Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'relic'

English Word: relic

Key Russian Translations:

• реликвия [rɪˈlɪkvɪjə] - [Formal, often used in historical or religious contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of history, religion, or archaeology, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and formal vocabulary, per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

реликвия: [rɪˈlɪkvɪjə]

Note on реликвия: The stress falls on the third syllable ("kví"). Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) which affects pronunciation, making the 'л' sound softer. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A historical or religious object from the past, often preserved for its significance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• реликвия - Used in formal contexts like museums, churches, or academic discussions to refer to artifacts with cultural or spiritual value.

Usage Examples:

• Эта реликвия была найдена в древнем захоронении и теперь выставлена в музее.

  This relic was found in an ancient burial site and is now on display in the museum.

• В православной церкви реликвия считается священной и охраняется с особым вниманием.

  In the Orthodox church, the relic is considered sacred and is guarded with special care.

• Многие туристы приезжают, чтобы увидеть эту реликвию, которая датируется XII веком.

  Many tourists come to see this relic, which dates back to the 12th century.

• Реликвия из золотых украшений стала символом былой славы империи.

  The relic made of gold jewelry has become a symbol of the empire's former glory.

• Ученые изучают реликвию, чтобы понять историю региона.

  Scientists are studying the relic to understand the region's history.

Meaning 2: Something that is a surviving trace or remnant of the past, not necessarily physical.

Translation(s) & Context:

• реликвия - Applied metaphorically in literary or philosophical contexts, such as outdated traditions or ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Эта традиция является реликвией феодального общества и больше не актуальна.

  This tradition is a relic of feudal society and is no longer relevant.

• В современном мире старая реликвия культуры может вдохновлять художников.

  In the modern world, an old cultural relic can inspire artists.

• Реликвия прошлого века все еще влияет на нашу повседневную жизнь.

  The relic of the last century still influences our daily life.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Реликвия" is a feminine noun (first declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -я. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • артефакт (artifact; more neutral and scientific connotation)
  • памятник (monument; emphasizes historical significance, but can refer to structures)
• Antonyms:
  • современность (modernity; implies the opposite of something ancient)
  • новизна (novelty; used for something new and innovative)

Related Phrases:

• святая реликвия - A holy relic; often refers to religious items in Orthodox Christianity, used in spiritual contexts.
• историческая реликвия - A historical relic; common in museum descriptions or educational discussions.
• культурная реликвия - A cultural relic; implies preservation of traditions, with contexts in heritage sites.

Usage Notes:

"Реликвия" directly corresponds to the English "relic" in formal and historical contexts but is less common in casual speech. It is typically used in singular form for specific items, and learners should note its feminine gender for correct adjective agreement (e.g., "древняя реликвия" for "ancient relic"). In Russian, choose this word over synonyms like "артефакт" when emphasizing religious or sentimental value. Be cautious with prepositional phrases, as they require the correct case (e.g., "о реликвии" for "about the relic").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative case in all situations, e.g., saying "Я видел реликвия" instead of "Я видел реликвию" (accusative case after verbs like "видеть").

  Correct: Я видел реликвию. Explanation: Russian requires case changes based on sentence function; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing it with "памятник" and using it interchangeably, leading to imprecise meanings, e.g., "Эта реликвия — это статуя" when "памятник" might be more appropriate for a statue.

  Correct: Use "реликвия" for portable or sacred items, and "памятник" for fixed structures. Explanation: This can dilute the cultural nuance, so context is key.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, particularly within the Orthodox Christian tradition, relics (реликвии) like saints' remains or icons hold immense spiritual significance. They are often venerated in churches and are tied to historical events, such as those in the Russian Empire. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on preserving the past, which can differ from Western views where relics might be seen more as museum pieces.

Related Concepts:

• музей (museum)
• история (history)
• артефакт (artifact)