Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'seventh'

English Word: seventh

Key Russian Translations:

• седьмой [sʲedʲˈmoj] - [Formal, Ordinal Number, Masculine Singular]
• седьмая [sʲedʲˈmaja] - [Formal, Ordinal Number, Feminine Singular]
• седьмое [sʲedʲˈmoje] - [Formal, Ordinal Number, Neuter Singular]
• седьмые [sʲedʲˈmɨje] - [Formal, Ordinal Number, Plural]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in everyday contexts like dates, lists, and numbering, but not as frequent as cardinal numbers)

Difficulty: A2 (Basic; suitable for elementary learners, as it follows standard ordinal number patterns in Russian, but requires understanding of gender and number agreements)

Pronunciation (Russian):

седьмой: [sʲedʲˈmoj]

седьмая: [sʲedʲˈmaja]

седьмое: [sʲedʲˈmoje]

седьмые: [sʲedʲˈmɨje]

Note on седьмой/седьмая/седьмое/седьмые: The initial 'с' is pronounced as a soft [sʲ], and the stress falls on the last syllable. Be mindful of the palatalization in Russian, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: Ordinal number indicating the seventh position in a sequence.

Translation(s) & Context:

• седьмой - Used with masculine nouns in formal or everyday contexts, such as numbering items or dates (e.g., "the seventh day").
• седьмая - Used with feminine nouns, often in descriptions or lists (e.g., "the seventh chapter").
• седьмое - Used with neuter nouns, like in abstract or general references.
• седьмые - Used for plural nouns in broader contexts, such as groups or collections.

Usage Examples:

• Это седьмой дом на улице.

  This is the seventh house on the street. (Demonstrates use with a masculine noun in a spatial context.)

• Она живёт в седьмой квартире.

  She lives in the seventh apartment. (Shows feminine noun agreement in a residential setting.)

• Седьмое июля — важная дата.

  The seventh of July is an important date. (Illustrates neuter form in date references.)

• Седьмые соревнования были самыми сложными.

  The seventh competitions were the most challenging. (Plural form in a series or event context.)

• В седьмой раз я попытался объяснить.

  For the seventh time, I tried to explain. (Used in repetitive actions, emphasizing sequence.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "седьмой" and its variants are ordinal numbers in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian ordinal numbers generally follow the declension patterns of adjectives, meaning they change to agree with the noun they modify. This is a regular pattern for most ordinals derived from cardinals.

Note: These forms are relatively regular, but learners should pay attention to case endings, which do not change for all ordinals.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • седмой (a less formal or archaic variant, though rare in modern usage)
  • It should be noted that synonyms for ordinals are limited; this is essentially the standard form with minor dialectical differences.
• Antonyms:
  • первый (first)
  • второй (second)
  • These are sequential opposites in numbering contexts.

Related Phrases:

• седьмой день - The seventh day (often used in weekly schedules or biblical references).
• седьмой этаж - The seventh floor (common in building descriptions).
• седьмой раз - For the seventh time (indicating repetition in narratives).
• седьмая симфония - The seventh symphony (as in classical music, e.g., Beethoven's).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "seventh" translates to forms of "седьмой," which must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, unlike English where "seventh" remains unchanged. For formal writing or speech, use the appropriate form to maintain grammatical accuracy. English learners often confuse this with cardinal numbers like "семь" (seven), so remember that ordinals are used for order, not quantity. When choosing between variants, select based on the noun's gender: e.g., use "седьмая" for feminine nouns like "книга" (book). In casual conversation, ordinals like this are straightforward but essential for precise communication in lists or sequences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the cardinal number "семь" instead of the ordinal "седьмой" in sequences. For example, saying "семь дом" to mean "seventh house."
  Correct: "седьмой дом" – This mistake occurs because English doesn't require gender agreement, but Russian does, leading to confusion in noun modification.

• Error: Failing to adjust for case, e.g., using "седьмой" in a genitive context where "седьмого" is needed.
  Correct: Instead of "книги седьмой," say "книги седьмого" (of the seventh book) – Learners from non-inflected languages often overlook case endings.

• Error: Mixing up gender forms, such as using "седьмой" with a feminine noun.
  Correct: Use "седьмая книга" instead of "седьмой книга" – Always check the noun's gender first to avoid this common grammatical error.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the number seven holds symbolic significance, often associated with completeness or good fortune, as seen in folklore and traditions. For instance, "седьмой" might appear in references to the "seventh heaven" (седьмое небо), an expression for extreme happiness, borrowed from religious contexts. This adds a layer of cultural depth beyond its numerical function, making it a useful word for understanding Russian expressions in literature or everyday idioms.

Related Concepts:

• шестой (sixth)
• восьмой (eighth)
• первый (first)
• число семь (the number seven, as a cardinal concept)