Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'theologian'

English Word: theologian

Key Russian Translations:

• богослов [bɐɡɐˈslɔf] - [Formal, used in academic or religious contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized and appears infrequently in everyday conversation, mostly in theological or academic discussions.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and religious vocabulary, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

богослов: [bɐɡɐˈslɔf]

Note on богослов: The stress falls on the third syllable ("slov"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'л' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in different Russian dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who studies or specializes in theology, particularly in religious doctrines.

Translation(s) & Context:

• богослов - Used in formal academic or ecclesiastical settings, such as discussing church history or philosophy.

Usage Examples:

• Русский известный богослов написал множество книг по христианскому вероучению.

  English Translation: The famous Russian theologian wrote numerous books on Christian doctrine.

• В семинаре участвовали несколько богословов из разных стран.

  English Translation: Several theologians from different countries participated in the seminar.

• Молодой богослов защищал свою диссертацию по истории религии.

  English Translation: The young theologian defended his dissertation on the history of religion.

• Богослов из Москвы часто выступает на международных конференциях.

  English Translation: The theologian from Moscow often speaks at international conferences.

• В библиотеке есть работы древних богословов, которые изучают студенты.

  English Translation: In the library, there are works by ancient theologians that students study.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Богослов" is a masculine noun (second declension) and follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns. It changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its basic forms:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • теолог [tʲɪˈolɐɡ] - Similar to богослов but more general, often used in broader academic contexts.
  • религиовед [rʲɪlʲɪɡʲɪˈovʲɪt] - Emphasizes the study of religion as a science, with a slight academic nuance.
• Antonyms:
  • атеист [ɐˈtʲeɪst] - Refers to someone who denies the existence of God, contrasting with religious scholars.
  • скептик [ˈskʲeptʲɪk] - A general term for a doubter, often in philosophical contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Богословская мысль - A phrase meaning "theological thought," often used in discussions of religious philosophy.
• Современный богослов - Translates to "modern theologian," referring to contemporary figures in theology.
• Богословские дебаты - Means "theological debates," commonly in academic or church settings.

Usage Notes:

In English, "theologian" directly corresponds to "богослов" in Russian, but it's primarily formal and academic. Use it in contexts involving Christianity or Orthodox traditions, as it has roots in Russian religious history. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as "богослов" is masculine and will affect adjectives and verbs. When choosing between synonyms like "теолог," opt for "богослов" if the context is specifically religious rather than secular. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrectly using "богослов" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я читал книга богослов" instead of "Я читал книгу богослова" (meaning "I read the book of the theologian").

  Correct Usage: Ensure proper genitive case: "книгу богослова." Explanation: Russian requires nouns to agree in case, so prepositional phrases demand accurate declension to avoid grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing it with "теолог" and using them interchangeably without context, e.g., translating "a Christian theologian" as just "теолог."

  Correct Usage: Use "богослов" for religious specificity: "христианский богослов." Explanation: "Теолог" is broader and may not convey the same depth in faith-based contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "богослов" often evokes the rich tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, where theologians like Vladimir Solovyov have played key roles in bridging philosophy and spirituality. This term carries historical weight from the 19th and 20th centuries, reflecting Russia's deep religious heritage amidst periods of atheism under Soviet rule.

Related Concepts:

• религия (religion)
• философия (philosophy)
• церковь (church)