Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reincarnation'

English Word: reincarnation

Key Russian Translations:

• реинкарнация [rʲɪɪnkɐrˈnatsɨjə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in philosophical, religious, or academic contexts; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1) - Requires familiarity with abstract concepts and Russian noun declensions; suitable for learners with a strong background in philosophy or religion

Pronunciation (Russian):

реинкарнация: [rʲɪɪnkɐrˈnatsɨjə]

Note on реинкарнация: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("natsɨjə"), which can be tricky for non-native speakers due to the soft 'r' sound (palatalized). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The rebirth of a soul in a new body or form, often in the context of religious or philosophical beliefs

Translation(s) & Context:

• реинкарнация - Used in formal discussions of Hinduism, Buddhism, or general metaphysics; appropriate for academic, spiritual, or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В индуизме реинкарнация рассматривается как вечный цикл рождения и смерти.

  In Hinduism, reincarnation is viewed as an eternal cycle of birth and death.

• Многие философы обсуждают реинкарнацию как возможный ответ на вопросы бессмертия души.

  Many philosophers discuss reincarnation as a possible answer to questions about the soul's immortality.

• В современной литературе реинкарнация часто используется в сюжетах о прошлых жизнях.

  In modern literature, reincarnation is often used in plots about past lives.

• Реинкарнация может влиять на этические решения, если верить в карму и перерождение.

  Reincarnation can influence ethical decisions if one believes in karma and rebirth.

• Научные дебаты о реинкарнации обычно отвергают её как ненаучную гипотезу.

  Scientific debates about reincarnation typically dismiss it as an unscientific hypothesis.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Реинкарнация" is a feminine noun (1st declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its primary inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • перерождение [pʲɪrʲɪˈroʐdʲenʲje] - Often used interchangeably but implies a broader sense of transformation; more common in literary contexts.
  • возрождение [vɐzrɐʐdʲenʲje] - Emphasizes renewal, sometimes with a positive connotation, as in spiritual revival.
• Antonyms:
  • смерть [smʲɛrtʲ] - Death; contrasts with the idea of rebirth by representing finality.
  • исчезновение [ɪsʲt͡ɕɪznovʲenʲje] - Disappearance or extinction; used in contexts denying continuity of the soul.

Related Phrases:

• Цикл реинкарнации - The cycle of reincarnation; refers to the repeated process of rebirth in Eastern philosophies.
• Теория реинкарнации - Theory of reincarnation; commonly used in academic or debate settings.
• Прошлые жизни и реинкарнация - Past lives and reincarnation; a phrase from popular psychology or spiritual discussions.

Usage Notes:

Reincarnation corresponds closely to "реинкарнация" in Russian, which is a direct borrowing from English and other languages, often retaining its philosophical nuances. It is typically used in formal or intellectual contexts, such as religious texts, lectures, or books, rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "перерождение," opt for it if the emphasis is on general transformation rather than spiritual rebirth. Grammatically, always ensure the noun agrees with its case in sentences, e.g., in genitive for possession. English learners should note that Russian culture, influenced by Orthodox Christianity, may frame reincarnation discussions around contrasting beliefs, so context is key.

• Avoid overuse in informal settings, as it might sound overly academic.
• In translations, match the word to the specific religious context (e.g., Hinduism vs. general philosophy).

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "реинкарнация" with "воскресение" (resurrection), which implies a bodily revival in Christian contexts. For example:

• Incorrect: "Он верит в воскресение душ" (meaning "He believes in the resurrection of souls," but intending reincarnation).
• Correct: "Он верит в реинкарнацию душ" (He believes in the reincarnation of souls). Explanation: "Воскресение" specifically refers to rising from the dead, not rebirth into a new form, so using it inaccurately can alter the meaning entirely.
• Another error is failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., using nominative in all cases: "О реинкарнация" instead of "О реинкарнации" (About reincarnation). Always check the case based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "реинкарнация" is not a core concept in traditional Orthodox Christianity, which emphasizes resurrection and the afterlife more than cyclical rebirth. However, it has gained popularity through influences from Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, especially in modern spiritual movements. This word often carries a sense of mystery or esotericism, appearing in literature by authors like Leo Tolstoy, who explored themes of spiritual renewal.

Related Concepts:

• душа (soul)
• карма (karma)
• жизнь после смерти (life after death)
• метempsychosis (a direct equivalent in philosophical terms, though less common)