Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prophet'

English Word: prophet

Key Russian Translations:

• пророк /prɐˈrok/ - [Formal, used in religious or historical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in religious, literary, or historical texts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves specific cultural and religious vocabulary; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

пророк: /prɐˈrok/

Note on пророк: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ro/), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronunciation may vary slightly in dialects, but standard Russian uses this IPA.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who is believed to be chosen by God to deliver messages or predictions.

Translation(s) & Context:

• пророк - Used in formal, religious, or literary contexts, such as discussing biblical figures or prophecies.

Usage Examples:

• В Библии Моисей описывается как великий пророк, который получал откровения от Бога.

  In the Bible, Moses is described as a great prophet who received revelations from God.

• Многие пророки в истории предсказывали будущие события, но их слова часто игнорировались.

  Many prophets in history predicted future events, but their words were often ignored.

• В русской литературе персонажи вроде Тараса Бульбы иногда изображаются как народные пророки.

  In Russian literature, characters like Taras Bulba are sometimes depicted as folk prophets.

• Пророк Исайя в Ветхом Завете предупреждал о грядущих бедах и спасении.

  The prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament warned of impending disasters and salvation.

• Современные пророки в некоторых религиях продолжают толковать сны и видения.

  Modern prophets in certain religions continue to interpret dreams and visions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Пророк" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners, but always pay attention to case endings in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прорицатель (more archaic, often used in poetic or historical contexts to emphasize prophecy)
  • вдохновенный (inspired one, with a connotation of divine inspiration)
• Antonyms:
  • неверующий (non-believer, implying skepticism or lack of faith)
  • еретик (heretic, someone who opposes prophetic traditions)

Related Phrases:

• Пророк в своём отечестве - A prophet in his own country; used to describe someone who is not appreciated in their homeland.
• Ложный пророк - False prophet; refers to someone who falsely claims prophetic abilities, often in a deceptive context.
• Голос пророка - The voice of the prophet; a phrase used in literary or rhetorical contexts to denote authoritative warnings.

Usage Notes:

"Пророк" directly corresponds to the English "prophet" in religious and historical contexts, but it is most commonly used in formal or written Russian rather than casual speech. Be mindful of its masculine gender and declension when constructing sentences. For example, if choosing between translations, use "пророк" for general prophetic figures, but "прорицатель" for more ancient or mystical connotations. In modern usage, it's often linked to Orthodox Christian traditions, so cultural context can influence word choice.

• Grammar tip: Always decline the noun based on its role in the sentence (e.g., in genitive for possession: "слова пророка").
• Contextual advice: Avoid using it in everyday conversations; it's more appropriate for discussions on religion, literature, or history.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "пророк" with "пророчество" (prophecy), using the wrong word in sentences. For example:

• Error: "Он был пророчество." (Incorrect: This mixes up the noun for the person with the event.)
• Correct: "Он был пророком." (Proper usage: "He was a prophet.")
• Explanation: "Пророк" refers to the person, while "пророчество" is the act or message. Another common mistake is forgetting to decline it, e.g., saying "о пророк" instead of "о пророке" in prepositional case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "пророк" is deeply tied to Orthodox Christianity and Slavic folklore. For instance, figures like the biblical prophets are prominent in Russian literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin or Dostoevsky), symbolizing divine insight and moral guidance. This word often carries a sense of reverence, reflecting Russia's historical emphasis on spirituality and prophecy in times of turmoil.

Related Concepts:

• апостол (apostle)
• мессия (messiah)
• оракул (oracle)