Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Ballerina'

English Word: Ballerina

Key Russian Translations:

• балерина [bɐlʲɪˈrʲinə] - [Formal, Standard Term]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Pronunciation (Russian):

балерина: [bɐlʲɪˈrʲinə]

Note on балерина: Stress falls on the third syllable ("ri"). The soft "л" (palatalized "l") may be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Female Ballet Dancer

Translation(s) & Context:

• балерина - Refers specifically to a professional female ballet dancer, often associated with classical ballet.

Usage Examples:

• Она мечтает стать балериной в Большом театре.

  She dreams of becoming a ballerina at the Bolshoi Theatre.

• Эта балерина исполнила партию Одетты с невероятной грацией.

  This ballerina performed the role of Odette with incredible grace.

• Моя дочь ходит на уроки балета, чтобы стать балериной.

  My daughter takes ballet lessons to become a ballerina.

• Балерина должна быть очень дисциплинированной.

  A ballerina must be very disciplined.

• Знаменитая балерина Анна Павлова вдохновила многих.

  The famous ballerina Anna Pavlova inspired many.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

балерина is a feminine noun of the first declension. It follows regular declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in "-а". Below is the declension table for singular and plural forms:

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• танцовщица (general term for a female dancer, less specific to ballet)

Note: "танцовщица" is broader and can refer to any type of female dancer, while "балерина" is specific to ballet.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (as "ballerina" is a specific profession without a direct opposite in Russian).

Related Phrases:

• прима-балерина - "prima ballerina" (the leading female dancer in a ballet company).
• балерина Большого театра - "ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre" (indicating prestige and affiliation with a renowned institution).
• жизнь балерины - "life of a ballerina" (often used to discuss the challenges and dedication of the profession).

Usage Notes:

• The term "балерина" is exclusively used for female ballet dancers. For a male ballet dancer, the term "балетмейстер" (choreographer) or "танцор балета" (ballet dancer) is used.
• It is a formal and neutral term, suitable for both written and spoken contexts.
• Be mindful of the grammatical gender when using adjectives or verbs with "балерина" as it is feminine.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "балерина" to refer to a male dancer.
  Incorrect: Он балерина.
  Correct: Он танцор балета.
  Explanation: "балерина" is a feminine noun and cannot be used for males. Use "танцор балета" for a male ballet dancer.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation.
  Incorrect: Stress on "ба" or "ле" (e.g., [ˈbalʲɪrʲinə]).
  Correct: Stress on "ри" ([bɐlʲɪˈrʲinə]).
  Explanation: Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstandings or sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "балерина" carries a connotation of grace, discipline, and prestige, largely due to Russia's rich history in classical ballet. Institutions like the Bolshoi Theatre and the Mariinsky Theatre are world-renowned, and ballerinas such as Anna Pavlova and Maya Plisetskaya are cultural icons. Referring to someone as a "балерина" often implies admiration for their dedication and artistry.

Related Concepts:

• балет (ballet)
• танцор (dancer, male)
• хореография (choreography)
• пуанты (pointe shoes)