Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'askew'

English Word: askew

Key Russian Translations:

• косой /kɐˈsoj/ - [Adjective, Formal or Informal, Used to describe physical misalignment or tilt]
• искривленный /ɪsˈkrʲɪvlʲɛnnɨj/ - [Adjective, Formal, Used in contexts involving distortion or warping]

Frequency: Medium - The word and its translations are encountered in everyday descriptions but not as commonly as basic adjectives like "big" or "small".

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1) - Involves understanding adjective inflections and contextual usage; beginners may struggle with nuances, while advanced learners can handle it with practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

косой: /kɐˈsoj/ - The stress is on the second syllable; the "о" is pronounced as a short open vowel.

искривленный: /ɪsˈkrʲɪvlʲɛnnɨj/ - Note the palatalized "рʲ" sound, which can be tricky for English speakers; it's softer than a standard "r".

Note on косой: This word has a clear, straightforward pronunciation, but be aware of regional variations in vowel length in Russian dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Not in a straight or level position (e.g., tilted or misaligned)

Translation(s) & Context:

• косой - Commonly used in everyday contexts for physical objects that are off-kilter, such as in descriptions or narratives.
• искривленный - Applied in more technical or formal settings, like engineering or art, to indicate distortion.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Картина на стене висит косо, и это раздражает.

  English: The picture on the wall is hanging askew, and it's annoying.

• Русский: После аварии зеркало оказалось искривленным и не отражает правильно.

  English: After the accident, the mirror was askew and didn't reflect properly.

• Русский: Ветер сдул шляпу, и она упала косо на землю.

  English: The wind blew the hat off, and it fell askew on the ground.

• Русский: В старом доме двери часто бывают искривленными из-за влажности.

  English: In the old house, the doors are often askew due to humidity.

• Русский: Его улыбка была косой, как будто он что-то скрывал.

  English: His smile was askew, as if he were hiding something.

Meaning: Figuratively out of order or improper (less common)

Translation(s) & Context:

• косой - Used metaphorically in informal speech to imply something is off-balance, e.g., in emotions or plans.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Его аргументы звучат косо, без логики.

  English: His arguments sound askew, without logic.

• Русский: В этой версии истории что-то косо – не все детали сходятся.

  English: In this version of the story, something is askew – not all details match up.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. "косой" is a regular adjective, while "искривленный" follows standard patterns with some potential irregularities in participles.

Note: These adjectives do not change in short form or have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кривой - Similar to косой but often implies a more permanent bend; used in both literal and figurative contexts.
  • перекошенный - Emphasizes a skewed or lopsided appearance, common in descriptions of faces or structures.
• Antonyms:
  • прямой - Directly opposite, meaning straight or aligned.
  • ровный - Means even or level, often used for surfaces.

Related Phrases:

• косой взгляд - A sideways or suspicious glance; used to describe distrustful looks.
• искривленный путь - A distorted or crooked path; implies a metaphorical life journey that's off-course.
• косо смотреть - To look askew or with suspicion; common in interpersonal contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Askew" most closely aligns with "косой" for physical misalignment, but choose "искривленный" for contexts involving deformation. Be mindful of Russian adjective agreement: always match gender, number, and case with the noun (e.g., косая линия for a feminine noun like "line"). In informal speech, "косой" can be used metaphorically, but avoid it in formal writing where precision is key. When multiple translations exist, select based on context—e.g., everyday vs. technical.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "косой" as an invariant word without inflecting it. For example, learners might say "косой дом" for a feminine noun like "дом" (which is masculine, so correct), but err with "косой женщина" instead of "косая женщина".

  Correct: косая женщина (feminine form). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender; not doing so can confuse native speakers.

• Error: Confusing "косой" with "коса" (meaning braid or scythe). Beginners might misuse it in sentences like "Её косой" instead of "Её коса" for hair.

  Correct: Use "косой" only for the adjective form. Explanation: Pay attention to context to avoid homophone errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "косой" can carry subtle connotations in literature, such as in works by Chekhov, where a "косой взгляд" might symbolize deceit or unease in social interactions. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on physical appearance as a metaphor for character, rooted in Russian realism.

Related Concepts:

• прямой
• кривизна
• перекос