Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'talisman'

English Word: talisman

Key Russian Translations:

• талисман [tɐˈlʲismən] - [Formal, commonly used in literary, mystical, or everyday contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in literature, folklore, and casual discussions about superstition, but not in everyday mundane conversations.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; it's a borrowed word with straightforward pronunciation and usage, suitable for learners with basic vocabulary in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

талисман: [tɐˈlʲismən]

Note on талисман: The stress falls on the third syllable ('lʲis'), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the soft 'l' sound, represented by 'lʲ', which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: An object believed to have magical powers and to bring good luck or protection.

Translation(s) & Context:

• талисман - Used in contexts involving superstition, folklore, or personal beliefs, such as in stories or discussions about lucky charms.

Usage Examples:

• У меня есть талисман, который защищает от зла.

  I have a talisman that protects from evil. (This example shows the word in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing protection in a mystical context.)

• Этот старинный талисман принадлежал моему деду.

  This ancient talisman belonged to my grandfather. (Illustrates possessive usage in a familial or historical narrative.)

• В русской фольклоре талисман часто изображается как амулет с символами.

  In Russian folklore, a talisman is often depicted as an amulet with symbols. (Demonstrates the word in a cultural discussion, highlighting its role in broader themes.)

• Она носит талисман на шее для удачи в делах.

  She wears a talisman around her neck for luck in business. (Shows the word in a modern, practical context with prepositional phrases.)

• Талисман в этой легенде помог герою победить дракона.

  The talisman in this legend helped the hero defeat the dragon. (Exemplifies narrative usage in storytelling or fantasy scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Талисман is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard noun declension patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is regular in its declension, with no irregularities, making it relatively easy for learners to master.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • амулет (amulet) - Often interchangeable but implies a protective charm, with slight emphasis on physical objects.
  • оберег (charm) - Used in folk contexts, carrying a more traditional, cultural connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • проклятие (curse) - Represents the opposite concept, implying harm or bad luck.

Related Phrases:

• магический талисман - Magical talisman; refers to an enchanted object in stories or games.
• талисман удачи - Talisman of luck; a common phrase for items believed to bring good fortune.
• древний талисман - Ancient talisman; used in historical or archaeological contexts to describe old artifacts.

Usage Notes:

Талисман directly corresponds to the English "talisman" as a borrowed word, making it a straightforward translation. It is typically neutral in tone but leans formal in written contexts like literature or academic discussions. When using in sentences, ensure proper declension based on case (e.g., use genitive for possession: "талисмана"). For English speakers, note that Russian often pairs it with adjectives for specificity, such as "магический" for emphasis. If multiple synonyms exist, choose талисман for general mystical connotations, but opt for оберег in cultural or folkloric settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the word without proper declension, e.g., saying "Я имею талисман" instead of "У меня есть талисман". Correct: Always decline based on case; here, the prepositional or nominative form is needed. Explanation: Russian requires agreement in case, which English speakers might overlook, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with similar words like "амулет", treating them as identical. Correct: While related, амулет is more specific to protective jewelry. Explanation: This can cause semantic inaccuracies; use талисман for broader magical objects.

• Error: Mispronouncing the stress, e.g., stressing the first syllable. Correct: Pronounce as [tɐˈlʲismən] with stress on the third. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, талисман is deeply tied to folklore and superstition, often appearing in fairy tales and traditions like those from Slavic mythology. For instance, it might represent items like amulets used in rituals for protection against evil spirits, reflecting historical beliefs in magic and the supernatural. This cultural layer adds nuance, as the word evokes a sense of heritage beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• амулет
• оберег
• заклинение