲenʲije/ - [Formal, Literary or poetic usage]

Frequency: Medium (Common in religious and everyday discussions, but not as frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun declensions and religious vocabulary for "молитва", while "моление" may be B2 due to its more literary nature)

Pronunciation (Russian):

молитва: /mɐˈlʲitvə/

моление: /mɐˈlʲenʲije/

Note on молитва: The stress falls on the second syllable ("li"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers. Ensure the "лʲ" is palatalized for a natural sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A solemn request or thanksgiving to God or an object of worship.

Translation(s) & Context:

• молитва - Typically used in formal religious settings, such as church services or personal devotion.
• моление - Often appears in literary or historical contexts, implying a more communal or ritualistic prayer.

Usage Examples:

• Каждый вечер я читаю молитву перед сном.

  Every evening, I read a prayer before bed. (This shows "молитва" in a personal, daily routine.)

• В церкви звучит коллективное моление за мир.

  In the church, a collective prayer is sounded for peace. (Illustrates "моление" in a group setting.)

• Её молитва была полна искренности и веры.

  Her prayer was full of sincerity and faith. (Demonstrates "молитва" with emotional depth.)

• Моление в монастыре продолжается часами.

  The prayer in the monastery continues for hours. (Highlights "моление" in a prolonged, ritualistic context.)

• Дети учат простую молитву на уроке религии.

  Children learn a simple prayer in their religion class. (Shows "молитва" in an educational setting.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "молитва" and "моление" are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard first-declension patterns. "Молитва" is more commonly used and has regular inflections, while "моление" is similar but can vary slightly in literary contexts.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • просьба (prosbá) - More general, implying a request, but less religious.
  • молба (mólba) - Poetic synonym for prayer, often used in literature.
• Antonyms:
  • проклятие (prokljátije) - Curse, the opposite of a blessing or prayer.
  • отрицание (otrícanije) - Denial, contrasting with supplication.

Related Phrases:

• Читать молитву - To read/recite a prayer; used in personal or religious routines.
• Молитва за кого-то - Prayer for someone; implies intercession in spiritual contexts.
• Коллективное моление - Collective prayer; common in group worship settings.
• Молитва перед едой - Prayer before a meal; a cultural tradition in many Russian households.

Usage Notes:

"Молитва" directly corresponds to the English "prayer" in most religious contexts, but it's important to note its formal tone—avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing faith. "Моление" is more archaic and suited for literary or historical descriptions. English speakers should pay attention to declensions when using these in sentences, as Russian requires case agreement. For example, choose "молитва" over "моление" in everyday language for better naturalness.

• In formal writing or speech, "молитва" is preferred due to its universality.
• Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, as these words often carry deep Orthodox Christian connotations in Russia.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse the declensions, such as using "молитва" in the wrong case. For instance, incorrectly saying "Я молюсь молитва" (wrong) instead of "Я молюсь молитвой" (correct, instrumental case). Another error is overusing "молитва" in non-religious contexts; for example, saying "Это моя молитва" to mean "This is my request," which sounds unnatural—use "просьба" instead. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with their role in the sentence, so always check the grammatical function.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "молитва" is deeply tied to Orthodox Christianity, often recited during holidays like Easter or in daily life. It reflects a historical emphasis on spirituality and community prayer, dating back to the Byzantine influence on Russian Orthodoxy. This can add layers of meaning beyond the literal translation, evoking themes of endurance and faith in Russian literature and folklore.

Related Concepts:

• вероисповедание (faith or confession)
• благословение (blessing)
• святой (saint)