Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'thrall'

English Word: thrall

Key Russian Translations:

• раб /rab/ - [Formal, Historical context]
• невольник /nʲɪˈvolʲnʲik/ - [Formal, Literary or archaic usage]

Frequency: Medium (Common in historical, literary, or academic discussions but less frequent in everyday modern Russian conversation).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and historical vocabulary; for 'невольник', it may be B2 due to its more archaic nature).

Pronunciation (Russian):

раб: /rab/

невольник: /nʲɪˈvolʲnʲik/

Note on раб: The pronunciation is straightforward, but the 'р' is a trilled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Stress is on the first syllable.

Note on невольник: This word has a palatalized 'н' (/nʲ/), which softens the sound; stress is on the third syllable. Variations may occur in dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person held in bondage or slavery (Primary meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• раб - Used in historical or literary contexts to describe a slave or someone in servitude, often implying complete subjugation.
• невольник - Applied in more poetic or archaic settings, emphasizing involuntary captivity or enslavement, such as in folklore or historical narratives.

Usage Examples:

• В древней Руси раб был неотъемлемой частью феодального общества.

  In ancient Rus, a thrall was an integral part of feudal society.

• Он жил как невольник, под гнетом жестокого хозяина.

  He lived as a thrall, under the oppression of a cruel master.

• Рабы в истории часто восставали против своих угнетателей.

  Thralls in history often rebelled against their oppressors.

• В романе Толстого невольник символизирует утрату свободы.

  In Tolstoy's novel, the thrall symbolizes the loss of freedom.

• Молодой раб бежал из поместья, чтобы обрести свободу.

  The young thrall escaped from the estate to gain freedom.

2. Figurative meaning: A state of being enthralled or captivated (less common)

Translation(s) & Context:

• невольник - In metaphorical contexts, such as being emotionally or psychologically bound, e.g., to an idea or passion.

Usage Examples:

• Он стал невольником своей собственной амбиции, не в силах остановиться.

  He became a thrall to his own ambition, unable to stop.

• В искусстве поэт часто изображается как невольник муз.

  In art, the poet is often depicted as a thrall to the muses.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are masculine nouns, but they follow different inflection patterns. 'Раб' is a standard first-declension noun, while 'Невольник' is also first-declension but with potential irregularities in usage.

Note: These nouns do not change in gender but must agree in case with adjectives or verbs in a sentence. 'Раб' is more regular, while 'Невольник' may vary slightly in poetic forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Крепостной (krepostnoy) - Similar to serf, often used interchangeably in historical contexts.
  • Рабовладелец (rabovladelets) - More specific, implying ownership, with subtle differences in implying systemic enslavement.
• Antonyms:
  • Свободный (svobodnyy)
  • Освобожденный (osvobozhdennyy)

Related Phrases:

• Быть в рабстве - To be in thrall; refers to a state of enslavement or subjugation.
• Рабский труд - Thrall labor; commonly used for forced or exploitative work.
• Невольная зависимость - Involuntary dependence; a phrase implying being a thrall to habits or addictions, with a connotation of unwanted bondage.

Usage Notes:

The English word 'thrall' most directly corresponds to 'раб' in Russian, especially in historical or literary contexts, but 'невольник' offers a more nuanced, often metaphorical alternative. Use 'раб' in formal discussions of slavery or history, as it carries a straightforward, factual tone. Be cautious with cultural sensitivity; these terms can evoke painful historical associations in Russia, such as serfdom under the tsars. When choosing between translations, opt for 'невольник' for poetic or emotional contexts. Grammatically, always ensure agreement in case, number, and gender with surrounding words.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing 'раб' with 'работник' (worker), as they sound similar. Incorrect: "Он раб на фабрике" (meaning he is a thrall, but implying just an employee). Correct: "Он раб в историческом смысле" to specify. Explanation: 'Раб' implies enslavement, not just employment, so context is key to avoid miscommunication.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: "Я думаю о раб" (should be genitive: "о рабе"). Correct: "Я думаю о рабе". Explanation: Russian nouns must change based on case, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'раб' are deeply tied to the history of serfdom (krepostnoe pravo), which lasted until 1861. This system influenced literature by authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, where thralls symbolize oppression and the human quest for freedom. Understanding these terms provides insight into Russia's complex social history and the enduring theme of liberation in its arts.

Related Concepts:

• Крепостной
• Рабовладение
• Освобождение