Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Symbolism'

English Word: Symbolism

Key Russian Translations:

• Символизм [sʲɪm.vɐ.ˈlʲizm] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in literary, artistic, and academic contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of cultural and historical contexts, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Символизм: [sʲɪm.vɐ.ˈlʲizm]

Note on Символизм: The stress is on the third syllable ("lʲizm"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'sʲ' sound at the beginning. In fast speech, the 'vɐ' might soften.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The practice of representing ideas or qualities by symbols, often in art, literature, or religion.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Символизм - Used in formal discussions of art and literature, such as describing symbolic elements in poetry or paintings.

Usage Examples:

• В литературе символизм часто используется для передачи глубоких идей. (In literature, symbolism is often used to convey profound ideas.)

  English translation: In literature, symbolism is often used to convey profound ideas.

• Художники эпохи символизма черпали вдохновение из мифов и снов. (Artists of the symbolism era drew inspiration from myths and dreams.)

  English translation: Artists of the symbolism era drew inspiration from myths and dreams.

• Символизм в этой картине представляет свободу и надежду. (Symbolism in this painting represents freedom and hope.)

  English translation: Symbolism in this painting represents freedom and hope.

• Многие поэты применяют символизм, чтобы скрыть истинный смысл. (Many poets apply symbolism to hide the true meaning.)

  English translation: Many poets apply symbolism to hide the true meaning.

• Символизм как движение повлияло на современное искусство. (Symbolism as a movement influenced modern art.)

  English translation: Symbolism as a movement influenced modern art.

Meaning 2: A late 19th-century artistic and literary movement emphasizing the use of symbols to evoke emotions and ideas.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Символизм - Specifically refers to the historical movement in Russian and European art, often in academic or cultural discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Символизм в русской поэзии ассоциируется с именами Блока и Брюса. (Symbolism in Russian poetry is associated with the names of Blok and Bryusov.)

  English translation: Symbolism in Russian poetry is associated with the names of Blok and Bryusov.

• Движение символизма отвергало реализм в пользу метафор. (The symbolism movement rejected realism in favor of metaphors.)

  English translation: The symbolism movement rejected realism in favor of metaphors.

• Символизм повлиял на развитие модернизма. (Symbolism influenced the development of modernism.)

  English translation: Symbolism influenced the development of modernism.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Символизм is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard third declension pattern for nouns ending in -изм (a common suffix for movements or ideologies). It is invariable in the nominative singular form but changes in other cases and numbers as shown below:

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple instances or types of symbolism.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Символика (simvolika) - More general term for symbolic elements, often with subtle differences in artistic vs. everyday contexts.
  • Аллогения (allogeniya) - Rarely used, implies symbolic representation in a broader philosophical sense.
• Antonyms:
  • Реализм (realism) - Directly opposes the abstract nature of symbolism by emphasizing literal representation.
  • Натурализм (naturalism) - Focuses on detailed, realistic depictions without symbolic layers.

Related Phrases:

• Символический язык (symbolic language) - Refers to the use of symbols in communication; used in literary analysis.
• Элементы символизма (elements of symbolism) - Common in discussions of art; implies components that carry symbolic meaning.
• Символизм в искусстве (symbolism in art) - A phrase for describing the movement's impact; often in historical contexts.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Символизм" directly corresponds to the English "symbolism" when referring to the artistic movement, but it can also mean the general practice of using symbols. It is typically formal and academic, so avoid using it in casual conversations. When choosing between translations, "Символизм" is the most precise for historical contexts, while "Символика" might be better for broader symbolic systems. Grammatically, it functions as a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "Этот символизм важен" - This symbolism is important).

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "Символизм" with "Символика" and using them interchangeably. Incorrect: "Символика как движение" (implying the movement, but it's not accurate). Correct: "Символизм как движение". Explanation: "Символика" refers to symbolic elements generally, not the specific historical movement, which can lead to miscommunication in academic settings.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by placing stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., saying [ˈsʲɪm.vɐ.lʲizm] instead of [sʲɪm.vɐ.ˈlʲizm]. Correct Pronunciation: [sʲɪm.vɐ.ˈlʲizm]. Explanation: This can make the word sound unnatural and may confuse native speakers, as stress is crucial in Russian.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Символизм" is deeply tied to the Silver Age of Russian poetry (late 19th to early 20th century), with figures like Alexander Blok and Andrei Bely. It often evokes themes of mysticism, spirituality, and the subconscious, reflecting Russia's historical fascination with symbolism as a way to express the ineffable amidst social upheaval, such as the lead-up to the Russian Revolution.

Related Concepts:

• Модернизм (modernism)
• Авангард (avant-garde)
• Символ (symbol)