Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prayer'

English Word: prayer

Key Russian Translations:

• молитва [mɐˈlʲitvə] - [Formal, Religious context]
• мольба [ˈmolʲbə] - [Informal, Emotional or pleading context]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in religious, literary, or everyday discussions about spirituality, but not in casual non-religious conversations)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of basic noun inflections and religious vocabulary; for 'молитва', it's straightforward, but 'мольба' may vary slightly in nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

молитва: [mɐˈlʲitvə]

мольба: [ˈmolʲbə]

Note on молитва: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'л' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, flowing 'l' as in 'million'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A religious or spiritual act of communicating with a deity

Translation(s) & Context:

• молитва - Used in formal religious settings, such as church services or personal devotion.
• мольба - Used in more emotional or informal contexts, like begging for help in literature or poetry.

Usage Examples:

• Каждое утро я читаю свою молитву перед работой.

  Every morning, I say my prayer before work.

• В церкви люди собираются для совместной молитвы.

  In church, people gather for a joint prayer.

• Её мольба о помощи была услышана в трудный момент.

  Her prayer for help was heard in a difficult moment.

• Молитва стала частью моей ежедневной рутины.

  Prayer has become part of my daily routine.

• В отчаянии он вознёс мольбу к небесам.

  In despair, he offered a prayer to the heavens.

Meaning 2: A set of words or formula used in praying

Translation(s) & Context:

• молитва - Refers to structured prayers, like those in Orthodox traditions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта молитва из Библии часто читается на службах.

  This prayer from the Bible is often read during services.

• Дети учат простую молитву в воскресной школе.

  Children learn a simple prayer in Sunday school.

• Моя любимая молитва помогает мне успокоиться.

  My favorite prayer helps me calm down.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'молитва' and 'мольба' are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard feminine declension patterns. 'Молитва' is a third-declension noun and has regular inflections, while 'мольба' is also regular but can vary slightly in poetic or archaic usage.

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • моление (molenie) - More archaic, often used in literary or historical contexts.
  • просьба (prosbа) - Implies a request, with a slight difference in emphasis on pleading.
• Antonyms:
  • проклятие (proklyatie) - Curse, opposite in religious or emotional connotation.
  • отказ (otkaz) - Refusal, contrasting with the idea of supplication.

Related Phrases:

• Отче наш (Otche nash) - Meaning: The Lord's Prayer, a standard Christian prayer.
• Молитва за здравие (Molitva za zdorovie) - Meaning: Prayer for health, often used in Orthodox traditions.
• Взывать к Богу в мольбе (Vzvyat' k Bogu v mol'be) - Meaning: To cry out to God in prayer, emphasizing emotional appeal.

Usage Notes:

'Молитва' directly corresponds to the formal, structured aspect of 'prayer' in English, especially in religious contexts, while 'мольба' is better for more heartfelt or informal pleas. In Russian, these words are often used in Orthodox Christian settings, so be mindful of cultural connotations. For example, 'молитва' requires proper inflection based on case, and it's common in phrases involving daily routines. When choosing between translations, opt for 'молитва' in standard contexts and 'мольба' for emotional depth. Avoid using these in secular conversations unless relevant.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'молитва' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я молюсь молитва" instead of "Я молюсь молитвой" (I pray with prayer).

  Correct: "Я молюсь молитвой." Explanation: Russian requires the instrumental case for means or tools, so learners must adjust for case endings to avoid grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing 'молитва' with 'мольба' in formal settings, e.g., using 'мольба' in a church context where 'молитва' is more appropriate.

  Correct: Use 'молитва' for structured prayer. Explanation: 'Мольба' implies desperation, which might sound overly dramatic in non-emotional contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'молитва' is deeply tied to Orthodox Christianity, often involving rituals like lighting candles or using prayer books. It reflects a historical emphasis on spirituality in Russian literature and daily life, as seen in works by authors like Dostoevsky. 'Мольба' can carry a poetic or folkloric connotation, symbolizing human vulnerability in the face of fate.

Related Concepts:

• икона (ikona)
• святой (svyatoi)
• духовность (dukhovnost')