Russian Translation(s) & Details for '{{totem}}'

English Word: {{totem}}

Key Russian Translations:

• тотем /ˈto.tɛm/ - [Neutral, used in cultural or anthropological contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of culture, anthropology, or history, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate level; requires basic understanding of Russian nouns and vocabulary related to symbols and traditions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

тотем: /ˈto.tɛm/

Note on тотем: The stress is on the first syllable, which is typical for many borrowed words in Russian. Be mindful of the hard "t" sound, which may differ from English pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A totem is an object, such as an animal or plant, that serves as the emblem of a family or clan, often with spiritual significance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• тотем - Used in formal or academic contexts to describe cultural symbols, e.g., in anthropology or history discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В племени индейцев тотем часто изображался на totem poles для защиты и связи с предками.

  In the Native American tribe, the totem was often depicted on totem poles for protection and connection with ancestors.

• Этот тотем символизирует силу и мудрость, передаваемые из поколения в поколение.

  This totem symbolizes strength and wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

• В современной культуре тотем может быть адаптирован как корпоративный символ для укрепления идентичности.

  In modern culture, a totem can be adapted as a corporate symbol to strengthen identity.

• Дети узнали о тотеме во время урока истории, где обсуждались традиции коренных народов.

  The children learned about the totem during a history lesson where traditions of indigenous peoples were discussed.

• Тотем животного, такого как волк, часто используется в мифологии для представления храбрости.

  The totem of an animal, such as a wolf, is often used in mythology to represent bravery.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Тотем" is a masculine noun borrowed from English, and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for third-declension nouns. It is relatively straightforward but may vary based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: As a loanword, it may not always follow strict rules in informal usage, but the above is standard.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: идол (idol - often used for religious symbols), символ (symbol - more general term), эмблема (emblem - for representational icons)
• Символ may be more neutral and widely applicable, while идол carries a religious connotation.
• Antonyms: абстракция (abstraction - something non-concrete), or simply the absence of a symbol, but no direct antonym exists.

Related Phrases:

• Тотемное животное - A totem animal; refers to an animal spirit guide in cultural contexts.
• Тотемный столб - Totem pole; a carved pole with symbolic figures, common in indigenous art.
• Корпоративный тотем - Corporate totem; a modern adaptation for business branding purposes.

Usage Notes:

"Тотем" directly corresponds to the English "totem" as a cultural or symbolic object. It is typically used in formal, academic, or historical contexts rather than everyday speech. When choosing this word, ensure the context involves symbolism or tradition; for more general symbols, "символ" might be preferable. Grammatically, as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreement (e.g., "больший тотем" for "bigger totem"). Be cautious with plural forms in sentences to match Russian case structures.

• Avoid overusing it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly formal.
• In translations, pair it with cultural explanations to convey its deeper meaning.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "тотем" with "идол" due to similar symbolic meanings, leading to incorrect usage. For example:

• Error: Using "идол" when referring to a family emblem, as in: "Мой идол — это волк" (implying a worshipped idol rather than a totem).
• Correct: "Мой тотем — это волк" (This accurately denotes a symbolic animal totem).
• Explanation: "Идол" has a stronger religious connotation, so use "тотем" for cultural or clan symbols to avoid misinterpretation.
• Another common error is incorrect declension, e.g., saying "тотемa" in nominative case instead of "тотем". Always check the case based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and language, "тотем" often references indigenous traditions, such as those of Native American or Siberian peoples. It highlights the spiritual connection between humans and nature, emphasizing heritage and identity. This term can evoke discussions of cultural preservation, as seen in Russian literature or anthropology, where it symbolizes unity and ancestral wisdom.

Related Concepts:

• символ
• эмблема
• идол
• мифология