Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'autobiographical'

English Word: autobiographical

Key Russian Translations:

• автобиографический /avtobiograficheskiy/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This word is used in literary and academic contexts but not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2) - Involves understanding compound words and adjective forms, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge.

Pronunciation (Russian):

автобиографический: /avtobiograficheskiy/

Note on автобиографический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable: a-vto-BI-o-gra-fi-che-ski-y. Pay attention to the soft sign (ь) in "bi" which affects pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of an autobiography, describing something that draws from personal life experiences.

Translation(s) & Context:

• автобиографический - Used in formal writing, literary discussions, or academic contexts to describe works based on the author's own life.

Usage Examples:

• Эта книга автобиографическая и отражает реальные события из жизни автора.

  This book is autobiographical and reflects real events from the author's life.

• В его автобиографическом эссе описываются детские воспоминания.

  In his autobiographical essay, childhood memories are described.

• Автобиографический стиль повествования делает роман более эмоциональным.

  The autobiographical style of narration makes the novel more emotional.

• Многие знаменитости пишут автобиографические мемуары для своих поклонников.

  Many celebrities write autobiographical memoirs for their fans.

• Её автобиографический фильм был номинирован на премию за искренность.

  Her autobiographical film was nominated for an award for its sincerity.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Автобиографический is an adjective, which follows the standard patterns of Russian adjectives. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. The base form is masculine singular nominative.

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward once basic adjective declension rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • биографический - More general, referring to biography but not necessarily self-focused; often used in similar contexts but less personal.
  • личный - Implies something personal, but not specifically autobiographical; suitable for informal descriptions.
• Antonyms:
  • фиктивный - Meaning fictional or invented, contrasting with real-life based content.
  • выдуманный - Implies something made up, often used in literary critiques.

Related Phrases:

• автобиографический роман - An autobiographical novel; a common genre in Russian literature, often exploring personal history.
• автобиографические мемуары - Autobiographical memoirs; used for personal accounts by public figures.
• автобиографический стиль - Autobiographical style; refers to writing techniques that incorporate real-life elements.

Usage Notes:

Автобиографический directly corresponds to "autobiographical" in English, emphasizing content derived from the author's own experiences. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts, such as book reviews or academic discussions. Be mindful of its adjective nature, ensuring it agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case. When choosing between translations, use автобиографический for precise self-referential content, whereas биографический might be broader. In spoken Russian, it's less common and may sound elevated or intellectual.

• Avoid using it in casual conversations; opt for simpler words like личный if needed.
• In grammar, always decline it appropriately to maintain sentence flow.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse автобиографический with биографический, thinking they are interchangeable. For example:

• Error: Using "биографический" to describe a strictly self-written account, e.g., "Эта книга биографическая" (This book is biographical) when it should be автобиографическая to specify it's based on the author's life.
• Correct: "Эта книга автобиографическая" - The correct form emphasizes the personal element. Explanation: Биографический refers to any biography, while автобиографический specifically means self-biography.
• Another Error: Forgetting to decline the adjective, e.g., saying "автобиографический книга" instead of "автобиографическая книга" for a feminine noun like "книга".
• Correct: Ensure gender agreement: "автобиографическая книга". Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, autobiographical works hold significant value, often tied to the tradition of literary confessionals seen in authors like Leo Tolstoy or Alexander Solzhenitsyn. These texts provide insights into personal and historical events, reflecting the Russian emphasis on introspection and national identity. For instance, Solzhenitsyn's works blend autobiography with social commentary, highlighting how such writing serves as a tool for cultural preservation and critique.

Related Concepts:

• биография
• мемуары
• личные воспоминания