Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sepulchre'

English Word: sepulchre

Key Russian Translations:

• гробница /ɡrɐbˈnʲit͡sə/ - [Formal, used in historical or architectural contexts]
• могила /mɐˈɡʲilə/ - [General, informal, often for simpler graves]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in literature, history, or religious texts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to history and culture. The word 'гробница' may be slightly more challenging due to its formal connotations, while 'могила' is more straightforward.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гробница: /ɡrɐbˈnʲit͡sə/

Note on гробница: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'г' is a voiced velar fricative, which can be tricky for English speakers; it's similar to the 'g' in 'go' but softer. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds.

могила: /mɐˈɡʲilə/

Note on могила: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'г' here is also a voiced velar fricative, and the palatalized 'гʲ' adds a soft 'y' sound before the 'i', common in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A tomb or burial chamber, often with historical or religious significance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гробница - Used in formal, historical, or archaeological contexts, such as describing ancient monuments or royal tombs.
• могила - Applied more generally to graves, including simple ones, in everyday or literary discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В музее экспонируется древняя гробница египетского фараона, украшенная иероглифами.

  In the museum, an ancient sepulchre of an Egyptian pharaoh is exhibited, adorned with hieroglyphs.

• Археологи обнаружили скрытую гробницу под руинами старого замка, полную артефактов.

  Archaeologists discovered a hidden sepulchre beneath the ruins of an old castle, full of artifacts.

• В романе описывается могила героя, где люди приходят почтить его память ежегодно.

  In the novel, the sepulchre of the hero is described, where people come to honor his memory annually.

• Могила известного поэта стала популярным местом паломничества для поклонников.

  The sepulchre of the famous poet has become a popular pilgrimage site for fans.

• Гробница в церкви охраняется как национальное наследие, привлекающее туристов со всего мира.

  The sepulchre in the church is protected as a national heritage, attracting tourists from around the world.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'гробница' and 'могила' are feminine nouns in Russian. 'Гробница' follows the first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а, while 'могила' also follows a standard feminine pattern. Russian nouns change based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table for their singular forms; both are invariable in plural forms in most contexts but can vary slightly.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections but follow standard patterns. In plural, 'гробницы' becomes 'гробницы' (nominative), and 'могилы' becomes 'могилы'.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • усыпальница (more archaic, often for royal tombs)
  • погребение (focuses on the act of burial, with subtle differences in connotation)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as this is a noun for a burial site. Related concepts might include 'жизнь' (life), but it's not a true antonym.

Related Phrases:

• Древняя гробница - Ancient sepulchre (used in historical contexts to describe old tombs).
• Семейная могила - Family sepulchre (refers to a grave shared by family members, common in cemeteries).
• Гробница фараона - Pharaoh's sepulchre (a specific phrase for Egyptian tombs, often in cultural discussions).

Usage Notes:

'Гробница' is the more precise translation for 'sepulchre' when referring to a stone-built or rock-cut tomb, especially in formal or historical settings, whereas 'могила' is broader and can include simpler graves. English users should note that Russian nouns like these decline based on case, so always adjust for grammar (e.g., use genitive for possession). Choose 'гробница' for architectural or monumental contexts and 'могила' for everyday or emotional references. Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, as these words often appear in discussions of death and heritage.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'гробница' with 'могила': English learners might use 'могила' interchangeably, but it's less formal. Error: "Я посетил могила" (incorrect for a grand tomb). Correct: "Я посетил гробницу". Explanation: 'Могила' implies a simpler grave, so specify based on context to avoid understatement.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "в гробница" instead of "в гробнице" (prepositional case). Explanation: Always decline nouns according to the sentence structure to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'гробница' often evoke historical and religious significance, such as the tombs of saints in Orthodox Christianity or ancient burial sites in Russian history. For instance, the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg houses royal sepulchres, symbolizing national heritage and reverence for the past, which can add a layer of solemnity to their usage.

Related Concepts:

• кладбище (cemetery)
• похороны (funeral)
• мавзолей (mausoleum)