Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'satan'

English Word: satan

Key Russian Translations:

• сатана [sɐˈtanə] - [Formal, often used in religious or literary contexts]

Frequency: Low (Primarily encountered in theological, literary, or cultural discussions; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and cultural/religious concepts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сатана: [sɐˈtanə]

Note on сатана: The stress is on the second syllable ('ta'), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers. The 'a' sounds are soft and central, typical of Russian vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The devil or Satan as a figure in Christian theology, often representing evil or temptation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сатана - Used in formal, religious, or literary contexts to refer to the supreme evil entity; commonly in discussions of morality or biblical stories.

Usage Examples:

• В Библии сатана искушает людей, предлагая им запретные плоды.

  In the Bible, Satan tempts people, offering them forbidden fruits.

• Сатана часто изображается в литературе как хитрый противник божественных сил.

  Satan is often depicted in literature as a cunning adversary to divine forces.

• В некоторых культурах сатана символизирует внутренние конфликты и моральные дилеммы.

  In some cultures, Satan symbolizes internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.

• Художники Средневековья часто рисовали сатану с рогами и хвостом.

  Medieval artists often drew Satan with horns and a tail.

• Сатана в мифологии выступает как падший ангел, отвергнувший божественный свет.

  In mythology, Satan appears as a fallen angel who rejected divine light.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"сатана" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun is rarely used in plural form due to its abstract, singular concept in religious contexts. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дьявол (more general term for devil, often interchangeable but with a broader connotation in folklore)
  • бес (implies a lesser demon, used in less formal or mythical contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • Бог (God, representing the opposite of evil and temptation)
  • ангел (angel, symbolizing divine goodness)

Related Phrases:

• падший ангел - Fallen angel; refers to Satan's origin in Christian lore as a rebellious heavenly being.
• искушение сатаны - Temptation of Satan; a common phrase in discussions of moral tests or biblical stories.
• власть сатаны - Power of Satan; used to describe influence of evil forces in literature or theology.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "сатана" directly corresponds to the English "Satan" in religious and cultural contexts, but it is more formal and less frequently used in casual speech. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs this word with religious themes, such as in literature or discussions of morality. When choosing between synonyms like "дьявол" or "бес", opt for "сатана" in contexts requiring a specific reference to the biblical figure. Be mindful of grammar: as a feminine noun, it requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs (e.g., "сатана хитра" - Satan is cunning). Avoid using it in everyday conversations to prevent sounding overly dramatic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "сатана" with "сатанист" (Satanist, a follower of Satanism). Incorrect: "Он сатана в повседневной жизни" (meaning "He is a Satanist in daily life"). Correct: "Он поклонник сатаны" or specify "сатанист" if intended. Explanation: "сатана" refers to the entity itself, not a person; misuse can lead to misunderstandings about religious beliefs.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using nominative "сатана" in genitive contexts. Incorrect: "Книга о сатана" (should be "сатаны"). Correct: "Книга о сатане". Explanation: Russian requires precise case agreement; English speakers often overlook this due to English's lack of cases.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сатана" carries strong associations with Orthodox Christianity and literary works like those of Dostoevsky, where it symbolizes internal moral struggles. Historically, during the Soviet era, such concepts were suppressed, but they resurfaced in post-Soviet religious revival, often blending with folklore elements like Slavic demons.

Related Concepts:

• ангел
• ад
• грех