Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tragedy'

English Word: tragedy

Key Russian Translations:

• трагедия [trɐˈɡʲedʲɪjə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, dramatic, or historical contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of Russian nouns and literary vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

трагедия: [trɐˈɡʲedʲɪjə]

Note on трагедия: The stress falls on the third syllable ('e'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. The 'гʲ' sound is a palatalized 'g', similar to the 'g' in 'gesture'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The primary meaning: A serious play, event, or story with a sad or disastrous outcome, often involving human suffering.

Translation(s) & Context:

• трагедия - Used in formal, literary, or theatrical contexts to describe dramatic works or real-life disasters; appropriate for discussions of art, history, or philosophy.

Usage Examples:

• Эта пьеса Шекспира — классическая трагедия, полная драматических поворотов.

  This play by Shakespeare is a classic tragedy, full of dramatic twists.

• Автомобильная авария стала настоящей трагедией для семьи.

  The car accident became a real tragedy for the family.

• В русской литературе трагедия часто отражает глубокие философские вопросы.

  In Russian literature, tragedy often reflects profound philosophical questions.

• Смерть героя в конце фильма превращает его в современную трагедию.

  The hero's death at the end of the film turns it into a modern tragedy.

• Историческая трагедия Первой мировой войны повлияла на мировую культуру.

  The historical tragedy of World War I influenced global culture.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Трагедия" is a feminine noun in the first declension (first conjugation for nouns). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns, changing based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • несчастье ( misfortune; less formal and more general, often used for personal calamities)
  • катастрофа ( catastrophe; implies a larger-scale disaster)
• Antonyms:
  • комедия ( comedy; used for light-hearted or humorous works)
  • счастье ( happiness; the opposite in emotional tone)

Related Phrases:

• греческая трагедия - Greek tragedy; Refers to ancient dramatic forms from Greece.
• личная трагедия - Personal tragedy; Describes individual misfortunes in everyday life.
• историческая трагедия - Historical tragedy; Used for significant events in history with disastrous outcomes.

Usage Notes:

"Трагедия" directly corresponds to the English "tragedy" in literary and dramatic contexts but is more formal in Russian. It is commonly used in written or educated speech, such as in essays, theater reviews, or historical discussions. Avoid using it in casual conversations where a simpler word like "несчастье" might be more appropriate. When choosing between translations, opt for "трагедия" for artistic or profound events, as it carries a weighty, emotional connotation. Grammatically, ensure correct case agreement, e.g., in prepositional phrases like "о трагедии" (about the tragedy).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the nominative form "трагедия" in all contexts, such as saying "Я думаю о трагедия" instead of "Я думаю о трагедии".

  Correct: "Я думаю о трагедии" (I am thinking about the tragedy). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; here, the prepositional case is required after "о".

• Error: Confusing it with "трагический" (tragic, an adjective), e.g., using "трагедия" when meaning "tragic event" without proper context.

  Correct: Specify as "трагическая трагедия" if needed, but typically say "трагическое событие" for clarity. Explanation: "Трагедия" is a noun, so ensure it fits the sentence structure to avoid ambiguity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "трагедия" is deeply tied to literary traditions, such as the works of Alexander Pushkin or Anton Chekhov, where tragedies often explore themes of fate, human suffering, and societal flaws. This reflects Russia's historical emphasis on introspective and melancholic art, influenced by events like the Russian Revolution, making the word not just a description but a lens for understanding cultural resilience and existential depth.

Related Concepts:

• комедия
• драма
• катастрофа