Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sinner'

English Word: sinner

Key Russian Translations:

• грешник [ˈɡrʲɛʃnʲik] - [Formal, Masculine noun, Used in religious or moral discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in religious, literary, and philosophical contexts, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, as it involves basic noun inflections and cultural connotations; requires familiarity with Russian cases)

Pronunciation (Russian):

грешник: [ˈɡrʲɛʃnʲik]

Note on грешник: The stress falls on the first syllable. The "г" is a voiced velar fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to the "g" in "go" but softer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person who commits sins or moral transgressions, often in a religious or ethical context.

Translation(s) & Context:

• грешник - Typically used in formal, religious, or literary settings to describe someone who has sinned; implies a moral or spiritual flaw.

Usage Examples:

• Он был грешником, но в конце концов нашел путь к искуплению.

  He was a sinner, but in the end, he found a path to redemption. (Demonstrates use in a narrative context with past tense.)

• В Библии многие грешники раскаивались и получали прощение.

  In the Bible, many sinners repented and received forgiveness. (Shows plural form in a historical or religious discussion.)

• Грешник должен признать свои ошибки, чтобы начать новую жизнь.

  A sinner must acknowledge their mistakes to start a new life. (Illustrates imperative and reflective use in moral advice.)

• Она считала себя грешницей за мелкие проступки в молодости.

  She considered herself a sinner for minor transgressions in her youth. (Feminine context, though "грешник" is masculine; note potential gender adjustment.)

• В современном обществе каждый может быть грешником в чьих-то глазах.

  In modern society, anyone can be a sinner in someone else's eyes. (Abstract, philosophical usage in contemporary settings.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"грешник" is a masculine noun in the second declension, which means it undergoes regular inflection for cases and numbers. It does not have irregular forms but follows standard Russian noun patterns.

For the feminine form "грешница", it follows a similar pattern but with feminine endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • грешница (feminine equivalent, used for women; implies the same moral connotation)
  • провинившийся (more neutral, often used in legal or everyday contexts; less religiously charged)
• Antonyms:
  • святой (saint, implying moral purity and righteousness)
  • праведник (righteous person, used in religious contexts)

Related Phrases:

• грешный человек - A sinful person; often used in moral or religious discussions to emphasize human fallibility.
• покаяние грешника - The repentance of a sinner; a common phrase in Orthodox Christian contexts, referring to spiritual renewal.
• вечный грешник - Eternal sinner; implies a persistent or unrepentant state, often in literary works.

Usage Notes:

"Грешник" directly corresponds to the English "sinner" in religious and ethical contexts but is more commonly associated with Christian (especially Orthodox) traditions in Russian culture. It is typically formal and should be avoided in casual conversation; opt for neutral terms like "провинившийся" in everyday scenarios. Be mindful of gender agreement: use "грешник" for males and "грешница" for females. In sentences, ensure correct case usage based on the sentence structure, as Russian requires nouns to inflect with prepositions or verbs.

• When choosing between translations, "грешник" is ideal for biblical or moral discussions, while "провинившийся" suits modern, secular contexts.
• Grammar note: Always pair it with appropriate adjectives or verbs to convey tense and aspect accurately.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse cases when using "грешник". For example, they might incorrectly say "Я видел грешник" instead of "Я видел грешника" (Accusative case). The error occurs because English doesn't have cases, leading to oversight of Russian's grammatical requirements. Correct usage: "Я видел грешника" (I saw the sinner). Another common mistake is gender confusion; saying "Она грешник" (She is a sinner) is wrong—use "Она грешница". Always check the noun's gender and adjust accordingly to avoid sounding unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, particularly within the Orthodox Christian tradition, "грешник" carries deep connotations of sin, repentance, and redemption, as seen in literature like Dostoevsky's works. It reflects the historical influence of Eastern Orthodoxy, where acknowledging one's sins is a key aspect of spiritual life. This term can evoke themes of guilt and moral struggle, which are prevalent in Russian art and philosophy, helping users understand its emotional weight beyond a simple translation.

Related Concepts:

• грех (sin)
• раскаяние (repentance)
• искупление (atonement)