Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cameo'

English Word: cameo

Key Russian Translations:

• камея [ˈkɐmʲejə] - [Formal, Refers to a carved gem or jewelry]
• эпизодическая роль [ɪpʲɪˈzodʲɪtɕɪskəjə ˈrolʲ] - [Informal, Refers to a brief role in film/theater]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like art or cinema)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "камея"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "эпизодическая роль" due to longer structure and context-specific usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

камея: [ˈkɐmʲejə]

Note on камея: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "е" sounds like "ye" in "yes."

эпизодическая роль: [ɪpʲɪˈzodʲɪtɕɪskəjə ˈrolʲ]

Note on эпизодическая роль: Stress on the third syllable of "эпизодическая" and first syllable of "роль." The word is quite formal and lengthy, often shortened in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A small carved gem or piece of jewelry

Translation(s) & Context:

• камея - Used in the context of art, jewelry, or historical artifacts.

Usage Examples:

• Она носит старинную камею на шее.

  She wears an antique cameo around her neck.

• Эта камея была вырезана из оникса.

  This cameo was carved from onyx.

• Камеи были популярны в эпоху Возрождения.

  Cameos were popular during the Renaissance.

2. A brief appearance or role, especially in film or theater

Translation(s) & Context:

• эпизодическая роль - Used in cinematic or theatrical contexts to describe a small, often memorable role.

Usage Examples:

• У него была эпизодическая роль в этом фильме.

  He had a cameo role in this movie.

• Многие знаменитости играют эпизодические роли в комедиях.

  Many celebrities play cameo roles in comedies.

• Его эпизодическая роль стала культовой сценой.

  His cameo role became an iconic scene.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

камея (Noun, Feminine): Follows the regular declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -я.

эпизодическая роль (Noun Phrase, Feminine): Both words decline. "эпизодическая" is an adjective agreeing with "роль" (feminine noun) in case, number, and gender. Declension follows standard adjective + noun patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for камея:

• резной камень (carved stone - broader term)

Synonyms for эпизодическая роль:

• маленькая роль (small role - less formal)
• гостевая роль (guest role - often used for TV series)

Antonyms for эпизодическая роль:

• главная роль (main role)

Related Phrases:

• античная камея - antique cameo (refers to historical jewelry)
• играть эпизодическую роль - to play a cameo role (common in theater/film discussions)
• вырезать камею - to carve a cameo (used in craftsmanship contexts)

Usage Notes:

• "камея" is strictly used for physical objects like jewelry or carvings. It does not apply to roles or appearances.
• "эпизодическая роль" is the standard term for a cameo in film or theater. It implies a brief but often impactful appearance.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two translations, as they are not interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "камея" to describe a movie role. Incorrect: "У него была камея в фильме." Correct: "У него была эпизодическая роль в фильме."
• Error: Mispronouncing "камея" with stress on the second syllable. It should be [ˈkɐmʲejə], with stress on "ка-".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "камея" often evokes images of classical art and jewelry from the 18th-19th centuries, frequently associated with aristocratic fashion. Meanwhile, "эпизодическая роль" is a popular term in modern Russian cinema discussions, especially with the influence of Hollywood, where cameos by famous actors are celebrated.

Related Concepts:

• гемма (gem - related to carved stones)
• инталия (intaglio - a related carving technique)
• кинематограф (cinematography - related to film roles)