Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sphinx'

English Word: sphinx

Key Russian Translations:

• сфинкс [ˈsfɪŋks] - [Formal, Used in historical or mythological contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in literature, history, and educational contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves recognizing loanwords and basic mythological knowledge; suitable for learners with a grasp of noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сфинкс: [ˈsfɪŋks]

Note on сфинкс: The pronunciation features a stressed first syllable with a soft 's' sound, and the 'x' is pronounced as [ks]. Be mindful of the foreign origin, which may lead to slight variations in informal speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, often associated with riddles in Greek mythology.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сфинкс - Used in literary or educational discussions about ancient myths, typically in formal writing or academic settings.

Usage Examples:

• В греческой мифологии сфинкс задавал загадки путникам, охраняя Фивы.

  In Greek mythology, the sphinx posed riddles to travelers, guarding Thebes.

• Сфинкс считается символом мудрости и тайны в древних легендах.

  The sphinx is considered a symbol of wisdom and mystery in ancient legends.

• Художник изобразил сфинкса в своей картине, чтобы подчеркнуть тему загадочности.

  The artist depicted the sphinx in his painting to emphasize the theme of mystery.

• Дети узнали о сфинксе на уроке истории, обсуждая египетские артефакты.

  Children learned about the sphinx in their history lesson, discussing Egyptian artifacts.

Meaning 2: Referring specifically to the Great Sphinx of Giza, an ancient Egyptian monument.

Translation(s) & Context:

• сфинкс - Commonly used in historical or tourist contexts, often with a focus on Egyptian culture.

Usage Examples:

• Великий сфинкс в Гизе — одно из самых известных сооружений Древнего Египта.

  The Great Sphinx in Giza is one of the most famous structures of Ancient Egypt.

• Туристы фотографируют сфинкса, чтобы запечатлеть его величественную позу.

  Tourists photograph the sphinx to capture its majestic pose.

• Археологи изучают сфинкса, чтобы раскрыть его исторические тайны.

  Archaeologists study the sphinx to uncover its historical secrets.

• В музее есть модель сфинкса, которая помогает понять его роль в египетской мифологии.

  In the museum, there is a model of the sphinx that helps understand its role in Egyptian mythology.

• Сфинкс часто упоминается в фильмах о древних цивилизациях.

  The sphinx is often mentioned in films about ancient civilizations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Сфинкс" is a masculine noun borrowed from Greek, and it follows the standard patterns for third-declension nouns in Russian. It is relatively stable but can inflect based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: As a loanword, it may not always follow strict rules in informal usage, but the above forms are standard.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: мифическое существо (mythical creature) - More general term for similar entities; монстр (monster) - Used in casual contexts for fearsome beings.
• Antonyms: человек (chelovek, human) - Contrasts with the hybrid nature of the sphinx; простота (prostota, simplicity) - Implies the opposite of the sphinx's complexity and mystery.

Related Phrases:

• Загадка сфинкса - The riddle of the sphinx; a phrase used to describe complex puzzles or enigmas in literature and daily life.
• Египетский сфинкс - The Egyptian sphinx; refers specifically to historical monuments and is common in tourist descriptions.
• Сфинкс в искусстве - The sphinx in art; a phrase for discussing representations in paintings or sculptures, highlighting cultural symbolism.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "сфинкс" directly corresponds to the English "sphinx" as a loanword, making it a straightforward translation for mythological or historical contexts. However, it is primarily used in formal or educational settings due to its specialized nature. When choosing this term, ensure the context involves ancient myths or monuments, as everyday Russian speakers might opt for more descriptive phrases like "мифическое существо" for broader discussions. Grammatically, remember to decline it according to Russian case requirements, especially in sentences involving possession or direction (e.g., "к сфинксу" for "to the sphinx"). For learners, start with nominative forms before exploring inflections.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "сфинкс" without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я увидел сфинкс" in a context requiring genitive like "Я подумал о сфинкс" (incorrectly as "Я подумал о сфинкс" instead of "Я подумал о сфинксе").

  Correct: "Я подумал о сфинксе" – Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; here, genitive is needed for "about," so change to "сфинксе."

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "сфинктер" (a biological term), leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Use "сфинкс" only for mythological contexts; Explanation: These are unrelated words, so context is key to avoid semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "сфинкс" often evokes images of ancient Egyptian and Greek heritage, symbolizing mystery and intellectual challenges. It appears frequently in literature, such as in works by Russian authors discussing world mythology, and is tied to broader themes of human curiosity and the unknown. For instance, the Great Sphinx of Giza is a popular tourist attraction for Russians, representing the allure of exotic civilizations.

Related Concepts:

• минотавр (minotaur)
• цербер (Cerberus)
• пирамида (pyramid)