Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'superstition'

English Word: superstition

Key Russian Translations:

• суеверие [su.ɛ.vʲɪ.rʲɪ.jɛ] - [Formal, commonly used in discussions of beliefs and culture]
• предрассудок [prʲɪ.drɐ.sʊ.dək] - [Informal, often in everyday conversations, implying outdated beliefs]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, media, and cultural discussions, but not in casual everyday speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and cultural contexts; for 'суеверие', it's straightforward, but 'предрассудок' may vary slightly in nuance)

Pronunciation (Russian):

суеверие: [su.ɛ.vʲɪ.rʲɪ.jɛ]

предрассудок: [prʲɪ.drɐ.sʊ.dək]

Note on суеверие: The stress falls on the third syllable ("vʲɪ"), which can be tricky for beginners; pronounce with a soft 'v' sound.

Note on предрассудок: The initial 'prʲ' has a soft 'r' sound; avoid stressing the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An irrational belief or practice based on fear, ignorance, or misunderstanding of the natural world.

Translation(s) & Context:

• суеверие - Used in formal contexts like academic discussions or cultural analyses, often to describe widespread beliefs.
• предрассудок - Applied in informal settings, such as everyday conversations, to highlight biased or outdated ideas.

Usage Examples:

• Многие люди верят в суеверия, такие как переходящая кошка.

  Many people believe in superstitions, such as a black cat crossing the path.

• Его предрассудок о пятнице, тринадцатого, заставляет его оставаться дома.

  His superstition about Friday the 13th makes him stay home.

• В некоторых культурах суеверие играет важную роль в повседневной жизни.

  In some cultures, superstition plays an important role in everyday life.

• Она считает предрассудок о разбитом зеркале глупым, но всё равно избегает его.

  She considers the superstition about a broken mirror foolish but still avoids it.

• Суеверие может влиять на решения людей, несмотря на научные объяснения.

  Superstition can influence people's decisions despite scientific explanations.

Meaning 2: A specific custom or ritual stemming from such beliefs.

Translation(s) & Context:

• суеверие - In contexts involving traditions, like folklore or holidays.
• предрассудок - In modern, critical discussions, emphasizing negative connotations.

Usage Examples:

• Это суеверие о ношении амулета для защиты от зла передаётся из поколения в поколение.

  This superstition about wearing an amulet for protection from evil is passed down through generations.

• Его предрассудок заставляет его избегать ходить под лестницей.

  His superstition makes him avoid walking under a ladder.

• В России суеверие о цветах на могиле имеет глубокие корни.

  In Russia, the superstition about flowers on a grave has deep roots.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'суеверие' and 'предрассудок' are neuter nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns. 'Суеверие' is a third-declension noun and does not have irregularities, while 'предрассудок' follows second-declension rules.

Note: These nouns do not change in gender but must agree in case with other words in a sentence.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • заблуждение (zabluzhdeniye) - More general, implying any misconception.
  • миф (miyf) - Often used for mythical beliefs, with a cultural connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • рационализм (ratsionalizm) - Emphasizes logical thinking over irrational beliefs.
  • научный подход (naochnyiy podkhod) - Refers to a scientific method, contrasting with superstition.

Related Phrases:

• Суеверие черной кошки (Suveriye chernoy koshki) - Refers to the superstition that a black cat brings bad luck; commonly used in folklore discussions.
• Предрассудок о зеркалах (Predrassudok o zerkaalakh) - Superstition about mirrors, such as breaking one causing seven years of bad luck; often in cultural contexts.
• Народные суеверия (Narodnyie suveriya) - Folk superstitions; used to describe traditional beliefs in rural or historical settings.

Usage Notes:

'Суеверие' is the most direct translation for 'superstition' and is preferred in formal or neutral contexts, while 'предрассудок' carries a slightly negative connotation, implying prejudice or outdated thinking. English speakers should note that Russian nouns must decline based on case, so always check sentence structure for agreement. For example, use 'суеверие' in singular for general references, and consider cultural sensitivity when discussing these terms, as they often relate to Russian traditions.

• In formal writing, pair 'суеверие' with adjectives like 'старое' (old) for historical contexts.
• When choosing between translations, opt for 'предрассудок' if emphasizing criticism, but 'суеверие' for neutral descriptions.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse case endings, such as saying 'в суеверие' instead of the correct genitive 'в суеверии' when meaning 'in superstition'. Correct usage: Incorrect: "Я верю в суеверие" (should be "Я верю в суеверия" for plural). Explanation: Russian requires proper declension; always decline based on the preposition or sentence role to avoid grammatical errors.

• Error: Using 'суеверия' as a verb form. Correction: It's a noun; use with verbs like 'верить в' (to believe in). Example: Incorrect: "Суеверия меня." Correct: "Меня пугают суеверия." (Superstitions scare me.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, superstitions like 'суеверие' often stem from Slavic folklore, such as beliefs about spirits or omens (e.g., knocking on wood). These carry historical significance, influencing daily life and literature, and reflect a blend of pagan and Orthodox traditions, helping English users appreciate the deeper, emotional layers of Russian society.

Related Concepts:

• миф (miyf)
• фольклор (folklore)
• приметы (primety)