Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sheikh'

English Word: sheikh

Key Russian Translations:

• шейх [ʃejx] - [Formal, often used in historical, political, or cultural contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This term is not everyday vocabulary but appears in discussions of Middle Eastern politics, history, or religion.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; learners need familiarity with borrowed words, proper nouns, and basic cultural contexts in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шейх: [ʃejx]

Note on шейх: The pronunciation features a soft 'ш' sound (like 'sh' in 'sheep') followed by a guttural 'x' (similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'). Be cautious with the final consonant, as it can vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An Arab leader, especially a Muslim chief, tribal elder, or ruler in the Middle East.

Translation(s) & Context:

• шейх - Used in formal or historical contexts to refer to influential figures in Arab societies, such as political leaders or religious authorities.

Usage Examples:

• В ОАЭ шейх является главой государства и играет ключевую роль в управлении страной.

  In the UAE, the sheikh serves as the head of state and plays a key role in governing the country.

• Известный шейх из Саудовской Аравии выступил с речью на международной конференции.

  The famous sheikh from Saudi Arabia gave a speech at an international conference.

• Молодой шейх унаследовал трон от своего отца и теперь руководит племенем.

  The young sheikh inherited the throne from his father and now leads the tribe.

• Во время паломничества в Мекку шейх встретился с верующими из разных стран.

  During the pilgrimage to Mecca, the sheikh met with believers from various countries.

• В исторических текстах шейх часто описывается как мудрый советник и защитник своего народа.

  In historical texts, the sheikh is often described as a wise advisor and protector of his people.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Шейх" is a masculine noun (masc. singular) borrowed from Arabic, and it follows the standard patterns of Russian third-declension nouns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is not highly inflected but changes in cases as needed. Below is a table outlining its basic declensions:

Note: The plural forms are infrequently used in modern Russian, as "шейх" often refers to specific individuals. It does not change for gender or number in most contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: вождь (voždʹ - leader, with a more general connotation), эмир (emir - similar to a ruler in Islamic contexts). Note: "Эмир" is often interchangeable in historical discussions but implies a more military or dynastic role.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "шейх" is a specific title rather than a descriptive adjective.

Related Phrases:

• шейх уль-ислам - A high-ranking religious leader in Islamic traditions; often refers to a grand mufti or chief Islamic scholar.
• шейх Аравии - The sheikh of Arabia; used to denote rulers in Arabian Peninsula countries.
• мудрый шейх - A wise sheikh; a common phrase in stories or cultural references emphasizing leadership wisdom.

Usage Notes:

This Russian translation "шейх" directly corresponds to the English "sheikh" as a borrowed term from Arabic, primarily used in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts. It is not part of everyday conversation but appears in discussions of Middle Eastern politics or history. When choosing this word, ensure the context involves Islamic or Arab cultural elements, as it carries specific connotations. Grammatically, treat it as a masculine noun and adjust for case as needed (e.g., "в шейхе" for "in the sheikh"). If multiple translations exist, "шейх" is the most precise; alternatives like "эмир" might be used for broader leadership roles.

Common Errors:

• Mispronouncing the final sound: Learners often say [ʃejk] instead of [ʃejx], making it sound like "sheik" without the guttural 'x'. Correct usage: Pronounce it as [ʃejx] to match native Russian phonetics.
• Confusing with similar words: English speakers might mix it up with "шах" (shah, as in Persian kings). Error example: Using "шах" when meaning "sheikh" in an Arab context. Correct: Use "шейх" for Arab leaders and explain the cultural difference to avoid inaccuracy.
• Improper inflection: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "шейх" in the genitive as "шейх" instead of "шейха". Error: "Книга о шейх" (incorrect). Correct: "Книга о шейхе" (Book about the sheikh).

Cultural Notes:

The term "шейх" in Russian reflects its Arabic origins, often associated with Bedouin tribes, Islamic scholarship, and modern Gulf state monarchies. In Russian culture, it appears in literature and media discussing the Middle East, symbolizing wisdom, authority, and tradition. For instance, Russian translations of Arabic texts or historical accounts frequently use it to highlight the respect for tribal elders in Arab societies.

Related Concepts:

• эмир
• султан
• халиф