Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reminiscence'

English Word: reminiscence

Key Russian Translations:

• воспоминание [vos.po.mʲɪˈna.nʲɪ.jə] - [Formal, Singular, Used in literary or reflective contexts]
• воспоминания [vos.po.mʲɪˈna.nʲɪ.jə] - [Informal, Plural, Used in everyday conversations about multiple memories]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literature, personal narratives, and reflective writing, but not as frequent in casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of noun declensions and basic vocabulary for "воспоминание", while "воспоминания" may vary slightly in plural forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

воспоминание: [vos.po.mʲɪˈna.nʲɪ.jə]

Note on воспоминание: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("na"), which can be tricky for learners due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Pronounce the palatalized "nʲ" softly, as in "onion".

воспоминания: [vos.po.mʲɪˈna.nʲɪ.jə] (plural form shares the same base pronunciation with a plural ending)

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The act of recalling past events, experiences, or memories, often with a nostalgic or reflective tone.

Translation(s) & Context:

• воспоминание - Used in formal writing or when referring to a single, specific memory, such as in literature or personal essays.
• воспоминания - Applied in informal settings for multiple memories, like storytelling or casual discussions about the past.

Usage Examples:

• Его воспоминание о войне было полным эмоциональных деталей.

  His reminiscence of the war was full of emotional details. (This example shows the singular form in a reflective, historical context.)

• В её дневнике описаны теплые воспоминания детства в деревне.

  In her diary, warm reminiscences of childhood in the village are described. (Illustrates use in literary or personal writing, emphasizing plural form.)

• Во время встречи друзья делились своими воспоминаниями о школьных годах.

  During the meeting, friends shared their reminiscences of school years. (Demonstrates plural in a social, conversational setting.)

• Это старое фото вызывает у меня ностальгическое воспоминание.

  This old photo evokes a nostalgic reminiscence in me. (Shows the word in a context involving emotion and sensory triggers.)

• Писатель мастерски передаёт воспоминания героев через диалоги.

  The writer masterfully conveys the reminiscences of the characters through dialogues. (Highlights use in narrative fiction, with plural implications.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Воспоминание" is a neuter noun in Russian, which follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. It has regular inflections based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender but changes with number and case as shown. For "воспоминания" (plural), the inflections are regular and follow standard plural noun patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • память (pamyat' – more general, referring to memory as a faculty, with subtle differences in emotional depth)
  • воспоминания (as a variant, but often used interchangeably in plural contexts)
  • реколлекция (rekolleksiya – a less common, more formal synonym borrowed from Latin)
• Antonyms:
  • забвение (zabyveniye – oblivion or forgetting, used when memories are lost)
  • непамять (nepamyat' – lack of memory, implying forgetfulness)

Related Phrases:

• Сладкие воспоминания (Sweet memories) – Refers to pleasant, nostalgic recollections, often used in emotional or romantic contexts.
• Живые воспоминания (Vivid memories) – Describes memories that feel immediate and detailed, commonly in storytelling.
• Ностальгические воспоминания (Nostalgic memories) – Phrases evoking a sense of longing for the past, tied to cultural reflections.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "воспоминание" directly corresponds to "reminiscence" as a noun, but it often carries a more emotional or literary connotation than simple "memory." Use the singular form for specific instances and plural for general or multiple recollections. Be mindful of context: in formal writing, pair it with adjectives like "сладкие" (sweet) for nuance. English learners should note that Russian requires case agreement, so "воспоминание" changes based on its role in the sentence. When choosing between translations, opt for "воспоминание" in reflective essays and "воспоминания" in conversational settings.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "воспоминание" with "памятник" (pamyatnik, meaning "monument"). Error: Using "воспоминание" to mean a physical memorial. Correct: "памятник" for monuments; "воспоминание" for mental recollections. Explanation: This mix-up arises from similar roots, but "воспоминание" is abstract, not tangible.

• Improper declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Error: Saying "о воспоминание" instead of "о воспоминании" (genitive). Correct: Always decline based on case, as shown in the inflections table. Explanation: Russian grammar demands case changes, which English speakers often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

• Overusing the plural form unnecessarily. Error: Saying "Мои воспоминания о вчера" (My reminiscences about yesterday) when a singular event might fit better. Correct: Use singular "воспоминание" for single events. Explanation: This can make speech sound overly dramatic; context dictates number choice.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "воспоминание" often appears in literature and folklore, evoking themes of nostalgia and national history, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy or Chekhov. It reflects the Russian emphasis on introspection and the past, where sharing reminiscences is a common way to preserve cultural heritage and personal identity.

Related Concepts:

• ностальгия (nostalgia)
• память (memory)
• прошлое (the past)
• воспоминания детства (childhood memories)