Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Abominable'

English Word: Abominable

Key Russian Translations:

• отвратительный [ɐtvrɐˈtʲitʲɪlnɨj] - [Formal, General Use]
• ужасный [ʊˈʐasnɨj] - [Informal, Emotional]
• мерзкий [ˈmʲerzkʲɪj] - [Informal, Strong Negative Connotation]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

отвратительный: [ɐtvrɐˈtʲitʲɪlnɨj]

Note on отвратительный: Stress falls on the third syllable; ensure proper articulation of the rolled 'r' sound.

ужасный: [ʊˈʐasnɨj]

Note on ужасный: Stress on the second syllable; the 'ж' sound is a voiced fricative, similar to 's' in 'measure'.

мерзкий: [ˈmʲerzkʲɪj]

Note on мерзкий: Stress on the first syllable; 'р' is rolled, and 'з' is voiced.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Causing Disgust or Repulsion

Translation(s) & Context:

• отвратительный - Used for something physically or morally repulsive, often in formal or neutral contexts.
• мерзкий - Stronger emotional tone, often used for something deeply unpleasant or vile.

Usage Examples:

• Этот запах просто отвратительный.

  This smell is simply abominable.

• Его поведение было отвратительным на вечеринке.

  His behavior was abominable at the party.

• Какой мерзкий поступок!

  What an abominable act!

2. Extremely Bad or Unpleasant (e.g., Weather, Conditions)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ужасный - Commonly used for bad conditions or situations, often with an emotional tone.

Usage Examples:

• Сегодня ужасная погода, лучше остаться дома.

  The weather is abominable today; better stay home.

• Условия в этом лагере были ужасными.

  The conditions at this camp were abominable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

отвратительный (Adjective): Declines according to gender, number, and case like most Russian adjectives.

Case	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter	Plural
Nominative	отвратительный	отвратительная	отвратительное	отвратительные
Genitive	отвратительного	отвратительной	отвратительного	отвратительных

ужасный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

мерзкий (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for отвратительный:

• гадкий
• противный

Note: 'гадкий' often implies something nasty or vile, while 'противный' can also mean annoying.

Antonyms for отвратительный:

• приятный
• замечательный

Related Phrases:

• отвратительный вкус - Abominable taste (used for food or drink).
• ужасный день - Abominable day (used for bad experiences or events).
• мерзкий тип - Abominable person (derogatory term for someone unpleasant).

Usage Notes:

• 'отвратительный' is the most neutral and versatile translation, suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing something repulsive.
• 'ужасный' often carries an emotional tone and is frequently used for conditions or situations rather than moral disgust.
• 'мерзкий' has a stronger negative connotation and is often used in informal contexts to express deep disdain.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'ужасный' to describe moral disgust (e.g., "His behavior was ужасный").
  Correction: Use 'отвратительный' instead: "Его поведение было отвратительным."
  Explanation: 'ужасный' is better suited for describing bad conditions or situations, not moral failings.
• Error: Overusing 'мерзкий' in formal contexts.
  Correction: Replace with 'отвратительный' in formal writing or speech.
  Explanation: 'мерзкий' is highly informal and emotionally charged.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, expressing strong disgust or disapproval with words like 'мерзкий' can be seen as quite direct and emotionally charged. Russians may use such terms more sparingly in polite conversation compared to informal or expressive contexts. Additionally, describing something as 'ужасный' (e.g., weather) is very common in everyday speech, reflecting the cultural emphasis on discussing external conditions.

Related Concepts:

• гадость
• отвращение
• неприязнь