Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'tribal'

English Word: tribal

Key Russian Translations:

• племенной /plʲɪˈmʲen.nɨj/ - [Formal, used in academic or cultural contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of anthropology, history, or cultural studies, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their inflections, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

племенной: /plʲɪˈmʲen.nɨj/

Note on племенной: The stress falls on the third syllable ("men"), and the "й" sound is a soft palatal approximant. Be cautious with the palatalized "л" (lʲ), which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Relating to or characteristic of a tribe (e.g., in social, cultural, or anthropological contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• племенной - Used in formal or academic settings to describe tribal societies, customs, or structures; often appears in historical or ethnographic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В племенном обществе традиции передаются из поколения в поколение.

  In tribal society, traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

• Племенной вождь играет ключевую роль в принятии решений.

  The tribal chief plays a key role in decision-making.

• Этот фестиваль отражает племенную культуру коренных народов.

  This festival reflects the tribal culture of indigenous peoples.

• Племенные обычаи часто включают ритуалы, связанные с природой.

  Tribal customs often include rituals connected to nature.

• В современном мире племенная идентичность всё ещё влияет на социальные структуры.

  In the modern world, tribal identity still influences social structures.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Племенной" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • трибальный - More directly borrowed from English, used in modern or international contexts; less formal than племенной.
  • этнический - Implies ethnic or cultural aspects, often interchangeable but broader in scope.
• Antonyms:
  • городской - Urban, contrasting with rural or tribal lifestyles.
  • цивилизованный - Civilized, implying a more advanced or modern society.

Related Phrases:

• племенная культура - Tribal culture; refers to the customs and traditions of a tribe.
• племенная война - Tribal war; used to describe conflicts between tribes, often in historical contexts.
• племенной обычай - Tribal custom; highlights specific practices in tribal societies.

Usage Notes:

"Племенной" directly corresponds to the English "tribal" in most contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal, academic, or historical discussions rather than everyday speech. When translating, ensure the adjective agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies—for example, use "племенная" for feminine nouns. In Russian, this word often carries connotations of indigenous or pre-modern societies, so it's ideal for topics like anthropology or ethnography. If multiple translations are available, choose "племенной" for precise, neutral descriptions, but opt for "этнический" if the focus is broader cultural identity.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the base form "племенной" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "в племенной общество" instead of "в племенном обществе".

  Correct: "В племенном обществе" (with genitive case). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in case; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing it with "этнический", leading to overuse in non-tribal contexts, e.g., describing urban ethnic groups as "племенной".

  Correct: Use "этнический" for ethnic matters; reserve "племенной" for tribal-specific scenarios. Explanation: These words overlap but aren't identical; misuse can alter the intended meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "племенной" often refers to the tribal structures of ancient Slavic peoples or indigenous groups like those in Siberia. It can evoke romanticized views of pre-industrial societies, as seen in Russian literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy or folklore). However, in modern contexts, it may carry subtle implications of "otherness" or primitivism, so users should be sensitive to potential cultural biases when discussing non-Russian tribes.

Related Concepts:

• этнический
• клан
• коренной