Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'synagogue'

English Word: synagogue

Key Russian Translations:

• синагога /sʲɪˈnaɡəɡə/ - [Formal, Used in religious or historical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of religion, history, or cultural topics, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; involves recognizing loanwords and basic noun declensions, suitable for learners with some familiarity with Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

синагога: /sʲɪˈnaɡəɡə/

Note on синагога: The initial 'с' is pronounced with a soft 's' sound due to the following 'и', which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The main meaning: A building used for Jewish religious worship and community activities

Translation(s) & Context:

• синагога - Used in formal, historical, or religious contexts to refer to a synagogue as a place of prayer, study, and community gatherings in Jewish culture.

Usage Examples:

• В Москве есть несколько старинных синагог, где проводятся религиозные службы.

  In Moscow, there are several ancient synagogues where religious services are held.

• Синагога в этом районе была построена в XIX веке и теперь является историческим памятником.

  The synagogue in this district was built in the 19th century and is now a historical monument.

• Во время праздника Рош ха-Шана люди собираются в синагоге для молитвы.

  During the Rosh Hashanah holiday, people gather in the synagogue for prayer.

• Молодёжь часто посещает синагогу не только для богослужений, но и для культурных мероприятий.

  Young people often visit the synagogue not only for services but also for cultural events.

• Синагога в маленьком городке служит центром еврейской общины.

  The synagogue in the small town serves as the center of the Jewish community.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "синагога" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows regular patterns for most cases but may vary slightly in plural forms. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • храм (khrám) - More general term for a temple, but less specific to Jewish contexts; used interchangeably in broader religious discussions.
  • место поклонения (mesto pokloneniya) - Literal phrase meaning "place of worship," often used in neutral or descriptive contexts.
• Antonyms: Not directly applicable, as "синагога" is a specific type of religious building. However, contrasting terms might include "церковь" (church) for Christian contexts or "мечеть" (mosque) for Islamic ones.

Related Phrases:

• еврейская синагога (yevréyskaya sinagóga) - Jewish synagogue; used to specify the religious affiliation, often in multicultural discussions.
• синагога Шаббата (sinagóga Shabbáta) - Synagogue of the Sabbath; refers to services or gatherings on the Sabbath, highlighting cultural practices.
• посещение синагоги (poseshchéniye sinagógi) - Visiting the synagogue; a common phrase in travel or cultural contexts, implying participation in events.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "синагога" directly corresponds to the English "synagogue" and is used in formal or educational contexts. It is a loanword from Greek via other languages, so it's neutral and widely understood. Be mindful of cultural sensitivity: in Russia, discussions of synagogues often involve historical or ethnic contexts due to the Jewish diaspora. When choosing between translations, use "синагога" for precision in religious topics; avoid casual substitutions like "храм" if specificity is needed. Grammatically, it declines as a standard feminine noun, so ensure correct case agreement in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "синагога" with "церковь" (church) and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Я пошёл в синагогу на христианскую службу." (I went to the synagogue for a Christian service.) Correct: "Я пошёл в церковь на христианскую службу." (I went to the church for a Christian service.) Explanation: "Синагога" specifically denotes Jewish places of worship, so misusing it can lead to cultural inaccuracies.

• Error: Forgetting declension, e.g., using the nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "Я видел синагога." (I saw synagogue – should be accusative.) Correct: "Я видел синагогу." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must adjust forms based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, synagogues like "синагога" hold significant historical and cultural importance, especially in cities with large Jewish populations such as Moscow or St. Petersburg. They often symbolize the resilience of Jewish communities amid historical events like the Pale of Settlement or the Soviet era, where religious practices were suppressed. Understanding this context enriches discussions, as synagogues are not just buildings but centers of community and tradition.

Related Concepts:

• церковь (church)
• мечеть (mosque)
• храм (temple)
• синагогальный (synagogal, relating to synagogue activities)