Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Acrobat'

English Word: Acrobat

Key Russian Translations:

• акробат [ɐkrɐˈbat] - [Neutral, Singular, Used for both male and female acrobats]
• акробатка [ɐkrɐˈbatkə] - [Neutral, Singular, Specifically for female acrobats]

Frequency: Medium (Common in contexts related to circus, gymnastics, or performance arts)

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

акробат: [ɐkrɐˈbat]

Note on акробат: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'о' is pronounced as a reduced 'a' sound due to Russian vowel reduction.

акробатка: [ɐkrɐˈbatkə]

Note on акробатка: Similar to 'акробат' with stress on the second syllable. The final 'а' indicates a feminine form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A performer of acrobatic feats (literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• акробат - Used for any acrobat, male or female, in circus or sports contexts.
• акробатка - Specifically refers to a female acrobat, often in informal or descriptive contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В цирке акробат выполнил невероятный трюк.

  In the circus, the acrobat performed an incredible stunt.

• Эта акробатка удивляет всех своей гибкостью.

  This female acrobat amazes everyone with her flexibility.

• Акробаты тренируются каждый день, чтобы быть в форме.

  Acrobats train every day to stay in shape.

• На шоу мы видели целую команду акробатов.

  At the show, we saw an entire team of acrobats.

• Моя сестра мечтает стать акробаткой в цирке.

  My sister dreams of becoming a female acrobat in the circus.

2. Metaphorical use (someone very agile or flexible)

Translation(s) & Context:

• акробат - Used metaphorically to describe someone who is very agile or adaptable, often in informal speech.

Usage Examples:

• Он настоящий акробат в переговорах!

  He is a real acrobat in negotiations!

• Ей приходится быть акробатом, чтобы успевать всё на работе.

  She has to be an acrobat to manage everything at work.

• В этом деле нужен акробат, а не просто исполнитель.

  This job requires an acrobat, not just a performer.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

акробат (Masculine Noun): Follows the standard masculine declension pattern in Russian.

акробатка (Feminine Noun): Follows the standard feminine declension pattern in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for акробат:

• гимнаст (more specific to gymnastics)
• артист цирка (circus performer, broader term)

Note: 'гимнаст' is often used in sports contexts, while 'акробат' is more associated with circus or street performances.

Antonyms for акробат:

• неуклюжий человек (clumsy person)

Related Phrases:

• акробатический трюк - Acrobatic stunt (a specific move or trick performed by an acrobat)
• цирковой акробат - Circus acrobat (specifies the context of circus performance)
• быть акробатом в жизни - To be an acrobat in life (metaphor for juggling multiple responsibilities)

Usage Notes:

• The word 'акробат' is the default term for any acrobat and can be used for both genders, though 'акробатка' explicitly refers to a female acrobat and is less common.
• In metaphorical contexts, 'акробат' is used to describe someone who is very flexible or adept at handling complex situations, but 'акробатка' is rarely used metaphorically.
• Be mindful of the context: in sports, 'гимнаст' (gymnast) might be more appropriate than 'акробат'.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'акробатка' for a male acrobat. Correct Usage: Use 'акробат' for males or when gender is unspecified. Example of error: *Он акробатка* (incorrect); Correct: Он акробат.
• Error: Confusing 'акробат' with 'гимнаст'. Explanation: While both can refer to someone performing feats of agility, 'гимнаст' is more tied to competitive gymnastics, whereas 'акробат' often implies circus or entertainment contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term 'акробат' is strongly associated with circus performances, which have a rich tradition in Russia. The Russian State Circus and similar institutions often feature acrobats as key performers, and the word may evoke images of elaborate shows and national pride in circus arts.

Related Concepts:

• цирк (circus)
• гимнастика (gymnastics)
• трюк (stunt/trick)