Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'wraith'

English Word: wraith

Key Russian Translations:

• призрак /prʲɪˈzrak/ - [Formal, Literary; Used in contexts involving supernatural or historical narratives]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in literature, folklore, and horror genres but less so in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should understand its basic usage, but mastering inflections and cultural connotations may require further practice.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

призрак: /prʲɪˈzrak/

Note on призрак: The initial "пр" sound is a voiced palatalized trill, which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds similar to "pr" in "pretty" but with a softer, more rolled 'r'. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter the vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A ghost or specter, often implying a faint, ethereal apparition of a deceased person.

Translation(s) & Context:

• призрак - Typically used in formal, literary, or supernatural contexts to describe a spirit or phantom; common in horror stories or historical tales.

Usage Examples:

• В старом замке бродит призрак давно умершего рыцаря.

  In the old castle, the wraith of a long-dead knight wanders.

• Она увидела призрак в тумане, и сердце её замерло от страха.

  She saw the wraith in the fog, and her heart froze with fear.

• Призрак прошлого не дает ему жить спокойно.

  The wraith of the past doesn't let him live in peace.

• В русской литературе призрак часто символизирует угрызения совести.

  In Russian literature, the wraith often symbolizes pangs of conscience.

• Дети рассказывают истории о призраке, который появляется по ночам.

  Children tell stories about the wraith that appears at night.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Призрак" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for most cases. It is inflected based on grammatical case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • дух (duh) - More general, often implying a spirit or soul; used in philosophical contexts.
  • привидение (prividenie) - Similar to wraith, but with a connotation of something more transient or illusory; common in everyday ghost stories.
• Antonyms:
  • реальность (realnost') - Refers to reality or tangible existence, contrasting the ethereal nature of a wraith.
  • живое существо (zhivoe sushchestvo) - Meaning a living being, emphasizing the opposite of a spectral entity.

Related Phrases:

• блуждающий призрак - Wandering ghost; Used in folklore to describe a restless spirit.
• призрак прошлого - Wraith of the past; A common phrase in literature to denote haunting memories.
• невидимый призрак - Invisible wraith; Often used in contexts of mystery or suspense.

Usage Notes:

"Призрак" directly corresponds to "wraith" in English as a supernatural entity, but it is more commonly used in formal or literary settings rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of case endings when using it in sentences; for example, in genitive constructions like "страх призрака" (fear of the wraith). If the context is more everyday or humorous, "привидение" might be a better alternative. Learners should note that Russian often pairs this word with adjectives for vivid descriptions, such as "страшный призрак" (terrible wraith).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я боюсь призрак" instead of "Я боюсь призрака" (I am afraid of the wraith). Correct: The genitive case "призрака" is needed after verbs like "боюсь" (to be afraid of). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the preposition or verb governing the noun.

• Error: Confusing it with "дух", leading to misuse in contexts, e.g., saying "Дух в замке" when "Призрак в замке" is more precise for a wraith-like figure. Correct: Use "призрак" for visual, ghostly apparitions and "дух" for abstract spirits. Explanation: These synonyms have subtle differences; mixing them can alter the intended meaning in narrative contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "призрак" often appears in folklore and literature, such as in the works of Alexander Pushkin or Nikolai Gogol, where it symbolizes unresolved past events or moral dilemmas. This reflects a broader Slavic tradition of ghost stories, where wraiths are not just frightening but also carry deep emotional or historical significance, serving as reminders of one's heritage or regrets.

Related Concepts:

• вампир (vampir)
• дух (duh)
• привидение (prividenie)