Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'symphony'

English Word: symphony

Key Russian Translations:

• симфония /sʲimfɐˈnʲijə/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of classical music, literature, or cultural events, but not in everyday casual conversation).

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - Learners at this level should be familiar with basic noun declensions and vocabulary related to arts and music.

Pronunciation (Russian):

симфония: /sʲimfɐˈnʲijə/

Note on симфония: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nʲijə"). Be mindful of the palatalized 'sʲ' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, such as in Moscow vs. St. Petersburg accents.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Music composition

Translation(s) & Context:

• симфония - Used in formal contexts to refer to a large-scale orchestral work, typically in a classical music setting, such as concerts or music education.

Usage Examples:

• Я слушал симфонию Чайковского вчера вечером. (Ya slushal simfoniyu Chaikovskogo vchera vecherom.)

  I listened to Tchaikovsky's symphony last night. (This example shows the word in a simple past tense context, discussing personal experiences with music.)

• Эта симфония считается шедевром русской музыки. (Eta simfoniya schitaetsya shedevrom russkoy muzyki.)

  This symphony is considered a masterpiece of Russian music. (Illustrates use in evaluative or cultural discussions, with the noun in the nominative case.)

• В концерте прозвучит симфония Бетховена. (V koncerte prozvučit simfoniya Betkhovena.)

  Beethoven's symphony will be performed at the concert. (Demonstrates future tense usage in event announcements, highlighting the word in a prepositional phrase.)

• Симфония оркестра была очень эмоциональной. (Simfoniya orkestra byla ochen' emotsional'noy.)

  The orchestra's symphony was very emotional. (Shows possessive structure and adjective modification in descriptive contexts.)

• Мы изучаем симфонию в музыкальной школе. (My izuchaem simfoniyu v muzykal'noy shkole.)

  We are studying the symphony in music school. (Exemplifies educational settings, with the noun in the accusative case after a verb of learning.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Симфония" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • симфоническое произведение (simfonicheskoe proizvedenie) - A more descriptive term for a symphonic work, often used in formal music criticism to emphasize the compositional aspect.
  • оркестровая сюита (orkestrovaya syuita) - Implies a similar orchestral piece but with a looser structure; used when discussing less rigid forms.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "симфония" is a specific genre. However, contrasting terms like "поп-музыка" (pop music) could imply a casual, non-classical style.

Related Phrases:

• Симфонический оркестр (Simfonicheskiy orkestr) - Symphony orchestra; a group of musicians performing such works, commonly used in concert contexts.
• Исполнение симфонии (Ispolnenie simfonii) - Performance of a symphony; refers to live renditions, often in cultural events.
• Классическая симфония (Klassicheskaya simfoniya) - Classical symphony; highlights the historical style, with connotations of composers like Tchaikovsky.

Usage Notes:

"Симфония" directly corresponds to the English "symphony" in musical contexts, but it's primarily formal and cultural. Use it when discussing classical music or arts events in Russia, where it carries prestige. Avoid in casual conversations; opt for more general terms like "музыка" for everyday music talk. Grammatically, always decline it based on its role in the sentence (e.g., accusative for direct objects). When multiple translations exist, choose "симфония" for precision in music-related topics.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я люблю симфония" instead of "Я люблю симфонию" (accusative case required after "люблю").

  Correct: "Я люблю симфонию." Explanation: Russian verbs of emotion or liking require the accusative case for direct objects, which English speakers often overlook.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "символ" (symbol), leading to misuse in sentences.

  Correct: Ensure context is musical; for example, say "Эта симфония вдохновляет" instead of accidentally using "символ." Explanation: Pay attention to spelling and pronunciation differences to avoid semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "симфония" is deeply tied to the nation's rich classical music heritage. Composers like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich have produced iconic symphonies that symbolize national pride and historical resilience. For instance, Shostakovich's symphonies often reflect Soviet-era struggles, adding layers of emotional and political connotation that go beyond the musical definition.

Related Concepts:

• концерт (koncert) - Concert
• оркестр (orkestr) - Orchestra
• музыкальное произведение (muzykal'noe proizvedenie) - Musical composition