Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vicar'

English Word: vicar

Key Russian Translations:

• викарий [vʲɪˈkarʲɪj] - [Formal, Religious context]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's mostly encountered in religious or historical texts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2, according to CEFR; requires familiarity with religious terminology and basic noun declensions.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

викарий: [vʲɪˈkarʲɪj]

Note on викарий: The stress falls on the third syllable ("kar"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'k' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in different Russian dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A parish priest or cleric in the Church of England, often acting as a representative or deputy.

Translation(s) & Context:

• викарий - Used in formal religious or ecclesiastical contexts, such as discussions about church hierarchy or historical texts. It directly corresponds to the English "vicar" in Anglican traditions but is adapted to Russian Orthodox or general Christian contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: В маленькой деревне викарий ежедневно посещает прихожан, чтобы проводить молитвы.

  English translation: In the small village, the vicar visits parishioners daily to conduct prayers.

• Русский пример: Во время службы викарий произнес вдохновляющую проповедь о милосердии.

  English translation: During the service, the vicar delivered an inspiring sermon on mercy.

• Русский пример: Новоназначенный викарий быстро завоевал уважение общины своей мудростью и добротой.

  English translation: The newly appointed vicar quickly earned the respect of the community through his wisdom and kindness.

• Русский пример: В исторических романах викарий часто изображается как ключевой персонаж в сельской жизни.

  English translation: In historical novels, the vicar is often depicted as a key figure in rural life.

• Русский пример: Хотя викарий не является епископом, его роль в приходе крайне важна для духовного руководства.

  English translation: Although the vicar is not a bishop, his role in the parish is crucial for spiritual guidance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Викарий" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular patterns for most cases but may vary based on context. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This word is relatively stable and follows standard masculine noun rules, with no irregular forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • священник (sacerdote) - More general term for a priest, often used interchangeably in non-specific contexts.
  • пастор (pastor) - Used in Protestant contexts, with a slight emphasis on community leadership.
• Antonyms:
  • атеист (atheist) - Refers to someone who does not believe in God, contrasting with religious roles.
  • еретик (heretic) - Someone who holds unorthodox beliefs, opposing established church figures.

Related Phrases:

• Церковный викарий - Church vicar; Refers to a vicar specifically within a church setting, often used in formal announcements.
• Викарий прихода - Parish vicar; Emphasizes the vicar's role in a local community, common in administrative contexts.
• Помощник викария - Assistant to the vicar; A phrase for deputies or aides in religious hierarchies.

Usage Notes:

"Викарий" is a direct borrowing from English and Latin, primarily used in Russian to describe roles in Western Christian traditions like the Anglican Church. However, in Russian contexts, it may adapt to Orthodox equivalents. English speakers should note that this term is formal and rare in everyday speech; opt for "священник" in general discussions. Grammatically, it requires proper declension based on case, as shown in the inflections table. When choosing between translations, use "викарий" for precise historical or Anglican references, but be aware of cultural differences in Russian Orthodoxy.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "викар" instead of "викарий" (a common misspelling due to English influence).
  Correct: Always use "викарий" for accuracy. Example of error: "Он викар церкви" (incorrect). Correct: "Он викарий церкви" (He is the vicar of the church). Explanation: The full form ensures proper Russian morphology.
• Mistake: Confusing it with "викарный" (meaning "vicarious" or substitute).
  Correct: "Викарий" refers to a person, not an adjective. Example of error: "Викарий решение" (incorrect, implying a vicarious decision). Correct: "Решение викария" (The vicar's decision). Explanation: Pay attention to word class to avoid semantic errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of a "vicar" is less common than in Anglican traditions, as the Russian Orthodox Church uses titles like "священник" or "епископ." However, "викарий" may appear in literature or discussions about Western Christianity, reflecting historical influences from the 19th-century Russian elite's exposure to European customs. This term can carry connotations of authority and community service, emphasizing the role's importance in maintaining social and spiritual order in rural or historical settings.

Related Concepts:

• епископ (bishop)
• священник (priest)
• приход (parish)
• монастырь (monastery)