Вдова — meaning in English: Widow

Vdova · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for widow

Вдова

Vdova

значение

znacheniye

единство

yedinstvo

паб

pab

ублюдок

ublyudok

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Russian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'вдова' in contexts discussing family and loss, often during conversations about the death of a spouse. It might arise during condolences, family gatherings, or in literature that explores themes of grief and resilience.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'сирота,' which means 'orphan.' While 'вдова' specifically refers to a woman who has lost her husband, 'сирота' refers to a child who has lost both parents. Choose 'вдова' when discussing adult loss and 'сирота' for childhood experiences.

Culture

'Вдова' comes from the Old Slavic word 'вдова,' which traces back to the Proto-Slavic root meaning 'to be empty' or 'to be without.' This reflects the emotional state associated with losing a partner. In Russian literature, widows often symbolize both sorrow and strength, as many narratives illustrate their struggles and triumphs in the face of adversity.

FAQ

Q.What is the gender of the word 'вдова'?

'Вдова' is a feminine noun in Russian, referring specifically to a woman whose husband has died. The masculine equivalent is 'вдовец' (widower).

Q.How do you use 'вдова' in a sentence?

You can use 'вдова' in a sentence like, 'Она стала вдовой после смерти мужа,' which translates to 'She became a widow after her husband's death.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'вдова'?

A common mistake is confusing 'вдова' with its masculine counterpart, 'вдовец.' Make sure to use 'вдова' when referring to a female widow, and remember its grammatical gender when pairing it with adjectives.

Learn russian with Maspeak →

Russian 2000