Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tradition'

English Word: tradition

Key Russian Translations:

• традиция [trɐˈdʲit͡sɨjə] - [Formal, Singular]

Frequency: Medium (Commonly used in cultural, historical, and everyday contexts in Russian media and literature)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and basic cultural vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

традиция: [trɐˈdʲit͡sɨjə]

Note on традиция: The stress falls on the third syllable (di). The soft sign (ь) in "dʲ" indicates a palatalized 'd' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers—similar to the 'd' in "dew".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A long-established custom or belief passed down through generations

Translation(s) & Context:

• традиция - Used in formal and cultural contexts, such as discussing holidays or family customs.

Usage Examples:

• В нашей семье есть старая традиция собираться за столом на Новый год.

  In our family, there is an old tradition of gathering around the table for New Year's.

• Русские традиции, такие как масленица, сохраняют историческое наследие.

  Russian traditions, such as Maslenitsa, preserve historical heritage.

• Эта традиция передается из поколения в поколение и остается неизменной.

  This tradition is passed down from generation to generation and remains unchanged.

• В современном мире многие традиции эволюционируют, чтобы соответствовать изменениям.

  In the modern world, many traditions evolve to adapt to changes.

• Традиция празднования Дня Победы важна для всего народа.

  The tradition of celebrating Victory Day is important for the entire nation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"традиция" is a feminine noun (1st declension). It follows regular Russian noun declension patterns, changing based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • обычай (obychny) - More neutral, often used for everyday customs; slight difference in connotation, as it can imply something habitual.
  • ритуал (ritual) - Used for more ceremonial or religious practices.
• Antonyms:
  • инновация (innovatsiya) - Refers to innovation or novelty, contrasting with established traditions.
  • изменение (izmeneniye) - Means change, highlighting the opposite of something unchanging.

Related Phrases:

• национальная традиция - National tradition; Refers to customs specific to a country's culture, often used in historical or patriotic contexts.
• семейная традиция - Family tradition; Common in discussions about personal or domestic customs.
• праздничная традиция - Holiday tradition; Used for traditions associated with festivals, like Christmas or Easter in Russia.

Usage Notes:

• While "tradition" directly translates to "традиция", English speakers should note that Russian often emphasizes cultural or historical aspects, making it more formal. Choose "традиция" for broader, abstract contexts, but opt for "обычай" in everyday scenarios.
• It is a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender, number, and case (e.g., "старая традиция" for "old tradition").
• In spoken Russian, this word is common in narratives or essays about heritage, but avoid it in very casual conversations where simpler synonyms might be preferred.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "традиция" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я люблю традиция" instead of "Я люблю традицию" (Accusative case after "любить").
  Correct: "Я люблю традицию." Explanation: Russian verbs require nouns in specific cases; here, the object needs Accusative.
• Mistake: Confusing it with "традиционный" (adjective meaning "traditional"), e.g., using "традиция" when describing something as "traditional food."
  Correct: Use "традиционный" for adjectives, like "традиционная еда." Explanation: "Традиция" is a noun, not an adjective, so ensure the word class matches the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "традиция" often carries deep emotional and historical weight, tied to events like Orthodox holidays (e.g., Easter) or national celebrations (e.g., Victory Day). It reflects Russia's emphasis on preserving heritage amid modernization, symbolizing unity and continuity in a society with a rich, tumultuous history.

Related Concepts:

• праздник (prazdnik) - Holiday
• обычай (obychny) - Custom
• наследие (naslediye) - Heritage